NEW DINING HOT SPOT IN ORINDA: TABLE 24

I read a review of Table 24 in my local newspaper a few weeks ago and was intrigued.

The reviewer described this restaurant which opened in October in Orinda's Theatre Square as a wonderful new addition to family dining, with much the same spirit as the Chow restaurants in Lafayette, Danville, and San Francisco.

So, tonight, after a movie at the Orinda Theatre, Jim and I headed around the corner to Table 24. At about 6:30 p.m., the place was packed, both inside and out on the large patio.

Being just the two of us, we lucked out and got immediate seating at the counter which is always a fun experience. We were seated right in front of the open kitchen and I was next to the owner who was supervising the orders. We got to see just about everything on the menu.



We started our meal with a shared large Green Salad ($10.95), a delicious mix of baby greens, beets, onions, and pecan-crusted baked goat cheese. It was served to us on two plates, each with our own serving of baked goat cheese.

For my meal, I ordered the Fried Chicken with Mac 'n Cheese ($14.95). It was the perfect comfort food meal.



Jim chose the Grilled Chicken Club ($10.95), a beautiful and tasty sandwich on a Ciabatta bun (from local Metropolis bakery). The grilled chicken was garnished with bacon, avocado, gouda cheese, and lemon-tossed arugula. Sandwiches are served with a choice of French Fries, Yam Fries, Green Salad or Fresh Fruit. Jim chose the Fries.



Table 24 is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Brunch is featured on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. With families in mind, there are special menues for "Littles" (Children age 9 and under), where all lunch and dinner selections are priced at $5 and include a beverage and a scoop of ice cream, and "Middles" (Children ages 10 to 16), with lunch and dinner selections pirced between $3.95 and $6.95.

While we did not run into anyone we knew, it seemed we were in the minority. There is lots of meeting and greeting at Table 24 and it seems to be a favorite of large family groups.



If I can find one or two people to share with me, the next time I return, I want to try the Molten Cheddar Cheese Fries, a huge platter of French Fries, topped with melted cheese and chives. It is heated in the big 500-degree wood burning oven where the pizzas are made. Other dishes that caught my eye include the big Niman Ranch Beef Burger, the Grilled Fish Sandwich, The Grilled Cheese Sandwich (three cheese blend with tomatos on parmesan-encrusted brioche bread), the daily fish (on a bed of seasonal vegetables), any of the pizzas, and the Pasta Goombatz (sausage and crimini mushrooms on pasta). If I was a Little kid, I'd order the Hot Dog, which comes with fries, fruit, or broccolini.

It's nice to have another high quality, casual, American restaurant close to home.

URBAN TAVERN: MY NEW FAVORITE DOWNTOWN SF

I met Janet & Harriet for lunch in San Francisco the other day when Janet was at a two-day conference at the SF Hilton.



Since Janet was the one with the tightest schedule, I decided that we should try the relatively-new (one year) Urban Tavern which is right in the Hilton, with its entrance at 333 O'Farrell Street.

Not only was Urban Tavern the perfect location, it turned out to be a beautiful restaurant with delicious food. And, many very reasonable choices for a budget-priced lunch. The dining room is attractive and quiet, even when it is full, as it was the day we dined. There is art throughout, including this lovely horse.



The menu offers a mix of pub and comfort food...I am sure to many of you these two categories are synonymous and I agree.

Janet and I ordered the Express Lunch, priced at $10. It includes a cup of soup (it was Cream of Celeri Root that day) and half a sandwich..sandwich choice of Pulled Pork, Pastrami, or French Dip.

Janet chose the Pulled Pork.



My choice was the Pastrami, a grilled sandwich with melted Swiss Cheese and Sauerkraut.



Harriet ordered from the Small Bites portion of the menu. Small Bites are $5 each or 3 for $13. Her choices, which were more than she could eat, were Deviled Eggs, prepared three ways; Hobb's Bacon "Tato Tots", and Warm Cheese Puffs.



Another tempting budget offering is the daily lunch special, priced at $7. On Monday it is a Vegetarian Specialty, Tuesday is Spaghetti & Meatballs, Wednesday is Irish Stew, Thursday is Mac & Cheese with Ham, Friday is Rice & Beans with Grilled Chicken, Saturday is a Beer Sausage Sandwich with a mug of draft beer, and Sunday it is Pork Posole.

I love Urban Tavern's attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant. My tea cup rested in a special saucer where the indentation for the cup was off centered, allowing room for my spoon, tea bag, and lemon. All that was missing was a cookie.



We were content in this lovely dining room.

During the lunch hour, the service was quick and efficient, but, at the same time, we were not rushed by anything other than our own schedules.

The dinner menu offers a selection of Small Bites at the same price as at lunch, a three-course Prix Fixe Menu for $34.95 as well as a full menu of tempting Starters and Entrées, most priced well under $20.

For the month of October, 2009, Urban Tavern is participating in Perfect Pairings, a collaboration between the restaurant and Meals-on-Wheels. The day we dined, for each order of one specific soup and one wine, the restaurant donated a $1 to Meals-on-Wheels.

I plan to return often to Urban Tavern whenever I am downtown San Francisco. Just a block or so from Union Square, it is perfect for a relaxing meal while shopping downtown. It is a great choice for before or after theatre. And, it is ideal for a business meeting.

Last Friday night we had dinner at the Lark Creek in Walnut Creek, one of our local favorites for a nice American meal. We chose Friday night because the Nightly Special is Shellfish Gumbo. That's what we both ordered and we were delighted.

Here's the list of nightly classics, as listed on their web site menu, that are currently being featured. Actually, I like just about everything at Lark Creek..there is always fresh fish, meatloaf, Yankee pot roast, and a whole array of American dishes, prepared with the freshest of ingredients and chef Bradley Ogden's innovative inspiration.

Since the last time I dined at Lark Creek, they have added large and small servings of many entrées, a nice option for smaller appetites and/or budgets. Also both mini and full-sized desserts are on the menu.

NIGHTLY CLASSICS
(While available)
MONDAY ~ FISH & CHIPS
beer battered, with coleslaw, tartar sauce & malt vinegar 16.95

TUESDAY ~ CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
carrots, mashed potatoes & sweet onion gravy 19.75

WEDNESDAY ~ CALF’S LIVER STEAK
grilled, caramelized granny smith apples, onions & bacon 18.95

THURSDAY ~ SALISBURY STEAK
whipped potatoes, steamed broccoli & crumbled hobbs bacon 18.95

FRIDAY ~ SHELLFISH GUMBO
prawns, snug harbor mussels, littleneck clams & andouille sausage 29.95

SATURDAY ~ CERTIFIED ANGUS PRIME RIB
slow-roasted, twice-baked potato & creamed spinach 35.50
SUNDAY~ CAST-IRON SKILLET FRIED CHICKEN
garlic mashed potatoes & buttermilk biscuit 17.95

Another good deal is the Three Course dinner. The price pretty much gives you a free dessert. This is what's being currently featured, again copied from their web site:

ALL AMERICAN 3-COURSE DINNER / $29.95
Eggplant & Bell Pepper Soup ~ or ~ Caesar Salad

Pork Tenderloin ~ or ~ Salmon

Mini Butterscotch Pudding ~ or ~ Mini Peaches & Cream Cheesecake

PALM SPRINGS, DAY 2

Got up to sunshine and enjoyed it all day. Mostly I just enjoyed being warm and being in the sun. If this is not paradise, I don't know what is. The above and below photos are from right out our condo door.



I went to the fitness center, swam, sunned, read the LA Times at a leisurely pace, and then walked around downtown Palm Springs.

Unfortunately, I did take my photos with my camera but have discovered that I left the computer cable home...I think the Northern California rains have rotted my brain. So the rest of the week is going to be iPhone photos...so sorry...I'll keep taking camera photos and insert them next week. Thanks in advance for understanding.

Palm Canyon Drive, the main drag in downtown Palm Springs, looks pretty much the same.



As usual Oooh La La had its signature poodle out front and J had to say hello to it.



Former Mayor Sonny Bono has his eternal seat downtown in the Palm Springs Plaza.



What I especially enjoy about downtown Palm Springs is there are few chain stores and many unique shops.




Sadly, Mosaic, my favorite store where I always found a gift or some clothes or jewelry, is out of business. I spent some time in The Alley, the "junk" store where I always find treasures at bargain prices.


Today, our "finds" were a funny birthday card and a Solar Calculator.

Dinner was at Shame on the Moon, another of our favorites. The food is American...the menu is creative American comfort food, the prices a good value for a nice restaurant. I prefer seating in the Garden dining room which is quieter. We were able to get a cozy table there this evening. Shame on the Moon is celebrating its 25th season and even in our down economy, remains busy. Veal Meatloaf, Sauteed Calves Liver, Grilled Tilapia, Flank Steak, are just some of Shame's "classics" that are always on the menu and always delish!

I like Shame on the Moon because it combines elegance with fun. Just a look at the cover of the menu, with its fanciful cartoon, puts me in a cheerful mood.



Tonight, we both were intrigued by the evening's special...Veal Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta and Asparagus. That's what we ordered.

All meals come with soup or salad. J chose the evening's special soup, French Onion Soup.

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My choice of starter was a mixed Green Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing.




The Veal was wonderful and the servings so generous, we simply could not indulge in our favorite dessert, the Peanut Butter Pie..good for our waistlines, but we missed having it...Next year...

LOBSTER 2009!

Yes, that's a lobster dinner you see here. And, yes, it is 2009. What's the connection?

Once a year, Walnut Creek Yacht Club, certainly the best seafood restaurant in Contra Costa County, and maybe the entire San Francisco Bay Area, features a lobster dinner for the cost of the year. So, for $20.09, during the month of January, that's the price.



It's at least a 1 1/4 pound lobster, boiled or grilled, served with French Fries, Cole Slaw, and drawn butter. We went last week and I am sure our lobsters weighed more than a pound and a half.

Since the Yacht Club gets its fish fresh every day and does not have a lobster tank, it is essential to order your lobster at least a day ahead. Of course, if lobster is not your thing, the Yacht Club has many fresh fish selections each day...everything is wonderful here.

To start, I suggest the Clam Chowder which is the best I've tasted west of Maine.



Just another 10 days for the $20.09 lobster, so make a reservation. Remember, next year, the price will be $20.10. And, for the rest of the year, a lobster is priced at market price.

FRIED CHICKEN...OR MAYBE NOT!

Yesterday I got an email from the Lark Creek restaurant group saying that the Sunday night special, Fried Chicken, was so popular that they've decided to offer it every night. We always enjoy their Regional American food but rarely get there on Sunday night for the Fried Chicken and Biscuits, just like somebody's mother used to make.

I quickly forwarded the email to Jim and he quickly replied that he wanted to have dinner there tonight.

I got on Open Table to make a reservation and in the Comments section mentioned that in addition to wanting a quiet table, one of us would be ordering the Fried Chicken.

Then, this afternoon Lark Creek Café, Walnut Creek, where we were booked, called to say there was a BIG misunderstanding with the email and the Fried Chicken is only served every night at the Lark Creek Inn in Larkspur, not in the Cafés. Bummer!

But, we decided to go all the same and had a lovely dinner.

It is cold tonight so the Cauliflower Bisque was the perfect and delicious first course for both of us. It was garnished with Buttered Croutons and Cumin Oil.



Jim had the night's special, Grilled Calves Liver Steak with Bacon, Caramelized Apples, Onions, and Mashed Potatoes.Jim loves calves liver and I don't, so I don't cook it at home. It's a treat for him to have it out, especially when it is cooked as it is at Lark Creek.



I went vegetarian with Squash on a bed of spinach and garnished with mixed mushrooms and toasted pumpkin seeds.



No desserts for us; just a glass of wine each tonight.

DRUMS & WINGS

When I go to Costco, it is generally with a big list.

Monday was no exception.

I timed my trip for later in the afternoon, thinking that I'd pick up a Rotisserie Chicken for dinner that evening. Costco's chickens are delicious and, at $5 or $6 per bird, they can easily feed a family of five. In our case, we have dinner for at least two nights.

So, I took my time doing my shopping...finding the necessaries and even indulging in a very cute Skinny Minnie top that was only $15.99...I wanted to get the Chicken last so it would stay warm enough to eat without reheating when I got home.

Finally, I meandered over to the Chicken and Ribs counter...they also sell hot-from-the-oven BBQd Baby Back Ribs. And wonder of all wonders, there was a sign stating "NO CHICKENS 9/15/08." I was so stunned, I had to call home in shock! Others around me were equally surprised, shocked, and dismayed.

Then, came the realization that I had nothing to eat for dinner.

But, I spied another item where the Chickens are usually displayed: MESQUITE DRUMS & WINGS. Each package weighed about 2 pounds and was priced at $3.99 a pound. I am not a big fan of Buffalo Wings and Chicken Drumsticks, but I needed dinner. So I bought them.

Got home, made a fresh tomato and mozzarella salad, poured some Ranch Dressing into dipping dishes, and we had dinner.

We also had dinner the next night, with slightly different side dishes.

I don't know if Drums & Wings are going to be a regular hot item at Costco, I definitely don't know where the Chickens went, but we had a good dinner and all is well at my house.

Do you think that Drums & Wings are a Monday night special for Football fans?

Napa Valley...Day Four

'Tis our last full day in the Valley and I am wishing the real world was not calling me back.

I got up before 6 a.m. in hopes of seeing some hot air balloons in the sky, but, it was not be be...a bit of fog that burned off by 8 a.m. but by then the window of time for ballooning had passed. Many ballooning companies take their guests out toward Davis or other places outside the Valley to balloon on foggy or cloudy mornings. This is a picture of the fog starting to lift over our pool this morning.



The highlight of today was an Olive Oil Tour and Tasting at Round Pond Vineyards in Rutherford.

We heard about this tasting last year from some friends who do not drink wine. I've had it on my list to do and this morning was the time. The tour/tasting lasts about an hour and a half. First our guide Mary Dee took us out into Round Pond's vineyard and olive grove...their olive trees grow all over the property, whereever there are no grape vines.





Then we saw the production facility and learned how olive oil is made.



A bit of Olive Oil info: Did you know that it is a waste to cook with Extra Virgin Olive Oil because the oil loses its nutritional and taste properties at 300 degrees? Better to just use Pure Olive oil or some oil that is not as pricey, as long as it is fresh.

Then we went into the tasting room where we sampled, out of special Olive Oil tasting glasses, 4 oils...one made with Spanish Olives, one made with Italian Olives, a Meyer Lemon Oil, and a Blood Orange Oil.

Mary Dee instructed us in tasting technique. We used apple slices to cleanse our palate between tasting. The glasses are blue because tasters should not be influenced by the color of the oil; color does not matter.

After that, we tasted Round Pond's wine vinegars...one made with Italian grape varietals, the other made with French varietals.The sugar cubes are for the vinegar tasting; we poured vinegar on the cubes and sucked it out.





Our final exercise was to pair tomatoes, salad greens, fresh mozzarella, basil and bread with our own choice of mixes of oils and vinegars. Also, Mary Dee suggested we try fresh strawberries dipped in the Blood Orange Oil...that was so good that I bought a bottle of the Blood Orange Oil.

A last "treat" before we left was a spoon of freshly-made vanilla ice cream, topped with Spanish Olive Oil and sea salt...very interesting!

The cost of the tour is $25 per person. Reservations are required. Each group...there are three tastings a day...is up to 6 people. I highly recommend scheduling this tour/tasting on your next Napa Valley visit.

We then spent the afternoon wandering around St. Helena, mostly shopping. We always stop at the fabulous home furnishings and gift shop, Vanderbilt & Co. We also sipped coffee on the patio of the Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company and I discovered that they have free wifi as well as good coffee and pastries. Of course, Louie insisted on some shopping at Fideaux, his favorite Napa Valley dog boutique...he did a cookie sampling before purchasing a mixed bag of cookies.





Our final St. Helena stop was at the Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufactury





where we have been buying our every day olive oil for more than 30 years...there is nothing as good as this is and the price is oh so reasonable. I always stock up here on Italian specialty foods too...today I got anchovies in a jar, tiny ravioli from Italy, and a Molinari salami...the salami always tastes best from the Olive Oil Manufactury.



Dinner tonight was at the Rutherford Grill where Louie is welcome to dine with us on the outdoor patio.The Rutherford Grill is another place where the locals congregate. On this balmy summer night, we had to wait about half an hour for a patio table. With glasses of wine in hand, we sat on a wall and indulged in people watching. Time passed quickly as we realized that just about everyone here was with either family or friends from the area. Once seated, we started with the night's special appetizer, Queso Dip with Tortilla Chips...this cheese and chile dip was just the thing to start our dinner. J ordered the roast half Chicken which came with Very Wild Rice. I ordered the night's fresh fish: Loup de Mer (Mediterranean Sea Bass). My fish was a whole fish, split in half and boned before being grilled. The accompanying fresh vegetables were perfectly cooked Romano and Yellow Beans, dressed with Olive Oil and Parmesan Cheese...a cold bean salad that I will attempt to duplicate at home. The Very Wild Rice that accompanied J's Chicken was mixed with fresh corn, almonds and what tasted like a spicy oil. For dessert we shared the two Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches with Chocolate Sauce...these were not your ordinary Oreos...more like Oreos on steroids. We devoured everything.








And, while we tried to eat our meals, Louie made great sport of catching the flies who were attracted to our food...he missed more than he caught, but he sure kept busy.



One final image: Isn't this a unique wine country bicycle rack? There are two of them in front of the V Marketplace.