115 Bourbon St,
New Orleans, L.A., 70130
504-598-1200
kblood
on 03/27/08
"BBQ Shrimp - The New Orleans classic" features jumbo Louisiana shrimp smothered in an Abita Turbodog (local beer) rosemary BBQ sauce and served over Fontina-polenta fries. The bag in the photo (with the orange fishy printed on it) holds some marvelous, old-fashioned, crisp-white French bread. This bread is 99% air and shatters when you bite it -- and is the perfect tool to sop up every last drop of the wonderful, buttery sauce coating the shrimp.
1815 Market St,
San Francisco, CA
(415) 552-4451
kblood
on 03/24/08
Destino's Chile Relleno is made with Niman Ranch ground sirloin and Farmhouse cheddar stuffed into a velvet-smooth green chile -- topped with chipotle salsa and a delectable Citrus Crème Fraiche.
76 E Campbell Ave,
Campbell, CA, 95008
408-884-3808
kblood
on 03/30/08
Orecchiette (pasta) tossed with organic broccoli florets, garlic, red pepper and olive oil -- topped with a liberal dusting of Parmigiano Reggiano. Tigelleria -- also the name of the small, round pocket bread served here -- specializes in wonderful platters of cured meats and imported Italian cheeses. This is the kind of comforting food I could eat every day of the week -- so it's a shame the cute little restaurant's service staff is so disorganized and easily distracted.
247 E Campbell Ave,
Campbell, CA
(408) 370-2467
kblood
on 03/27/08
Twist's juicy 'Hanging Tender Steak' is served topped with a pat of béarnaise/shallot butter and French Fries on the side. We love this neighborhood hangout for its casual outdoor patio seating, friendly staff, and reliable food. It's the kind of restaurant both kids and adults enjoy -- an unpretentious atmosphere with very good food/wine for the grownups and a kiddy menu with plain cheese pizza and chicken fingers.
303 N Santa Cruz Ave,
Los Gatos, CA
(408) 395-4441
kblood
on 03/26/08
James Randall is situated in a former home located on North Santa Cruz Avenue in the heart of Los Gatos -- and the staff welcomes you into the restaurant as if you are dining in a private residence. The restaurant's Double Pork Chop is a reflection of Randall's home-style ambiance: portions are generous and flavors are completely satisfying. I wanted to lick my plate clean, and almost did, until I remembered I was not really at home… I just felt like I was.