3 posts from June 2009

go to: aswelikeit.vox.com

http://aswelikeit.vox.com/
Cuisine=*(0-20) Ambiance=!(0-5) Price=$(Simple-Full)
Approximate Price per person excluding tax, beverage + tip=$. Simple=appetizer + main course; full= best available multi-course meal.

As We Like It has been serving the gastronomically enlightened community since 1989.

    Beverly Hills, CA

     Piccolo Paradiso *(18) !(3) $(22-70) Tel.=310-271-0300, Fax=310-271-1233 www.giacominodrago.com.  150 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, Lunch Monday-Friday, Dinner nightly.
    We found this part of the Giacomino Drago dining empire (Panzanella, Il Pastaio, Il Buco Ristorante Paninoteca, Shu Sushi, Via Alloro) on our last trip to Beverly Hills and were very pleased with the ambiance, service and cuisine. The lively, contemporary decor sparks an upbeat energy to the place. We enjoyed the beet salad and the polenta with mushrooms. Terrific pastas included tagliolini with scampi and fettuccinis Bolognese and carbonara. The branzino (sea bass) and risotto with lamb chops were wonderful. We chose a young but delightful bottle of 2004 Gaja Sito Moresco Langhe at $132 (3 times retail) to complement the dinner. Corkage is a reasonable $15 if you bring your own bottle. Valet parking is $7.00.

http://aswelikeit.vox.com/
Cuisine=*(0-20) Ambiance=!(0-5) Price=$(Simple-Full)
Approximate Price per person excluding tax, beverage + tip=$. Simple=appetizer + main course; full= best available multi-course meal.

As We Like It has been serving the gastronomically enlightened community since 1989.

    San Francisco Bay Area, CA

    San Francisco

     Acquerello *(18.5) !(4) $(60-82) Tel.= 415-567-5432,  Fax=415-567-6432, www.acquerello.com, 1722 Sacramento Street between Polk Street and Van Ness Avenue, Open Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30-10:30 PM.
    An elegant setting with high quality Italian cuisine makes this our favorite destination for such fare in San Francisco. There is always a lovely central floral arrangement with romantic lighting and exceptional wine service and selection. Start with a delightfully refreshing salad of crisp greens and sweet Chioggia beets with warm, crusted Barilot cheese and toasted hazelnuts. We have difficulty choosing among the exquisite pasta preparations, which vary with the season. Perfect balances were present in the asparagus tortelloni scented with black truffles in an asparagus sauce. A fabulous rabbit-filled agnolotti was served with Taggiasca olives and prosciutto. Another favorite was the Sardinian saffron malloreddus (like a tiny pasta gnocchi) tossed with rich duck ragu. Ridged pasta with foie gras, scented with black truffles and Marsala is rich but delicious. We loved the Prosecco risotto with prawns, caviar and Venetian style (carpaccio) bay scallops on top with micro greens. The selection of Italian artisanal cheeses looked terrific, but we were too full to do anything but skip to  desserts of: a toothsome huckleberry and pear tart with Italian triple creme as well as outstanding sorbets of roasted strawberry, raspberry and lemon & lime followed by addicting biscotti. Park on the street at a meter or at the reasonably priced Bank Of America parking lot across the street.

     Petaluma

     Cucina Paradiso *(17.5) !(3.5) $(22-55) Tel.=707-782-1130, cucinaparadisopetaluma.com, 114 Petaluma Blvd. N., Monday-Saturday: lunch=11:30-2:30, dinner= 5:00-9:00 PM, till 10=Friday & Saturday.
     Our favorite local North bay Italian restaurant has moved, with its loyal clientele, from a simple store front in a shopping center to an elegant new venue in the center of town. With an attractive bar area against one wall and an open kitchen in the back, it has more than doubled its space and included a separate dining area with room for 35 people. Lots of wood and attractive wall art enhance the atmosphere. Start with a salad of organic spring mixed greens, red pears, endives, pecans and Point Reyes blue cheese. Pastas and risottos are always top notch. We loved the pappardelle con salsiccia (homemade noodles with fresh porcini mushrooms, Molinari sausage and light tomato sauce. The fine homemade ravioli was filled with fresh porcini mushrooms, parmigiano, butter, sage and light tomato sauce; though we would have preferred more substance in the filling. Risotto con granchio was fabulous: imported arborio rice with fresh crab, champagne and a touch of cream. The wine list and service are terrific, and corkage is $15 if you bring your own bottle. Free street parking is usually readily available.

    Novato

    Boca *(15.5) !(3)$(30-70) Tel=415-883-0901, www.bocasteak.com, 340 Ignacio Blvd. Monday-Friday lunch=11:30-2:30, Nightly dinner= 5:00-10:00 PM.
    Stick to the flavorful, simply grilled steaks and you'll do just fine. Our favorites are the 8 ounce filet mignon and the ribeye. Add a simple baked potato, and you're in meat eaters' heaven. Sauteed prawns and salads are also enjoyable. Service is pleasant but inefficient.