tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68321317706972369592024-03-05T00:22:02.977-08:00Two Girls, One RestaurantSonoma Bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213542337431064754noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-5932193594323239362013-05-03T13:06:00.003-07:002013-05-03T13:06:35.760-07:00BellyLong time, no blog! Sorry about that. The good news is that there are tons of great new restaurants to introduce you to, so Coco and I are back to our old tricks, and some new tricks as well. :)<br />
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<b>SonomaBento: </b>Belly Left Coast Kitchen And Tap Room is a new spot (taking over the old Checkers location) on Fourth Street in downtown Santa Rosa. The chef/owner has been the Tour Chef for acts such as Motley Crue, KISS, and Linkin Park. Any place named after pork products already gets high marks in my book. Coco and I met to try some of their dishes and see if the late afternoon and evening crowds were onto something at this new eatery.<br />
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<b>Coco Carina:</b> What a wonderful addition to the Downtown Santa Rosa foodie scene! First off, the atmosphere inside of Belly: Left Coast Kitchen is great! There is limited seating outside, either at tables or bar style. One of the outside bars actually faces the inside of the restaurant so you can still enjoy being outside on a nice day but still watch the game on TV. They have two family-style tables set up in the middle of the restaurant, a nice long bar and smaller tables against the walls. Also, occasionally they feature live music... and live music makes everything better! Well... most of the time.<br />
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K... now let's get down to the important stuff... THE FOOD!!!<br />
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They offer a nice menu with lots of choices that are either great for sharing or great for consuming every last piece of delectableness to yourself. When we went to Belly we decided we wanted to try as much as we could so we each picked a couple of items and shared. We decided on: The Crab Cake, The Seared Ahi Tuna, The Beet Salad, The Crispy Pork Belly and then we finished it all off with dessert.<br />
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<b>SonomaBento: </b>Our first dish was a roasted beet salad with goat cheese, toasted almond slivers, arugula, and micro greens. This was a well balanced salad and very generous portion size ($8). I also like the fact that there were different colors of beets in the salad.<br />
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<b>Coco Carina:</b> The Beet Salad - I think even a person who doesn't like beets would like this salad. It had yummy feta cheese and tomatoes mixed in with the salad and different colored beets. It was a beautiful presentation and the taste matched. This was a pretty big salad and there were still some left by the time we were done with our meal. So again, you're getting a good bang for your buck.</div>
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<b>SonomaBento: </b>We also tried the Line Caught Seared Ahi Tuna appetizer, which was gorgeous to look at and had well balanced flavors. The dish came with diced pineapple, and the fish rested on dollops of pureed avocado. It was both rich and refreshing. ($12)</div>
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<b>Coco Carina:</b> The Tuna with avocado and Pineapple Salsa was so delicious! The Ahi was fresh and paired nicely with the avocado puree and pineapple salsa. Normally I am not the biggest fan of pineapple, but the pairing of all three was a really nice, refreshing and tasty! I could eat this whole dish to myself!</div>
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<b>SonomaBento: </b>The crab cake was a knock out! Our friend Jennifer was also with us at this lunch, so we split all of our dishes three ways and this crab cake was big enough for all of us to have satisfying bites. The Local Dungeness Crab Cake with Salad and Sherry Dijon Aioli ($15) also had a bed of lettuce and pomegranate arils. The crab was moist and there was not too much filler in the cake.</div>
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<b>Coco Carina:</b> The Crab Cake was served over a watercress salad - yet another winner here. This dish was so good! I've had many crab cakes before and this one is by far my favorite. If you're planning on sharing, know that it's one big crab cake, not multiple, but you definitely get your money's worth. The crab meat was nicely shredded and had hints of lemon, it was the perfect amount of crunchy and paired great with the slight bitterness of the watercress salad underneath.</div>
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<b>SonomaBento: </b>You can't eat at Belly without trying some pork, so we opted for the Crispy Braised Pork Belly ($20). It was served with roasted fingerling potatoes, sauteed chard, and a delicious hoisin glaze. This was A LOT of pork belly. It was more than enough for the three of us. </div>
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<b>Coco Carina:</b> The Pork Belly - Oh man... what can I not say about the pork belly. Holy bagezzness - no that's not a word but I had to make up a word for how good this pork belly was. I mean, so delicious. There's really no words. It was presented with two BIG pieces of pork on a bed of cooked and chopped rainbow chard and some rosemary fingerling potatoes. There was a lot of food on the plate to go around, I was happy that there was enough to go back in for seconds after we each took our first share. If you're a fan of pork, don't skip this dish when visiting Belly, you seriously won't be disappointed.</div>
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Dessert? Yes, Please!</div>
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<b>SonomaBento: </b>Dessert was an amazing Chocolate Pot de Creme with Coconut Porter Caramel Sauce and these amazing homemade Twix bars ($7). The dessert was not too sweet, and the Twix bars were so much fun to eat. They got a little melty in the sun, but we ate them quickly, so that wasn't an issue. </div>
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Every dish was beautifully presented, and better yet, tasted great. This is definitely a place to put on your list of places to try, and places to frequent.</div>
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<b>Coco Carina:</b> Dessert, it's what everyone looks forward to - the topper to the fantastic meal you just had, so it better be good! Belly doesn't go outrageous on the desserts, which is nice... they focus on flavor and quality rather than quantity. We decided to order the Chocolate Pot de Creme which came with homemade twix... yes, homemade twix - which were deeeeeelicious! The pot was sitting on some yummy cream and blueberries which paired nicely with the chocolate inside. There was just enough for us to each get a few good bites in of the smooth, creamy chocolate goodness. It was nice because it wasn't too sweet... you can tell they used the real stuff, not the over-processed chocolate you find other places.</div>
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<b>SonomaBento: </b>I haven't eaten at the bar yet, but it has lots of room for people to belly up! (Pun intended)</div>
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<b>Coco Carina:</b> Beverages - They have an extensive beer menu at Belly and a nice little wine list too. Their wine list is not nearly as big as their beer list, but they do have some nice good quality wines to choose from. For the beer lovers, I think they will be really happy to find the Belly serves up some harder to find beers, such as Ninkasi, Goose Island, Allagash and way more. They have 26 beers on tap and 25 in the bottle. If you're a beer lover, you're bound to be pleased with their selection. Currently they serve only beer and wine but word on the street is that they are going to start offering other drinks made with rice vodka. Everything at Belly that I have tried out so far has been exceptional. The staff is nice and attentive, the prices are good, and the location is perfect. Do you and your tastebuds a favor and give Belly a try the next time you decide to go out to eat in Downtown Santa Rosa.</div>
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I love this kid, his dad was telling him to photobomb us. LOL </div>
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<a href="http://www.belly707.com/">Belly Left Coast Kitchen and Tap Room</a></div>
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523 4th Street</div>
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Santa Rosa, CA 95401</div>
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(707) 526-5787</div>
<br />Sonoma Bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213542337431064754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-68535069650949817842011-08-26T13:49:00.001-07:002011-08-30T23:08:33.954-07:00Spoonbar<strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: CocoCarina and I decided to head north to Healdsburg this time. I suggested either Shimo or Spoonbar. I've been to <a href="http://www.shimomodernsteak.com/">Shimo</a> (and LOVED it), so Coco said we should try a place that was new to both of us. I know that <a href="http://www.scottbeattiecocktails.com/">Scott Beattie</a> is the mixologist there, and I have been wanting to try his special artisinal cocktails ever since I first heard of the Huck Yu cocktail he created for Cyrus.
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<br /><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: I'm always down for a good cocktail, so when Sonoma Bento told me about Scott Beattie and his amazing alcoholic concoctions of goodness... I was in! Plus, everyone I talked to about Spoonbar said we HAVE to go there. So we did!
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Yeah, we know what wines are all about so we decided to go straight for the specialty drinks... there were so many to choose from! I asked our waiter for a delectably sweet and salty beverage. Luckily I thoroughly enjoyed his choice... <i>La Nuit du Maroc</i> - and so fun to say too!</div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Yeah, our waiter didn't seem to know too much. Even though I was happy with his suggestion of what cocktail I should try, I honestly think it was just a lucky shot in the dark on his part. He pretty much referred to every cocktail on the list as "yeah, ya know... they're all good". Thanks buddy! Really informative. I'd hate to see him try to bluff in a game of poker.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYSU2kwRCu874CG0J9t5Zy9UHAi58w6gSZYGFny-3g9uRBT0AdEkhxjVWfjmYXnGzYxAU06bA5ZFd_0p_xp3-mAl6TiLcDIC5131vg9LOoyJ3xUQYJrjYWeBgINCCrDxCn80jeUNWXFQH/s1600/Spoonbar03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYSU2kwRCu874CG0J9t5Zy9UHAi58w6gSZYGFny-3g9uRBT0AdEkhxjVWfjmYXnGzYxAU06bA5ZFd_0p_xp3-mAl6TiLcDIC5131vg9LOoyJ3xUQYJrjYWeBgINCCrDxCn80jeUNWXFQH/s400/Spoonbar03.jpg" width="373px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: The small bites we ordered were mozzarella balls marinated in crispy prosciutto, and crispy stuffed olives. Both tasted fine to me, although it was a bit weird at first to bite into a hot olive. I loved the face CocoCarina made when she asked me what the olives were stuffed with, and I said it was probably pâté. When I assured her that pâté was probably not made from cows, rather goose or duck liver, she was fine with that. Coco, you are funny.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Haha... well, that's why I go out and eat with Sonoma Bento... so she can tell me all about these foods I've never tried before! The olives were good, but maybe a bit too salty. I loved the mozzarella balls and actually liked eating the mozzarella balls with the olives... it made for a tasty treat!</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGO3JUhGmiIyaT5zjj2VRTHmawUEpQBY6QFtVLjBmqcjWXiN7vk9Ix3Qd-JS4IVhb3ZAlebjqkTWA1chHAoz-Ye8zz0OTKDa8eiLtQ4s9oYA5Lf5vEkYTjzWzzg2ycu_epyNAPUr_CVb3/s1600/Spoonbar04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGO3JUhGmiIyaT5zjj2VRTHmawUEpQBY6QFtVLjBmqcjWXiN7vk9Ix3Qd-JS4IVhb3ZAlebjqkTWA1chHAoz-Ye8zz0OTKDa8eiLtQ4s9oYA5Lf5vEkYTjzWzzg2ycu_epyNAPUr_CVb3/s400/Spoonbar04.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: Our drinks arrived after our small bites were gone, which is too bad because it would have been fun to have them together. But I do understand that it can take longer to make a complicated cocktail. Coco's drink was lovely with a little flower and in a perfect small cocktail glass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Yes, my La Nuit du Maroc was quite delicious! It was made with orange blossom vodka, lime juice, essence of cardamom, and local pomegranate juice - oh. so. yummy! Sonoma Bento's cocktail was decorated with a fun flower too... I think they must have been edible flowers... but no, that's not my thing. So I just left the flower alone and drank the delicious beverage.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaGapU0rNU0vMW1QHltWDtzE4TJDDO8rCilghVKK44xpNaJj-pvWt6OOOKvhhanfEr017HOdH8m_rJ3EU5y7UJhrEjKWLj8GYJDCctANkc7RwuH8wwBqIij0RTLitNBjzXyYv1NlTy55O/s1600/Spoonbar05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdaGapU0rNU0vMW1QHltWDtzE4TJDDO8rCilghVKK44xpNaJj-pvWt6OOOKvhhanfEr017HOdH8m_rJ3EU5y7UJhrEjKWLj8GYJDCctANkc7RwuH8wwBqIij0RTLitNBjzXyYv1NlTy55O/s400/Spoonbar05.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: I loved my drink, which was called a Dark n' Stormy. It is a rum based drink with lime juice, ginger essence, bitters, and ginger beer. The presentation was beautiful and the drink was well balanced and refreshing. You can order these by the pitcher (5 drinks worth) and it is probably a good idea that I didn't tell Coco that, since we may have had to sleep in her car if we had ordered pitchers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Yeah, Sonoma Bento told me we could order by the pitcher AFTER we already ordered! But like she said, it was probably best not to order a pitcher or we would have had to stumble back to my car and sleep uncomfortably - haha. Either way, I was very satisfied with my sweet, citrusy, delicious drink!</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9fGFGlqF1AJtxw8ddpMXeZzZOnw7rImLKyJ1SsTWKYfgWyJSKbHXndNi8xKApziadMN2_iWtB5ZX-upSN0DZb_7Mp5xOUU8wJBTGIoSzDXrRu-HrfM1WAFnZS47KOAUHPot9XdG0CxoQ/s1600/Spoonbar06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9fGFGlqF1AJtxw8ddpMXeZzZOnw7rImLKyJ1SsTWKYfgWyJSKbHXndNi8xKApziadMN2_iWtB5ZX-upSN0DZb_7Mp5xOUU8wJBTGIoSzDXrRu-HrfM1WAFnZS47KOAUHPot9XdG0CxoQ/s400/Spoonbar06.jpg" width="370px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: We had seats along the sidewalk. Spoonbar has sliding glass doors that they open up onto the street when the weather is nice. It's fun to people watch.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb7cjAFNc_NQkSoT1c0JE2AxJV-1DVG3q6Phf7sBkjHj6DIXx_eQbxPZ5cjCKViZZq6bRIzBAIfOb1KiEJmZV_pVRUmWD-FAOU3Ryf2jbpnhqMcGH4r8dHWsPmk3UHWvUyX2lWE-Bzr1I/s1600/Spoonbar07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb7cjAFNc_NQkSoT1c0JE2AxJV-1DVG3q6Phf7sBkjHj6DIXx_eQbxPZ5cjCKViZZq6bRIzBAIfOb1KiEJmZV_pVRUmWD-FAOU3Ryf2jbpnhqMcGH4r8dHWsPmk3UHWvUyX2lWE-Bzr1I/s400/Spoonbar07.jpg" width="382px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: I actually loved where we were sitting! It was a beautiful day and even when the sun went down the weather was still nice enough to not wear a jacket. It was great people watching... we even saw a guy walk by with a bird on his hand... random!</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWMA50i7ONBxkd2NQpSg8q7xcSdYtShSKKUjHVjWo5tHexyhv9OOmGxpTT4NvMXi6SIjvwrNxp7LgukvgBJCbVUkAln-4EWbyASaZaZJXshEq9hGG-d3_Xjs_vO_ZfRxw5mBsl4K-rQKa/s1600/Spoonbar08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWMA50i7ONBxkd2NQpSg8q7xcSdYtShSKKUjHVjWo5tHexyhv9OOmGxpTT4NvMXi6SIjvwrNxp7LgukvgBJCbVUkAln-4EWbyASaZaZJXshEq9hGG-d3_Xjs_vO_ZfRxw5mBsl4K-rQKa/s400/Spoonbar08.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: I ordered the salmon with fresh pea cream, wild mushrooms, broccoli di ciccio, and rhubarb chutney for $20. It was ok, but really didn't blow me away. I think that the rhubarb chutney (which was too sweet, but nicely spicy) should have been served on top of the salmon, because the salmon was better when I topped bites of it with the chutney. Otherwise, this dish was kind of blah.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Sonoma Bento shared some of her salmon with me, unfortunately at the first attempt, she dropped some on the table... you'll hear more about that later. I've only tried salmon a couple of other times, both times though I enjoyed it... this time however... I could have passed. I don't know why, but it didn't taste that great. It was a bit too fishy and you really needed the chutney to make it taste somewhat pleasurable. </div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YlK8g4TnY831C5jqIJu-8tzKhDrM8rOMjlHQJbj3sj1b4KRkV_iohp1xzPMAp-4V3W2wRXSL5mZItT4jG_FqOZFhYgAlQOB2H3TVBTIxde3RV8W0K_uQeSg-SdxISe5KgFQXOVMa6BzG/s1600/Spoonbar09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YlK8g4TnY831C5jqIJu-8tzKhDrM8rOMjlHQJbj3sj1b4KRkV_iohp1xzPMAp-4V3W2wRXSL5mZItT4jG_FqOZFhYgAlQOB2H3TVBTIxde3RV8W0K_uQeSg-SdxISe5KgFQXOVMa6BzG/s400/Spoonbar09.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: CocoCarina ordered the moorish style brick chicken with wild fennel, padron peppers, and couscous for $19. It looked like a hot mess when it arrived, and I had to turn it around a bit to try to get a good angle for the picture. Coco let me try a bite of the chicken and I was disappointed. It was tough and not juicy at all. It was even kind of hard to cut through. I did get to snag two of her padron peppers (which I love!) and was happy that my second padron had some kick. I rarely get padrons that are spicy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: The chicken wasn't that great. As Sonoma Bento said, it was not juicy... at all, and it was very difficult to cut through. The couscous was good, but I could get just as good of couscous coming out of a box I paid $3 for at a grocery store. Needless to say, I wasn't that thrilled with my meal. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz55mly4QfcWUc6WcVhkeCWPEKfWDkKqkl4uHC_MkF4FAaTlwRRxibnxhizQMUd-PisvtIemrnALz2ZA4Fe3jzmoC2EKlzrStIJfYS8BT7POw1YYqbAnlnRzYlLYQMXEG5xHp3HMn8fSAf/s1600/Spoonbar10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz55mly4QfcWUc6WcVhkeCWPEKfWDkKqkl4uHC_MkF4FAaTlwRRxibnxhizQMUd-PisvtIemrnALz2ZA4Fe3jzmoC2EKlzrStIJfYS8BT7POw1YYqbAnlnRzYlLYQMXEG5xHp3HMn8fSAf/s400/Spoonbar10.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: Coco wanted fries, so we got the fries with aioli. They were fine, but I think the aioli had been in the little sauce container for a while. It had a bit of a skin on it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: I love fries! How could we not order them! They were good and crispy... but again, nothing amazing. Not even the sauces.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqdcmOCmusC3oBGmf3eIbT-DPlIjb3l8N3bRzLbWN6rlrWyUi_mjyxb7r-VgJbRgYtdEdUX-tz6Zgv10hPfgEllihpCyU3SIrcPu18lfzLygCtggTjKvVHxyHI8y6OXBiWcTTZZUCyo8C/s1600/Spoonbar11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqdcmOCmusC3oBGmf3eIbT-DPlIjb3l8N3bRzLbWN6rlrWyUi_mjyxb7r-VgJbRgYtdEdUX-tz6Zgv10hPfgEllihpCyU3SIrcPu18lfzLygCtggTjKvVHxyHI8y6OXBiWcTTZZUCyo8C/s400/Spoonbar11.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: And now we come to the story of Simon the Salmon. I offered Coco a bite of my salmon, and as I was transferring this bite to her plate, it slipped off my fork and landed on the table. Coco has germ issues, so I cut another bite for her and left this bite of salmon on the table. When our waiter came by to clear our drink glasses, he left the bite of salmon on the table. Then when a busser came by to clear our plates, he also left the salmon there. Our waiter came back to ask if we wanted more drinks or dessert, and again, failed to pick up the piece of salmon. In all, this little chunk of salmon was ignored about 7 times by 2 different wait staff. We felt so sorry for the salmon, that we named him Simon. For all we know, Simon's still waiting to be picked up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Haha... so yes, now you get to hear all about the dropped piece of salmon on the table. It was kind of hilarious because both the busser and the waiter acted like the piece of salmon had teeth and was going to bite them if they got near it. Seriously?! I've never gone to a nice restaurant, or even to a mediocre restaurant like Chili's before and had a waiter or busser act like that. It was weird, but kind of funny... at least we can find humor in bad service.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuQqKm2HM0WtQYY6B3VQzuHu-VmxcTvNWdZZfVmsBrhreaKGxcPIpcdBiShD7KvSHOkDeH5yndK5jLKN2KdPSUkaUMWm9SaCB6eJqZQzQGg-_Q_eASvgTp5bFoZGHB3Jx-WwLsC4vd8K8/s1600/Spoonbar12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuQqKm2HM0WtQYY6B3VQzuHu-VmxcTvNWdZZfVmsBrhreaKGxcPIpcdBiShD7KvSHOkDeH5yndK5jLKN2KdPSUkaUMWm9SaCB6eJqZQzQGg-_Q_eASvgTp5bFoZGHB3Jx-WwLsC4vd8K8/s400/Spoonbar12.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: Now this is just kind of funny. After looking at the dessert menu and not seeing anything enticing, Coco and I decided to order drinks for dessert. I was trying to decide whether to get the provocatively named Corpse Reviver #2, or the Cucumber Collins. I asked our waiter what one of the ingredients was, namely "Cocchi Americano." He said it was a fruit, then elaborated that it was a Japanese citrus and since it was grown here, that's why it was called 'Americano'. Really, dude? Ok, I can smell bullshit, and that's exactly what it was. Cocchi Americano is in fact <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocchi_Americano">an italian aperitif</a>, similar to Vermouth. What the hell?!? Why not just admit that you don't know, and go ask the bartender? The guy who created the damn drink menu was over in the bar, it's not like it would be hard to figure out what the ingredient was. So weird. I decided to order the Corpse Reviver #2 anyway. I like to live dangerously.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Again, I never want to see this waiter's Poker Face... he would completely lose. I tried a taste of her Corpse Reviver #2, how could I not with a name like that and boy did it live up to it's name. One little sip was good for me!</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo9e9wRiHOPdp_MDQMCwEs6uGZxgJVb5eDN9x8qwukOHScs8ejFI_jk1pvVe5-ytgofk7UR2-e1nfJ8J_v4Y4WBtqhVOjuRKovQuoC4rz1Jtx_BZCidpcqp0laU__PIuyzOGCzByJj-jQ/s1600/Spoonbar13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo9e9wRiHOPdp_MDQMCwEs6uGZxgJVb5eDN9x8qwukOHScs8ejFI_jk1pvVe5-ytgofk7UR2-e1nfJ8J_v4Y4WBtqhVOjuRKovQuoC4rz1Jtx_BZCidpcqp0laU__PIuyzOGCzByJj-jQ/s400/Spoonbar13.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: I didn't get a chance to try Coco's second cocktail, the Geisha. It sure did look pretty. Even next to poor little Simon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: I decided to try the Geisha which was made with Buddah's Hand Citron vodka, gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, coconut milk, dehydrated pineapple chip, cinnamon, nutmeg - the drink was good, but I liked my first beverage much better. This one was a bit difficult to finish, but it was good. If I ever go to Spoonbar again I'll order my first drink again La Nuit du Maroc because it was so enjoyable!</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd24LkIQ-sfU9a4W_iqEDUKeNja4_FQwPKOu_wJb3eWW-Y_sgV22FxEDarnySB2O-nq4hdsrY1fjAp8NkAv9vXKateayVxFcbLWyVocWkheEI_U-cCnLX16_Fxo8Mlki24M3dFbqJc30Y/s1600/Spoonbar14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd24LkIQ-sfU9a4W_iqEDUKeNja4_FQwPKOu_wJb3eWW-Y_sgV22FxEDarnySB2O-nq4hdsrY1fjAp8NkAv9vXKateayVxFcbLWyVocWkheEI_U-cCnLX16_Fxo8Mlki24M3dFbqJc30Y/s400/Spoonbar14.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: My 'dessert cocktail' packed quite a punch! The Corpse Reviver #2 contains gin, an italian aperitif, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and absinthe. The first sip was a doozy, but once I had the flavor down, it was really nice. I like Pernod and other anise flavored drinks, so this was really refreshing. I think I prefered my first cocktail, but this one was really good too.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcQOQP7aFttp81GwZudqhoBnHTipWJ84z9BvsJi_rd6cmbXY39NSKrdjp3m3jRtlW68ZdUDJai0SME0WA_c0gDDR_Yp5kQh22vzQQExnCxXIy10_jEE4YnfB4Hj_g5_5rN-ro6svr1bcV/s1600/Spoonbar15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcQOQP7aFttp81GwZudqhoBnHTipWJ84z9BvsJi_rd6cmbXY39NSKrdjp3m3jRtlW68ZdUDJai0SME0WA_c0gDDR_Yp5kQh22vzQQExnCxXIy10_jEE4YnfB4Hj_g5_5rN-ro6svr1bcV/s400/Spoonbar15.jpg" width="367px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: Ultimately this is a place to go for a well made cocktail. It is not a place to go for dinner. The wait service was either bizarre (making up ingredients?!) or way too slow. After we had our dessert drinks, it took about 25 minutes to get the bill. It was fun to chat with Coco, so I don't mind so much, but they could have dropped off the bill much sooner. And for the price of the dishes, I would expect something much better than what we got. The decor is nice, and it is fun to sit on the corner and watch people go by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: I agree with Sonoma Bento. I would only come here again for the cocktails and maybe a couple of appetizers. The service wasn't great and neither was the food. I did enjoy the atmosphere and sitting in the window by the sidewalk, but it isn't work paying good money for not so good food. However, the cocktails... maybe next time we'll have to get a pitcher as they are Spoonbar's saving grace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.h2hotel.com/spoonbar/"><strong>Spoonbar</strong></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">219 Healdsburg Avenue</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Healdsburg, CA 95448</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(707) 433-7222</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner 5pm-11pm, Nightly
<br />Lunch Noon-5pm, Thurs-Mon
<br />Brunch Sat and Sun 11:30am-4pm </div>Sonoma Bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213542337431064754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-65240015195453878692011-08-08T14:21:00.000-07:002011-08-10T05:59:05.449-07:00Petite Syrah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: I have been wanting to visit and review this restaurant for some time now, but Carina (traitor) decided to get another job, and we have been working with schedules trying to plan out our next restaurant adventure. Petite Syrah used to be Syrah Bistro, but underwent a transformation to a small plates format in April 2011. To be honest, I had only visited Syrah Bistro maybe twice before it made the transition. I work in radio: I'm poor. But chef owner Josh Silvers (disclosure: I work with Josh on a monthly cooking show called Cooking In Sonoma on KSRO 1350AM) wanted to change things up, so he closed the restaurant for a few weeks and then reopened at the end of April. Josh likes small plates, and he also understands that it is more economical for people to pay 5 to 15 bucks for a plate to share, trying lots of different things, than spending 30 plus per plate. I think it's a great move. Plus, as you will see, these plates are not really small. They are more like middle sized portions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina</strong>: I was so excited when Sonoma Bento suggested we go to Petite Syrah for our next dining out adventure. She's right, it's been a while, I am a traitor and left for another job, and our schedules are crazy... but we made it work and boy am I glad we did! When I go out to eat I like to try as much as I can, so small plates of a variety of dishes to share as opposed to one dish to yourself is my kind of style! Don't let the small dishes scare you, we definitely did not leave hungry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smashed potatoes with orange aioli</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: I have to also give major props to Jamil Peden, Chef de Cuisine at Petite Syrah. He incorporates Japanese flavors and styles into his dishes, which as a <a href="http://sonomabento.blogspot.com/">bento fanatic</a>, is very exciting to see. When you are seated at Petite Syrah, you are offered still or sparkling water, and a complimentary appetizer of sweet potato chips with a yogurt dipping sauce. The dipping sauce has chinese five spice powder in it, yum. We nibbled on these while we figured out which things to order.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina</strong>: The sweet potato chips with the dipping sauce were a nice little appetizer to keep your hunger at bay while you decided on and contemplated between the many delectable dishes available. Everything sounded so good. For starters we decided to get some wine, Sonoma Bento got a Prosecco while I decided on a Cabernet Sauvignon.</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food Paparazzi!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: On previous visits I have tried the crispy pork belly with apple and caramel sauce. It's pretty freaking amazing, so I had to order that. I wanted to try the albacore tataki, since Jamil had made another tataki dish during our last Cooking In Sonoma show. I also love the fried squash blossoms, so I chose that one too. Despite eating at this restaurant at least 5 times since it has reopened as Petite Syrah, I had yet to order dessert. I just get so carried away trying the small plates, that I am too stuffed to order dessert. But Carina insisted. So when Jamil told us about a special Gravenstein Apple cake new to the menu, I knew I would order that. Restaurants throughout the Bay Area are <a href="http://www.slowfoodrr.org/Slow_Food_Russian_River/Home.html">highlighting Gravenstein Apples this month</a>, hoping to encourage people to eat them, and hopefully buy them from local farmers. The Russian River Slow Food site should have a list of participating restaurants, but so far they still have last year's list up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina</strong>: I gotta say, I love pork. I tried to not eat it for a while but, seriously, who was I kidding? I need to eat some delicious, yummy, savory pork! Especially when cooked to perfection! Sonoma Bento insisted on ordering the crispy pork belly with caramel sauce and apple on top as well as the fried squash blossoms. I was a little hesitant about the squash blossoms, but was indeed delighted once I took my first bite. That's what I like about eating out with Sonoma Bento, she makes me eat things I wouldn't normally order... and for that I say cheers!</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy Pork Belly - it's like a caramel apple with bacon. Yes, please!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: If you can swing it (and are a party of two), reserve the spaces at the bar facing the chefs. Josh, Jamil, Jake Ameral, and Carl (sorry, I didn't catch Carl's last name) are fun to watch and happy to talk about the dishes they make. Jake seemed to be particularly enamoured of the oil poaching machine, which maintains a steady temperature and poaches sea bass until it is perfectly done with a silky texture. I called it the Bass-o-Matic, hardy har har. <br />
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<strong>Coco Carina</strong>: Haha... yes... the Bass-O-Matic! I gotta say, I LOVE the Bass-O-Matic because the Bass was one of my favorite dishes of the night! It was so savory and perfectly complimented by the bread crumbs underneath. I will definitely order it again the next time I visit Petite Syrah. Sonoma Bento and I had such a good time eating at the bar watching the chef's create these amazingly delightful dishes that are sure to put a smile on your face. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake shows us a squash blossom right before he brutally batters and fries it for our pleasure. What an animal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: I was so glad that Carina ordered the potatoes. Dang, they were tasty. Fingerlings are boiled, lightly smashed, then deep fried. Wonderful textures, plus they add fried parsley on top and the auditory frenzy of fresh parsley in a fryer is a kick. Though the menu changes seasonally, I think this one will stay on the menu for a while since it is so damn good. <br />
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<strong>Coco Carina</strong>: Ummmm... yes, those potatoes were SO delicious! I think I would eat them every day if I could. They were perfectly fried and the orange aioli sauce was the perfect compliment. Seriously, I want to go there now and eat this all over again. It was the perfect dish to start our meal off right! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempura squash blossoms with avocado slices, ponzu and togarashi spice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: Can I say, it is good to know people. Since we were having the squash blossoms, Jamil comped us this dish with thinly sliced zucchini, dry jack cheese, parsley, olives, pine nuts, and CornNuts. Yes, CornNuts. It's hilarious and tasty. Both Carina and I were saying that the last time we had CornNuts was when we were 12, so it was a little bit of nostalgia. Very clever. <br />
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<strong>Coco Carina</strong>: Very clever indeed. The smokey, saltiness of the CornNuts added great flavor to the fresh zucchini salad. It was hilarious, because it took us a while to get over the fact that we were eating CornNuts at this amazing restaurant - so clever and such a great thing to spark a fun conversation! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Zucchini salad with parsley, percorino cheese, olives, pine nuts and CornNuts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: The albacore tataki with fennel, watermelon, and sea beans was my favorite dish of the evening. It was well balanced, cool, lovely to look at, and very satisfying. I was curious about sea beans, as I have seen them included in bento boxes before. This was my first time trying them and I was happy to find that they weren't seaweed-y as I expected they might be. You should definitely try this dish! <br />
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<strong>Coco Carina</strong>: I liked this dish as well, I'm relatively new to sea food and tuna was one of the first that I was exposed to and liked! The tuna was perfectly prepared with a nice crispy outside layer topped with the fun sea beans, refreshing watermelon, fennel and a yummy togarashi spice. I definitely recommend trying it once you decide to go to Petite Syrah. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albacore Tataki with shaved fennel, watermelon, sea beans, and togarashi spice. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake and Jamil work hard in the open portion of the kitchen at Petite Syrah</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: I mentioned before how much Jake loved his Bass-o-Matic oil poaching machine, and after going on and on about how amazing it was at cooking fish, he put together this plate for us on the house. (Woot!) It's oil poached sea bass with basil bread crumbs, chiffonade basil, and cherry tomatoes (kind of like a panzanella salad, but with crispier bread), and a salad of zucchini, olives, and rehydrated dried apricots topped with micro basil. The plate is dotted with basil oil. We heart this dish! <br />
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<strong>Coco Carina</strong>: Big-time heart this dish! As I mentioned before this was one of my favorite dishes of the night... so thanks so much to Jake for hooking us up! Seriously, when you go to eat at Petite Syrah, you must order this dish. Sooooooooooooo yummy! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bass-o-Matic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: Ok, I have to admit, I had a REALLY bad experience with gnocchi the first time I tried it and it completely turned me off of the stuff. It's kind of like when you have your first really bad hangover from a certain liquor, and just the smell of it will turn your stomach. My first gnocchi experience wasn't <em>that bad</em>, but it was a disgusting pasty mass of yuckiness. So I figured I would take a polite bite and let Carina eat the rest. Holy dumplings, this was good! Potato Gnocchi with cauliflower, broccoli, pine nuts, cheese, and a smear of lemon curd. You mix everything together, and dig in. It was aromatic and light, not the glutinous mass that I feared. My gnocchi nightmare monsters can go back under the bed to hide. <br />
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<strong>Coco Carina</strong>: Oh, so delicious! I've had my fair share of perfectly fluffy delightful gnocchi, so my standards are pretty high when eating this traditional Italian dish... but I must say I was not disappointed. Actually, I was quite delighted and I didnt' want to share! This dish also ranked really high on my lift of top dishes of the night, try it... you won't regret it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gnocchi with cauliflower, broccoli, cheese, pine nuts, and lemon curd</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: Although I was already full, especially with the extra dishes we had been treated to, I was very excited to try the dessert. The upcoming Gravenstein Apple Fair is my favorite fair of the year, and I am so happy to see restaurants supporting this fruit. The cake was eggy, but not too heavy, the foam was fun, the ice cream tangy, and the nuts on the bottom of the ice cream kind of made me think of a sundae (very cool), but the part of the dish that surprised me and made it come together was the thyme. Savory and sweet, really balanced. Jamil says this will only be on the menu for about 3 weeks, so GO ORDER IT! <br />
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<strong>Coco Carina</strong>: I got a little flack for ordering the typical dish, but what can I say... I love chocolate!!! Plus, I knew I could steal a few bites of Sonoma Bento's apple desert... win-win for me! And on top of that we got a nice little sample of a melon sorbet which was perfectly refreshing and quite complimentary to my chocolate dessert. I tried Sonoma Bento's apple cake with the foam and I must say, it was quite yummy and very well balanced, I'm glad she let me try it! I may have to go back sooner than later to get an order for myself! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gravenstein Apple cake with cider-thyme foam, buttermilk ice cream, and hazelnuts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: I didn't try Carina's dessert, but I do have to mention that the chefs mocked her for ordering this. Ha ha! That's alright, Coco. I know you are taking babysteps and I am very proud of how adventurous you have become. ;-) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ggXs3nYjEQWM1jLE0a7QZEP3ZCFs4nB3yW2WAH3S4Ec-OVym01DX6Q5POQKLbCz3KdYDQWPWXxG9TkfZgoNbC65zHphhpmOoUkCpegjinVhp8r14g9DmytxgL28ZkRYqm3GMbQYz9aDU/s1600/IMG_8214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ggXs3nYjEQWM1jLE0a7QZEP3ZCFs4nB3yW2WAH3S4Ec-OVym01DX6Q5POQKLbCz3KdYDQWPWXxG9TkfZgoNbC65zHphhpmOoUkCpegjinVhp8r14g9DmytxgL28ZkRYqm3GMbQYz9aDU/s400/IMG_8214.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Puddle Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<strong>CocoCarina</strong>: The Chocolate Puddle Cake was delish! I don't regret ordering it one bit! Don't hate on the chocolate. :) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVJNxXFZDzc49OU9f0P9EiRDFO_LGQVNDP2mVlV_72-KOsr59N6NfKqgxc5FIYMRgB7j-Fcrm1G5zatueQz61LpskcFzOKkxHIAjMC-87PIbma0cTvWtzogeUQUJdx4jMgVq29nAY_h4b/s1600/IMG_8215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVJNxXFZDzc49OU9f0P9EiRDFO_LGQVNDP2mVlV_72-KOsr59N6NfKqgxc5FIYMRgB7j-Fcrm1G5zatueQz61LpskcFzOKkxHIAjMC-87PIbma0cTvWtzogeUQUJdx4jMgVq29nAY_h4b/s400/IMG_8215.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Happy and Very FULL Girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: The service was great! We had three or four servers keeping an eye on us and checking to see if we needed new glasses of wine or new plates/silverware. Sitting at the bar and interacting with the chefs was very fun. The decor is really relaxing, and there is also room to sit out in the atrium area. The wines by the glass list has enough for you to find something fun, and they do both 3oz and 5.5oz pours, which works well with the smaller portions. The food is some of the best in the county. I love that Petite Syrah is now a place I can go to often, not just for a special occasion, but I have to say I felt very special during our dinner, like a VIP. I told Carina that we should just focus on reviewing Petite Syrah over and over for this blog. That way it would literally be Two Girls, ONE Restaurant. :-) <br />
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<strong>Coco Carina</strong>: This was one of the best experiences Sonoma Bento and I have had on our outings. Everything was perfect from the atmosphere, to the service, to the food and the selection of wines available. I did enjoy that they allowed you to choose between a 3oz and 5.5oz pour - like I said before, I like to sample a variety of things so this allowed me to try two wines. I probably would have tried more, but I didn't want to get too crazy! It was a great experience and I have a feeling this isn't the last time Petite Syrah is going to see Two Girls, One Restaurant! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54rBlJtFE-WN2Da5mNRTcqgklU1WLdUyCJawSpQICenNMWFSqkE7N6OJ0_epntg3BAX7m4ZdyLzerkD-9eUtKztIJLGDoskDxVoQ3r-L8PcmjaLJ9SgSs5GipF9Fc0T4GJ7DZdcMEa8c4/s1600/IMG_8217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54rBlJtFE-WN2Da5mNRTcqgklU1WLdUyCJawSpQICenNMWFSqkE7N6OJ0_epntg3BAX7m4ZdyLzerkD-9eUtKztIJLGDoskDxVoQ3r-L8PcmjaLJ9SgSs5GipF9Fc0T4GJ7DZdcMEa8c4/s400/IMG_8217.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://syrahbistro.com/">Petite Syrah</a></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">205 5th Street</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Santa Rosa, CA 95401</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(707) 568-4002</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OPEN MONDAY THRU THURSDAY 11:30am - 9:00pm </div><div style="text-align: center;">FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11:30am - 10:00pm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SUNDAY 4:30pm - 9:00pm</div>Sonoma Bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213542337431064754noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-65096304500604502642011-05-06T13:02:00.000-07:002011-05-06T13:02:30.880-07:00Front Room at John Ash and Co<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> In our current budget crisis, and by 'our' I mean MINE, it makes sense to make your dollar stretch. So Coco and I decided to hit up a happy hour or two to see if it is worth your while. Our first happy hour is John Ash and Co's Front Room. We went on a Thursday, but apparently Wednesdays they have free appetizers for one hour. Our server said it's a mad house on Wednesdays, and it was pretty sparsely attended the day we went.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina:</strong> Even with the lack of people there, the service was kind of slow. The waitresses were nice enough, but sometimes it seemed like we were a bother to them, and that they would rather be serving the people with actual money who dressed nicer than us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSPcdqfOCfpNj4ZM6iEDAEisBXYQehQCstmVdt3DWwu_SKYi-U-VgtYz4fn9LdjCqoFofhHEMykdxLQtK42LeblJq-e0klK3HGQQwPAeOu9WV6x0a3JlgqOl2FUSqbsbTu9NyX9ynypwZ/s1600/JohnAshExterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSPcdqfOCfpNj4ZM6iEDAEisBXYQehQCstmVdt3DWwu_SKYi-U-VgtYz4fn9LdjCqoFofhHEMykdxLQtK42LeblJq-e0klK3HGQQwPAeOu9WV6x0a3JlgqOl2FUSqbsbTu9NyX9ynypwZ/s400/JohnAshExterior.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlQx40qexsQXrkhhM6oTDOYV2pz5sO-_rNjczYILXBHYWmXuvnGKVoOJQJrTbUmnSL4OP7-CbAfkiJMz_A8Lc2g0y0HyZ8LFHXiTlIRS2wZ-FokHNUc1tKENteNT7EotdNvFdpC9sj15M/s1600/JohnAshCarina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlQx40qexsQXrkhhM6oTDOYV2pz5sO-_rNjczYILXBHYWmXuvnGKVoOJQJrTbUmnSL4OP7-CbAfkiJMz_A8Lc2g0y0HyZ8LFHXiTlIRS2wZ-FokHNUc1tKENteNT7EotdNvFdpC9sj15M/s400/JohnAshCarina.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIgeEt2i6LCG8Ucs1OCdRBpacyHaVBYKivEscTpIQVYA4dpAknh_YiDDO21eE6KbO0emqboN4mCYPfSL-WdYNyLmYW8l8WeCn3vzI57FJ0gk93L7Bd9Pb9g4Vfd1oRuyCNSGQhJTbcKfr/s1600/JohnAshMichelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIgeEt2i6LCG8Ucs1OCdRBpacyHaVBYKivEscTpIQVYA4dpAknh_YiDDO21eE6KbO0emqboN4mCYPfSL-WdYNyLmYW8l8WeCn3vzI57FJ0gk93L7Bd9Pb9g4Vfd1oRuyCNSGQhJTbcKfr/s400/JohnAshMichelle.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> The Front Room is a really nicely furnished room which reminds me a bit of Morrocco, with blue stuccoed walls and cool stained glass lamps. We sat next to a window partition overlooking another room of the restaurant and the beautiful gardens and vineyards next to the property.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina:</strong> I did like the overall look and feel of the Front Room, there was lots of light and the decor was inviting. I did not like the fact that we had to ask our waitress to clean up the smudgy stuff that was on our table when we arrived. It was like a big glob of wax or something.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYiRxD68roGOleNE0ikF3r7cVxx04s7OZSLT6gMYcseoGLYiqBCDtzY31Byp1culIPN9zCmjhhh2RPXE3qVt5gD8Yhd_ZagXfTAs5TVRuKNjlKhXr_Y5nKLHilfOuF0x1756UKTpYvWBe/s1600/JohnAshInterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYiRxD68roGOleNE0ikF3r7cVxx04s7OZSLT6gMYcseoGLYiqBCDtzY31Byp1culIPN9zCmjhhh2RPXE3qVt5gD8Yhd_ZagXfTAs5TVRuKNjlKhXr_Y5nKLHilfOuF0x1756UKTpYvWBe/s400/JohnAshInterior.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTFS1Hz8EUQbMURaKzVFJhRiJ8wpopgrek-fJkUxznYt-Zpdl-sc9_u2rt08V1XcL6TUbNi5yafD5FZ-QeLpGwFp7Dcn3B6QYfNylPNNttXunzOHlT4OadEsPu0fKa33kfyX8JlBviXXD/s1600/JohnAshFrontRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTFS1Hz8EUQbMURaKzVFJhRiJ8wpopgrek-fJkUxznYt-Zpdl-sc9_u2rt08V1XcL6TUbNi5yafD5FZ-QeLpGwFp7Dcn3B6QYfNylPNNttXunzOHlT4OadEsPu0fKa33kfyX8JlBviXXD/s400/JohnAshFrontRoom.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento: </strong>They had drink specials during happy hour and I tried this yummy citrus drop drink, made with vodka, citrus juices, and cranberry juice. I think there might have been some triple sec in there too. It was not too sweet, and very refreshing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina:</strong> I ordered a pinot noir, and was able to try a sample of one pinot, which I ended up not liking, then got another glass of pinot. We thought the wine was discounted during happy hour, but our bill did not reflect that. I enjoyed my wine, but after tasting Sonoma Bento's citrus drop, I wish I had ordered that.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IZJwXtpwMtM-L0zDJEAUouTV-9catss-yX0yp9XyYeBA89Uez7Fu7Gn7n0Y2LHiAk8hftVu4-CVapClQtJ8WopcXPZKdtTdExyK2t7aIlYuMLzghdu_0rCenFmGCUFLVMT_GUdRGhrhq/s1600/JohnAshMichelleDrink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IZJwXtpwMtM-L0zDJEAUouTV-9catss-yX0yp9XyYeBA89Uez7Fu7Gn7n0Y2LHiAk8hftVu4-CVapClQtJ8WopcXPZKdtTdExyK2t7aIlYuMLzghdu_0rCenFmGCUFLVMT_GUdRGhrhq/s400/JohnAshMichelleDrink.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDWVSWMHnvQssabbWgWgn9dqZwtPn1bh_zo4gldRSQi3dOPvSxdC1PLKcuKk7Xd6mkl3YJfMTB9UEOb6lfdtsjma0EhwHnstIsZtB38xADigKE4BrVhzX41ANebhSztvquNBN2dliaB8a/s1600/JohnAshCarinaMichellesDrink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDWVSWMHnvQssabbWgWgn9dqZwtPn1bh_zo4gldRSQi3dOPvSxdC1PLKcuKk7Xd6mkl3YJfMTB9UEOb6lfdtsjma0EhwHnstIsZtB38xADigKE4BrVhzX41ANebhSztvquNBN2dliaB8a/s400/JohnAshCarinaMichellesDrink.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> We decided to order just a few items, instead of enough for a full meal for each of us, because this is a test of happy hours, not a substitute for dinner. We got the fries with cranberry ketchup, veggie spring rolls, and pork belly lollipops. I like skinny cut fries, so this was fun to share. And the cranberry ketchup was good, but I didn't realize that it tasted a bit different until like the fourth fry. The sauces for the spring rolls were good, but the spring rolls themselves were rather bland. I loved the pork belly lollipops! Delicious chunks of pork belly on a stick, who doesn't love that??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina:</strong> Feeling questionable about the pork belly lollipops, but I like pork so I decided what the hell, go ahead and try it, and they were delicious. I enjoyed the tamarind sauce over the other two sauces... a peanut sauce and a plum sauce. At two bucks each, they were a little pricy. Fries are pretty hard to screw up in my book, these were fresh, crispy and good, but nothing extraordinary. I agree with Sonoma Bento, the spring rolls definitely needed sauce to deal with their lack of flavor.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l71Ukg0Qoiaid6oDW5sPdregZfn1wYZlK2l-dKPP1ICFonFei4YbcUH-sA_CbBoH6qpf5Bw7t6YDdNGXM4Uw3cDjvQDZdc0PLMp7o3vdohFgMWTfxi-9UJSfEWShv7rY9ZpHgk4ASBnv/s1600/JohnAshFries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l71Ukg0Qoiaid6oDW5sPdregZfn1wYZlK2l-dKPP1ICFonFei4YbcUH-sA_CbBoH6qpf5Bw7t6YDdNGXM4Uw3cDjvQDZdc0PLMp7o3vdohFgMWTfxi-9UJSfEWShv7rY9ZpHgk4ASBnv/s400/JohnAshFries.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcn8QEymd8A-9vgHwFaC7XbvMvto3uD0Pj1M0g35845AEz9WuDMFhnwIFoc-r4qFxG8KcpTWD4ggR7r3TTRbzQvAQaT1zL2iBxL9eEaJbBHTTRRmPincDkn4L71R9dbShRqhOhxmtPYqdw/s1600/JohnAshPorkBelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcn8QEymd8A-9vgHwFaC7XbvMvto3uD0Pj1M0g35845AEz9WuDMFhnwIFoc-r4qFxG8KcpTWD4ggR7r3TTRbzQvAQaT1zL2iBxL9eEaJbBHTTRRmPincDkn4L71R9dbShRqhOhxmtPYqdw/s400/JohnAshPorkBelly.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaQDyk09vVczt5u2LQKke0cIhqlRT5nrCcaZSIxcWiVlmb7cupBJtoQUR2I-LNP9oBQSgdgJoXKJhxxCrzXZ-gMsP7riksNzIinLLX3SpiNkGGYlsE4alr3Oxh9L9ZfJLVjmDlmaup-E_/s1600/JohnAshSpringRolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaQDyk09vVczt5u2LQKke0cIhqlRT5nrCcaZSIxcWiVlmb7cupBJtoQUR2I-LNP9oBQSgdgJoXKJhxxCrzXZ-gMsP7riksNzIinLLX3SpiNkGGYlsE4alr3Oxh9L9ZfJLVjmDlmaup-E_/s400/JohnAshSpringRolls.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYyGfmiHas57vQNLXaUAWBP8qM9BbObgD_Qcq3QVzutQ2avPvIfkB8YvaWxeHeQExiN7ngvBzCfv_MjQLV-FlxGrLgq-ps0RFZmonyYXMcmByH_9ZfUI57jJFjS_aNTlqUP2ajMJDapbx/s1600/JohnAshCarinaFries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYyGfmiHas57vQNLXaUAWBP8qM9BbObgD_Qcq3QVzutQ2avPvIfkB8YvaWxeHeQExiN7ngvBzCfv_MjQLV-FlxGrLgq-ps0RFZmonyYXMcmByH_9ZfUI57jJFjS_aNTlqUP2ajMJDapbx/s400/JohnAshCarinaFries.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKRmIk6dfLteLwZn7cB2SLf8gMqK_ZPtLpTw7nAFKkzzhZcHwcResVA7FuZW1Oo1926dn8Sail03RYAGKr8ZI7yxem_eN7HGC3SOPmDBUVsidPOuSIeg4pPPzsP0wBo0EOd8vuASkACGY/s1600/JohnAshHappyHourMenu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKRmIk6dfLteLwZn7cB2SLf8gMqK_ZPtLpTw7nAFKkzzhZcHwcResVA7FuZW1Oo1926dn8Sail03RYAGKr8ZI7yxem_eN7HGC3SOPmDBUVsidPOuSIeg4pPPzsP0wBo0EOd8vuASkACGY/s400/JohnAshHappyHourMenu.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> Overall, we each paid 15 dollars (including tip) for a drink per person and three shared appetizers. It was ok, but I think there may be better deals out there for happy hour, and we are bound and determined to find them!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgHaUuV6EsPWxvE1cnXwyJ2fTe9XnL-v6GLG0extxCRSFlHNbEupYgbpAgogmkUI25P3jRgFLOzQoq3QgiZaG9wG51s4MxsQOQwf-VfUT2yitZPB66MgG3wwqtfyc_z6mrMqUrwL5HT2J/s1600/JohnAshSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgHaUuV6EsPWxvE1cnXwyJ2fTe9XnL-v6GLG0extxCRSFlHNbEupYgbpAgogmkUI25P3jRgFLOzQoq3QgiZaG9wG51s4MxsQOQwf-VfUT2yitZPB66MgG3wwqtfyc_z6mrMqUrwL5HT2J/s400/JohnAshSign.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vintnersinn.com/frontroom.asp">The Front Room at John Ash & Co.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4350 Barnes Road<br />
Santa Rosa, CA 95403<br />
707.575.7350</div>Sonoma Bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213542337431064754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-46812034918054154502011-05-06T12:27:00.000-07:002011-05-06T12:27:43.243-07:00Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> We headed to Geyserville to try out Francis Ford Coppola's Rustic, which is located in the Francis Ford Coppola Sonoma County winery. Our waiters were very attentive and explained any things we were curious about on the menu. We had two complimentary appetizers. One was called Aunt Christine's Pettole (Zeppole) which was a knot of fried bread. It arrived in a white paper bag, and was nice and warm. I like the presentation, but the bread was not spectacular. You can buy more of the bread for $3, but it is not worth buying more of them. The second appetizer (more of an amuse bouche) was a small crostini with a white bean puree on top, drizzled with olive oil and aged balsami vinegar. It also had a few scattered herbs. It was fun to eat, and nice to have little bites to try before our meal came.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPYwCfc5sU7kPRaWYA7670BYgN2nYldkXPBxJi9BH1oxxanQID12qJLzPoAMkMZA-iRfL6RBo9Y1qkpPdAnLL8JrszqJSICc6Bx-rKm3rmPTNZ9AjJu-Du53sbXuop91BlNZ1xro9n3-k/s1600/RusticBread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPYwCfc5sU7kPRaWYA7670BYgN2nYldkXPBxJi9BH1oxxanQID12qJLzPoAMkMZA-iRfL6RBo9Y1qkpPdAnLL8JrszqJSICc6Bx-rKm3rmPTNZ9AjJu-Du53sbXuop91BlNZ1xro9n3-k/s400/RusticBread.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5uCgWdKjA4TNsJg6TIzdD9NPvo9czxPsCcKurVghBOHpUJ_sGO_ZlS_2Sd9WNil5uFOOeCqgQJ5zXwi4YUWgNMbzxs52XEbBpGf_gO19zqNbmDat16ksP-i_gWOR7wBtXKSppitYU2js/s1600/RusticMenu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5uCgWdKjA4TNsJg6TIzdD9NPvo9czxPsCcKurVghBOHpUJ_sGO_ZlS_2Sd9WNil5uFOOeCqgQJ5zXwi4YUWgNMbzxs52XEbBpGf_gO19zqNbmDat16ksP-i_gWOR7wBtXKSppitYU2js/s400/RusticMenu.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina:</strong> The aesthetics of FFC are very appealing. As you walk in, you find yourself immersed in the director's movie memoribilia. Inside the restaurant is a pizza oven which was cool to see the chefs prepare hot pieces of pie. It felt cozy even though the room has really high ceilings. I agree with Sonoma Bento that the bread was good, but not something I would order more of, though it was a nice treat to have the two mini appetizers delivered. It was a very welcoming touch.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQkgCpFUMmh8cGlEhv4PAqAUZqB-TZ7rZOC1fY67PO9mZSWUWBZHpPSHwfPMtiC6YXtv75kfRxlNV5NdFsTDUz6shzXXL0Rugn9pzJjjaAvgP40JedoMAHDZ1FXS3i8mD664KIyz36dVV/s1600/RusticCrostini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQkgCpFUMmh8cGlEhv4PAqAUZqB-TZ7rZOC1fY67PO9mZSWUWBZHpPSHwfPMtiC6YXtv75kfRxlNV5NdFsTDUz6shzXXL0Rugn9pzJjjaAvgP40JedoMAHDZ1FXS3i8mD664KIyz36dVV/s400/RusticCrostini.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> We really scored on the wine! The wine list contained more than just the wines from Francis Ford Coppola Winery. I got a glass of Sophia blanc de blancs sparkling wine for 5 dollars (it was kind of minerally, and I was not really thrilled with it-I've had it in the past and enjoyed it more), and then we decided to have the Francis Coppola "Rosso" wine to share. A bottle was just 12 dollars! It was a good value for the price. You can pay 12 bucks for a GLASS of wine at some places.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina:</strong> I've had FFC Rosso wine before and thought it was good. It's not the best wine out there, but for the price, it definitely gets the job done. It paired decently with the meal, though I prefer more fruit-forward, less tannic wines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-ms24yy7JLBOYSHmJuzEG8Z-dctbEiI4aTMvub5JHEdgVZJ9W0vulHDDAwD4trCM3knuau6zjFYpnex7pKCPHP5_GSpW77HcYdruBNf-HU3RHxTkaoDmvghpMBPA6yvAvqrBT2EmQGoP/s1600/RusticCoCo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-ms24yy7JLBOYSHmJuzEG8Z-dctbEiI4aTMvub5JHEdgVZJ9W0vulHDDAwD4trCM3knuau6zjFYpnex7pKCPHP5_GSpW77HcYdruBNf-HU3RHxTkaoDmvghpMBPA6yvAvqrBT2EmQGoP/s400/RusticCoCo.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH_5k73BYv64s1rt8HTXdH0GAXgoyroPgUvFSOZQAHxVDtwwCqvMjLZweGbvWH5m1ZyONkv3XPLbUA_wfuQFDR8t7pA4SpQfKfOiVtPH4Uzm6BDhWp1MXIDS2BmAEPZRtkZCzS0JL2v0N/s1600/RusticMichelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH_5k73BYv64s1rt8HTXdH0GAXgoyroPgUvFSOZQAHxVDtwwCqvMjLZweGbvWH5m1ZyONkv3XPLbUA_wfuQFDR8t7pA4SpQfKfOiVtPH4Uzm6BDhWp1MXIDS2BmAEPZRtkZCzS0JL2v0N/s400/RusticMichelle.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphBX4QV3Q1itVe-SheQWXWUFMtr-O7OuLwYjWN8_awGFy1lCpxYVWMOW635nUs4TJvOjHghv0yccdF4uBVzPXdEGGibghx_bbrc3rhR6o5SzL1XF50hhnJQEBM08tDVTSYuTsv7Scboe_/s1600/RusticWaiter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphBX4QV3Q1itVe-SheQWXWUFMtr-O7OuLwYjWN8_awGFy1lCpxYVWMOW635nUs4TJvOjHghv0yccdF4uBVzPXdEGGibghx_bbrc3rhR6o5SzL1XF50hhnJQEBM08tDVTSYuTsv7Scboe_/s400/RusticWaiter.jpg" width="298px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> CocoCarina really wanted to try the Chicken Mattone, which is chicken under a brick. The cooking method makes the skin really crispy and doesn't dry out the chicken. We shared this entree so that we could try more things on the menu, like the Pizza Sophia - a pizza with arugula, prosciutto, and shaved parmigiano cheese. The pizza was $16 and the chicken was $22, so it wasn't bad when we split the bill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina:</strong> I've heard many good things about the Chicken Mattone, and I thought it was very good. But I must say, I've had better chicken under a brick. The ambiance is so cool, and the food is good, but the main thing you take away is the experience of being at this really cool winery. The service was great, the food was good, the atmosphere was very welcoming. I will definitely be going back again.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEgWBWLe5Hh850J22NMwDTxPPE4aSbs2h16HCsJTi_uQZrMs9OCy7VBzyMuWrWsTQvsNSZnB4OWIkIKDCKd9918HfYiXtYBDG-0Ub1neJyDoM3-8-br6o2WJ7ZAq_KfpimztLqjtc7kHw/s1600/RusticPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEgWBWLe5Hh850J22NMwDTxPPE4aSbs2h16HCsJTi_uQZrMs9OCy7VBzyMuWrWsTQvsNSZnB4OWIkIKDCKd9918HfYiXtYBDG-0Ub1neJyDoM3-8-br6o2WJ7ZAq_KfpimztLqjtc7kHw/s400/RusticPizza.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajBf9CmrbB05LtwkFBblHsNXxPavnwqpL-2UC_zvH0vuC6lCoYBgWCEX73td2CxERsrRUb8siLmojXlzwF0bLiE0lH64mbnrx3c9z9zAJdu5jaRm5hX8E2yry2dQeW4MF1Y_6IskXEex6/s1600/RusticChicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajBf9CmrbB05LtwkFBblHsNXxPavnwqpL-2UC_zvH0vuC6lCoYBgWCEX73td2CxERsrRUb8siLmojXlzwF0bLiE0lH64mbnrx3c9z9zAJdu5jaRm5hX8E2yry2dQeW4MF1Y_6IskXEex6/s400/RusticChicken.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> Dessert was a cup of chocolate mousse al 'Francis Francis' in a coffee cup. Again, really nice presentation, and the dessert itself was really rich. It was more than enough to share.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina:</strong> I did find the dessert to be quite delectable. I will probably be ordering this again on my next visit.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7W57i8hW8NK7pZ99gL8aPwfO888z3laZ2HozumtiT1nZFY0vmN2-WuOuPSlXLt7CfjhfFBQSnnzsSuMB9aLuzusPvQEPMBgCVUGnVsNmxoSAIwd0EcWxfD7HcLU5c9qEMl83T-_7BeCJ/s1600/RusticMousse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7W57i8hW8NK7pZ99gL8aPwfO888z3laZ2HozumtiT1nZFY0vmN2-WuOuPSlXLt7CfjhfFBQSnnzsSuMB9aLuzusPvQEPMBgCVUGnVsNmxoSAIwd0EcWxfD7HcLU5c9qEMl83T-_7BeCJ/s400/RusticMousse.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> While you are there, make sure to take some time to peruse the awesome film memorabilia at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. The Godfather desk is there, the Tucker Car, a boat from Marie Antoinette, Apocolypse Now items, and these creepy yet cool costumes from Dracula.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would definitely go back for dinner at Rustic. Our service was wonderful, prices were reasonable, the food was good, and the wine was very reasonable. On Tuesdays they have a special dinner/theater kind of event which I would love to try out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Coco Carina:</strong> Ditto to what Sonoma Bento said! Not to mention, there is a full bar right outside of the Rustic restaurant, so if wine and beer is not your thing, you can get something delicious from the bar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4OkpdB3J58OuxYzCPyycxdVrejOCZOXZJV5NXk8vMVT9WKBBQ1YC3RLcau3oBPTw4WynQqT1WrjTQ5DGf90Lnqciryso51Au9R_EQI5_eQ02GIwJqp_X64w3Wkth1uyE7VXFEYMI8aJO/s1600/RusticCostumes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4OkpdB3J58OuxYzCPyycxdVrejOCZOXZJV5NXk8vMVT9WKBBQ1YC3RLcau3oBPTw4WynQqT1WrjTQ5DGf90Lnqciryso51Au9R_EQI5_eQ02GIwJqp_X64w3Wkth1uyE7VXFEYMI8aJO/s400/RusticCostumes.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.franciscoppolawinery.com/visit/dine/rustic">Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">300 Via Archimedes<br />
Geyserville, CA 95441<br />
(707) 857-1485</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sonoma Bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213542337431064754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-22375023500802433852011-02-25T12:16:00.000-08:002011-02-25T12:16:12.042-08:00Munch MondayThere is a new celebration of food in downtown Santa Rosa every Monday from 11:30am to 2pm called Munch Monday! A collection of food trucks gather in the parking lot between the main library and the down town post office.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> <br />
This review is based on our second visit to Munch Monday. It started on January 10th, and we headed out on January 24th with some coworkers to enjoy a sunny afternoon and to stuff our faces. There are 4 or 5 trucks each week, and this week here are the suspects:<br />
<br />
Fork Catering<br />
Street-Eatz Flavors of the World<br />
Matchbox Diner<br />
Chicago Style Hot Dogs<br />
La Texanita Truck<br />
Sift Cupcake and Dessert Bar<br />
<br />
The rotation can change week to week.<br />
<br />
<strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Well first off... so sorry it has taken us so long to update this page! Sonoma Bento and I decided to take a little break after the holidays but we're back to eating! Well, eating out together for our awesome little blog here. This month we decided to hit up Munch Monday! Munch Monday is a collective of food trucks in Sonoma County who get together on Monday's in downtown Santa Rosa to provide a fun and different type of eating experience. They do this kind of thing in SF and I'm glad Sonoma County is finally doing it too! It really brings together the community... kind of like a massive food court at the mall but with better food... and outside, which can be great on a beautiful sunny day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp3VQR7WwfnYRq9554kNC1B6elFQU0_vx7dbJdOKYd6MFdScduVQ9kjBFuhnlrKKMdfrkNw-FqD0PgwzBGQ-L2JY0TBqKkM2q_vSodKnWdb9YVD6l8MPGJpZsj9rsVi9gq1uZv2DN3Jk7/s1600/MunchMondayTrucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp3VQR7WwfnYRq9554kNC1B6elFQU0_vx7dbJdOKYd6MFdScduVQ9kjBFuhnlrKKMdfrkNw-FqD0PgwzBGQ-L2JY0TBqKkM2q_vSodKnWdb9YVD6l8MPGJpZsj9rsVi9gq1uZv2DN3Jk7/s400/MunchMondayTrucks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided to try out Chicago Style Hot Dogs this week. And you gotta try their signature dish, right? So I got the smorgasbord that is a Chicago Dog.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-gjz89J1elJgzjoGyfkgqnFQI0FicpbtU7WCtoujX2x-YkjHqG57d5R7ZsyvvU5Gljx8GL2iwZRyHVir8si3Bm-rjjYIpZ6cu8Dzf-UsDs66ziYnMBI5RE-j-rPBPcvW2jSUlHJDhDQ6/s1600/ChicagoDogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-gjz89J1elJgzjoGyfkgqnFQI0FicpbtU7WCtoujX2x-YkjHqG57d5R7ZsyvvU5Gljx8GL2iwZRyHVir8si3Bm-rjjYIpZ6cu8Dzf-UsDs66ziYnMBI5RE-j-rPBPcvW2jSUlHJDhDQ6/s400/ChicagoDogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chicago Style Hot Dogs has a nice selection of hot dogs from simple to elaborate, with really delicious hot dogs. They have a nice snap and zesty flavor. The buns are super soft but stand up to the many toppings and do not fall apart.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUoSykf4rkVkk-44XrNMPEpI8hexO5VscTzGfvveU4fED2iwn5W4tyZD63p_8EQBayni4VXFl1LnDqTyFEvcU7MAukU28QrVerDYI6-Q2k9AjzgKGDS43k4W8tUFtDiB2IL3R2NRtrEhi/s1600/MichelleChicagoDog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUoSykf4rkVkk-44XrNMPEpI8hexO5VscTzGfvveU4fED2iwn5W4tyZD63p_8EQBayni4VXFl1LnDqTyFEvcU7MAukU28QrVerDYI6-Q2k9AjzgKGDS43k4W8tUFtDiB2IL3R2NRtrEhi/s400/MichelleChicagoDog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got the meal deal with a Chicago Dog, chips, and soda for $6. What a deal! Plus the line at Chicago Style Hot Dogs is very short, and the meal is assembled quickly. I was just about finished with my meal by the time my coworkers got their lunches.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVx1PF5aqiJHC7NtanqDhAhFJ8f6x0ehBI3tP4UC4KFwLZ_B22e5x9zxPMGj2KWIutLQ-4PoLvOPg_INFVYY1TL5YZ0NkznfWV9seSNGiFEUUiVnb8Xo94lmlq_XgdoDqJKAXtzodNqNCy/s1600/FoodChicagoDog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVx1PF5aqiJHC7NtanqDhAhFJ8f6x0ehBI3tP4UC4KFwLZ_B22e5x9zxPMGj2KWIutLQ-4PoLvOPg_INFVYY1TL5YZ0NkznfWV9seSNGiFEUUiVnb8Xo94lmlq_XgdoDqJKAXtzodNqNCy/s400/FoodChicagoDog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Chicago Dog has a hot dog on a poppy seed bun with neon relish, mustard, tomato, chopped onions, sport peppers, celery salt, and a pickle spear. It's a meal, for sure! The flavors were all fantastic, and went well together. The sport peppers had a bit of a kick, but I liked it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: I decided to have the Agadashi Tofu from the Street Eatz truck... deeeeelicious! I got the large portion because it came with broccoli - yum! The small portion was $5 and the large portion was $8. It comes in a to-go chinese food box which I always love eating out of so... bonus points there! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoqT2JTkDAjAYOeigY2uAKtz9rzMHc5A8ugHv3mMgARULg2e3HZYg5ej6dhTiz3Sas26taTBnPrOyRZkPy1X6oxRlrAKLAb9uxxoVFEoAbG3bAJvzOmRExTcsOh0k-m20zzmgEgB0yqE3/s1600/CoCoAgedashi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoqT2JTkDAjAYOeigY2uAKtz9rzMHc5A8ugHv3mMgARULg2e3HZYg5ej6dhTiz3Sas26taTBnPrOyRZkPy1X6oxRlrAKLAb9uxxoVFEoAbG3bAJvzOmRExTcsOh0k-m20zzmgEgB0yqE3/s400/CoCoAgedashi.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: The Agadashi Tofu is pure japanese-crunchy tofu pieces in seasoned broth with fresh ginger, green onions, rice and broccoli. I think the small version comes without the rice or broccoli. Love it! Especially on a day that's a bit brisk or if you're feeling a bit of a cold coming on (which I was)... it was perfect! Then I went and got a sift cupcake! Double yum! Except that they didn't have my absolute favorite cupcake, the Limonatta, at their truck so I settled for the Snickerdoodle. Either way... I didn't walk away hungry!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRTXbmZ-3jVvGfsNf8et8BjvbZpRVtXbnbmZIUgVo8WRiGtFgK23Il6aufgEw8BZa9i5efSJ_mJgbwRiDEWrLBnAEIcWqeYsGU7imWPvATUWl2CeIRZRIGwhczWjOB0_dODETvmoAIiv5/s1600/FoodAgedashi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRTXbmZ-3jVvGfsNf8et8BjvbZpRVtXbnbmZIUgVo8WRiGtFgK23Il6aufgEw8BZa9i5efSJ_mJgbwRiDEWrLBnAEIcWqeYsGU7imWPvATUWl2CeIRZRIGwhczWjOB0_dODETvmoAIiv5/s400/FoodAgedashi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: Our coworkers went with us and tried other yummy dishes from Street-Eatz, like coconut curry and New Orleans Pasta.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x16ACunLYO5R8MWtTLW2PCav5tlO9vjZltPYSGHfv-zTCMsMz4IxfcQlb7KlhN0MOitYZ0PAiRU6S8jgAHU6hvckufkInT_egc5tH_Es6-_cdcHO2jOex56T2D8h0mw5yelc3qsPa-dI/s1600/SteetEatz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x16ACunLYO5R8MWtTLW2PCav5tlO9vjZltPYSGHfv-zTCMsMz4IxfcQlb7KlhN0MOitYZ0PAiRU6S8jgAHU6hvckufkInT_egc5tH_Es6-_cdcHO2jOex56T2D8h0mw5yelc3qsPa-dI/s400/SteetEatz.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: We couldn't pass up the opportunity for some delicious dessert, and luckily the Sift Cupcake truck was there to satisfy our sweet tooth!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH03hwtkua335piJ1sBLh-Xd9j-vuy8h9q_3GmsvPjpIYd5_KVwPr4dtzOo5Rc2SsU1p0CmBAq1hvaycwr6qT_lTXJVmZmmvtQ3aWWZV4UMjDwq6u4uiQryuf1uevbRU2FO7SuiKpZDW6L/s1600/CocoandSonomaB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH03hwtkua335piJ1sBLh-Xd9j-vuy8h9q_3GmsvPjpIYd5_KVwPr4dtzOo5Rc2SsU1p0CmBAq1hvaycwr6qT_lTXJVmZmmvtQ3aWWZV4UMjDwq6u4uiQryuf1uevbRU2FO7SuiKpZDW6L/s400/CocoandSonomaB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Munch Monday is just about done... just one more week left. :( I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it! A little recommendation though... if you're gonna go to Munch Monday you're gonna have to sit on the ground to eat... so 1. don't wear a dress, you don't wanna show off your girly bits... 2. if you're wear pants make sure your shirt is long enough to cover your bum... 3. it may behoove you to bring a chair of some sort.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8prTrrKqRNNntsQsCALr0R4ei2aVZEIOvQrOy_5zzy84nZ3_37w7yFLQhSO_mQ6cIIxi26m1-RUXtiCdglh8Fz-GuUA57bwpOxZ8QTa1wi17qNZU6i5b3BeJLTYNVAoR6XnY-dLs1owxj/s1600/CocoCupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8prTrrKqRNNntsQsCALr0R4ei2aVZEIOvQrOy_5zzy84nZ3_37w7yFLQhSO_mQ6cIIxi26m1-RUXtiCdglh8Fz-GuUA57bwpOxZ8QTa1wi17qNZU6i5b3BeJLTYNVAoR6XnY-dLs1owxj/s400/CocoCupcake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong>: Munch Monday is a lot of fun! You go to one spot and have a slew of delicious items of food to choose from, for pretty decent prices. There's a bunch of people there so you'll probably see someone you know or you might make some new friends. The only downfall is the lines... sometimes it takes a long time to get your food. One friend will go to one cart and get their food pretty quickly and you go to another cart but you're still waiting for your food to come out. So, that's my only complaint really. Plan ahead for a successful Munch Monday excursion!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH5w62mYIPGhhWOQlV1NclVBIyCMe3GAWuGxleCyg3EKZyQnq2WoQMA-uEayaHNVAd1KQT9bGO6nXSMVQX1H6pXbUiijVZHdimQIa_CJEAWsNLOjaYQU4ZU_mNHZphUhyphenhypheniZU8QAsi6lhb/s1600/SiftTruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH5w62mYIPGhhWOQlV1NclVBIyCMe3GAWuGxleCyg3EKZyQnq2WoQMA-uEayaHNVAd1KQT9bGO6nXSMVQX1H6pXbUiijVZHdimQIa_CJEAWsNLOjaYQU4ZU_mNHZphUhyphenhypheniZU8QAsi6lhb/s400/SiftTruck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong>: Munch Monday was planned to run through the end of February, so February 28th will be the last day. However, it may continue in a new location. We'll let you know if we find out where!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHG-Uj6VjV6vqu-aByZjtRe5fbjJ1zA7Z-fyQQwnRlnm3o-MvpW9pEPZwtUOoNu8LOuePsoz7wCrNel2-4d4EU-WjcWEoxsu-uvWnNOV3hIBGPACff4nZWyhYWeNbx0sDl0lypnZvWVLCB/s1600/SnickerdoodleCupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHG-Uj6VjV6vqu-aByZjtRe5fbjJ1zA7Z-fyQQwnRlnm3o-MvpW9pEPZwtUOoNu8LOuePsoz7wCrNel2-4d4EU-WjcWEoxsu-uvWnNOV3hIBGPACff4nZWyhYWeNbx0sDl0lypnZvWVLCB/s400/SnickerdoodleCupcake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Sonoma Bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213542337431064754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-13987075852915338572010-12-29T15:32:00.001-08:002011-01-08T16:41:36.267-08:00Pupuseria Salvadorena<strong>SonomaBento:</strong><br />It was a dark and stormy night.... no really, it was awful out. Sheets of rain, dark, and windy. Luckily for CocoCarina and I, it was the perfect night to try Santa Rosa's Pupuseria Salvadorena. Located in a tiny strip mall next to a 7-11, it's not necessarily the first place you would go for delicious food, but that's just what we found.<br /><br />We decided to try Pupuseria Salvadorena because 1) it's the holiday season (post-xmas) and we are both super poor, and 2) it has had lots of recommendations on Yelp and in local news papers. I forgot that we were going to go there to review it, and ended up visiting the restaurant a few days prior to our visit. Both times I showed up in my full body rain suit, because our NorCal weather has been pretty damp for scooter riding, and neither time did it really bother anyone at the restaurant. YAY!<div><br /></div><div><b>CocoCarina:</b> Yes the weather that day was HORRIBLE... a torrential DOWN POUR! I don't know how <b>Sonoma Bento</b> braved the weather on her scoot scoot. Either way... we had something delicious to look forward to and the rain wasn't going to get in our way! I had been to the Pupuseria once before and was happy with my meal so I was pretty excited to go back. Especially because as Sonoma Bento said, it was the holiday season and we were both low on cash.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4UnJIsNWPcuVkIN9TAKT45z6QsK_rfpHsjWJwHTAzNJB26NSHo3jmtTeJ9vQBGSay332NuM6AiYBRUhNdwaA18zB_Ub0HoqmIRJNIJejt5hvI-l4Y4HIIQwtdj552bnk3oaj7w8Zm7BX/s1600/Menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4UnJIsNWPcuVkIN9TAKT45z6QsK_rfpHsjWJwHTAzNJB26NSHo3jmtTeJ9vQBGSay332NuM6AiYBRUhNdwaA18zB_Ub0HoqmIRJNIJejt5hvI-l4Y4HIIQwtdj552bnk3oaj7w8Zm7BX/s320/Menu.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are tons of different items to choose from on the menu, the most expensive is 12 dollars and the least is 50 cents. We ordered from the Antojitos Salvadorenos menu, which has items ranging from $1.75 to $7.00, most items at $2 each. A pupusa is like a stuffed tortilla. They hand make each pupusa to order here, so it is definitely not a fast food place. We waited about 15 minutes after our orders were placed for our food to arrive. It wasn't a bad wait since we were chatting, but keep that in mind if you are super hungry or show up on a busy weekend. Our server said that we can call in orders ahead next time, even if we plan on eating in the restaurant, to shorten the wait time. Good idea!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina:</b> As we glanced over the menu I was SHOCKED by the prices. I couldn't believe how affordable everything was, I was giddy! I like to order a few different items when I eat out because I like to try a bit of everything... Pupuseria Salvadorena was perfect for this... everything was so affordable I could get as many things as I wanted! Well just about! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihynvrPaaHA_S8wOgH1DL4nBBtBZQrNLSnBSchGNDVw5Wcwe02Xl3pKOgpb0Zo1Q2AA27kDbtyH-_YMxM84b8eTeqsagiA-vpGuTZ7i67oq__XeON96n7WdE_xIIS1AKCjIq8jP3e_Yp-i/s1600/Horchata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihynvrPaaHA_S8wOgH1DL4nBBtBZQrNLSnBSchGNDVw5Wcwe02Xl3pKOgpb0Zo1Q2AA27kDbtyH-_YMxM84b8eTeqsagiA-vpGuTZ7i67oq__XeON96n7WdE_xIIS1AKCjIq8jP3e_Yp-i/s320/Horchata.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ordered the Horchata ($1.75), a sweetly spiced drink that was quite flavorful here at Pupuseria Salvadorena. The cinnamon flavor was very pronounced and it had a bit of a chalky texture, but was really quite good. It was sweeter than other Horchata I've tried, but the sweetness was great with the spicy food. They do not serve alcohol here.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIN3QP-LEXsxzLHHFDkCwVNclQGnG-PMDtXmbez3kIDyxXRHGAdpQpFNb8zhRG4rsP4At9sfkQ8eTLbMD2b89D7URTuGNsGQ7LHbqOIlg0HTCF6R0h6ASg_9as7z1shQJ5klmK8UZuwppt/s1600/CocoTamal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIN3QP-LEXsxzLHHFDkCwVNclQGnG-PMDtXmbez3kIDyxXRHGAdpQpFNb8zhRG4rsP4At9sfkQ8eTLbMD2b89D7URTuGNsGQ7LHbqOIlg0HTCF6R0h6ASg_9as7z1shQJ5klmK8UZuwppt/s320/CocoTamal.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CocoCarina and I both wanted to order the Tamal de Elote con Crema ($1.75), so to make sure we tried more things, she ordered it and I got something else. Good choice, Coco!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina: </b> Thanks Sonoma Bento! I was QUITE happy with my Tamal de Elote con Crema! It was sooo delicious I wanted to order it as an appetizer AND for dessert! Sooo yummy!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa9jBvOXJg3jGYxOb6CldCHOexU2-oVLM2GAtv0kynkZXmAyxQwhB6b58_xilQNeyfw-Cbj7PR-D2cVDAhbZtKPRrCk2PqnUrHlxBMHlNTMUFw0NC1cFX-wEC55v-SkzE95cR7tIPYaSI/s1600/TamaldeElote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa9jBvOXJg3jGYxOb6CldCHOexU2-oVLM2GAtv0kynkZXmAyxQwhB6b58_xilQNeyfw-Cbj7PR-D2cVDAhbZtKPRrCk2PqnUrHlxBMHlNTMUFw0NC1cFX-wEC55v-SkzE95cR7tIPYaSI/s320/TamaldeElote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Tamal de Elote con Crema ($1.75) was delicious! Moist, very fresh, great corn flavor, and sweet. You could totally order this for dessert.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EOrP2jBiCiOc77_LJRPJwpajc_fqjEDXtn6mubuh8dgWPNpKE0DmRoXhiBnE0B2IolkvJoA7iLpfRWGre44tGbVRGZrCqF9rqMW40yjIwrVSPL3lT3k2Zjcv0tq571FxZG9Y7_Fe9A2w/s1600/EmpanadadePlantano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EOrP2jBiCiOc77_LJRPJwpajc_fqjEDXtn6mubuh8dgWPNpKE0DmRoXhiBnE0B2IolkvJoA7iLpfRWGre44tGbVRGZrCqF9rqMW40yjIwrVSPL3lT3k2Zjcv0tq571FxZG9Y7_Fe9A2w/s320/EmpanadadePlantano.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ordered the Empanada de Plantano con Frijol ($1.75) on the suggestion of the waitress. She said she liked the combination of the sweet plantain mash with the savory beans inside. I agree, this was really a winner. The Empanada was fried crisp on the outside, turning the plantain mash into almost a donut kind of crust, then the soft and fragrant plantain mash gave way to a smooth bean paste interior. Comfort food for sure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CocoCarina: Sonoma Bento gave me a taste of her Empanada de Plantano con Frijol which was yummy but I'm still working on my liking for beans so this wouldn't be my first choice. But, having said that it was still pretty good... though not as good as my Tamal de Elote con Crema!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgdc8kIILFXh9TcTb1BJ-PJm-XhWamP7N1fXVNo0CXcWn9mHjXqppV50-sm7BHE-JKXpydPQC8C4NzWlhdUHB9DRtHvPC3YqF88VNV9byV_YW052Mp1ouKXyxlNT5I32ipUg7kQepSRVi/s1600/PastelesdePollo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgdc8kIILFXh9TcTb1BJ-PJm-XhWamP7N1fXVNo0CXcWn9mHjXqppV50-sm7BHE-JKXpydPQC8C4NzWlhdUHB9DRtHvPC3YqF88VNV9byV_YW052Mp1ouKXyxlNT5I32ipUg7kQepSRVi/s320/PastelesdePollo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We ordered Pasteles de Pollo con Papa ($5) to share. These were like little chicken pot pies, but surrounded by corn meal dough instead of pastry dough. Inside was a mixture of chicken, green peppers, mashed potato, and a bit of tomato. These were great and they are also really good as leftovers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CocoCarina: I actually really enjoyed these. They were a perfect compliment to my Pupusa de Queso. They tasted like chicken soup without the whole soupy part... pretty good and hearty!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKt7zIJBW1FseABYMQjjEmfgbZBvlsn7ihZxVL6knLpK2BRUS6LH_atyCd_KYe2dRKutvbMCgFVlVBeL8FeDZATK8gXo07eboNDf0E9SCPx67V9BpZbDoTD3zGacQIamKTUngittNNCiM/s1600/PupusaLoroco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKt7zIJBW1FseABYMQjjEmfgbZBvlsn7ihZxVL6knLpK2BRUS6LH_atyCd_KYe2dRKutvbMCgFVlVBeL8FeDZATK8gXo07eboNDf0E9SCPx67V9BpZbDoTD3zGacQIamKTUngittNNCiM/s320/PupusaLoroco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had to order Pupusas, of course! I had already tried the Pupusa de Chicharron, Queso y Frijol (tortilla stuffed with pork, cheese and beans, $2.50) on my previous visit, so this time I ordered the Pupusa de Queso con Loroco ($2.25). Loroco is a flower bud that is used in Salvadoran cooking. I thought it might be similar to a caper, as they are both immature flower buds, but its flavor was very mild, similar to cooked zucchini. I loved the melted cheese inside and ate it with generous splashes of green tomatillo salsa, which was provided in big jugs on our table. They also had a red salsa available.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE3NIi_muRvdTd5L9_ItnlhLqImYNUwOUiiB6hwJcwhHnePGscx1kARaySniHMbzgvxcqeLAmXv1FYp1SEni_N-PCYuCbaGEjAO2cWmtt2PUSpxYBnyWaYTJaQm0MXtfDsPXMUt6DA175/s1600/PupusaQueso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE3NIi_muRvdTd5L9_ItnlhLqImYNUwOUiiB6hwJcwhHnePGscx1kARaySniHMbzgvxcqeLAmXv1FYp1SEni_N-PCYuCbaGEjAO2cWmtt2PUSpxYBnyWaYTJaQm0MXtfDsPXMUt6DA175/s320/PupusaQueso.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is CocoCarina's Pupusa de Queso ($2.00).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy87Wg86UM_AfCidPsjXEGfqCFS5b6VrpTj9z90UnURt0Gg2TeH9ATgWBh9jCsC64ct5fNE16AQWKwVXa26YvNYElowRAfmK_LIoMkxyX-UGRxPdnoWixrMgzAip6ddXCFt7qzGd8menPa/s1600/Curtido.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy87Wg86UM_AfCidPsjXEGfqCFS5b6VrpTj9z90UnURt0Gg2TeH9ATgWBh9jCsC64ct5fNE16AQWKwVXa26YvNYElowRAfmK_LIoMkxyX-UGRxPdnoWixrMgzAip6ddXCFt7qzGd8menPa/s320/Curtido.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is Curtido ($1.00), a slightly fermented spicy cabage slaw. You are supposed to eat the Curtido along with the Pupusas, so that the bright flavors of the slaw balance out the fatty flavors of the stuffed tortilla. It's a great combo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina: </b>I really enjoyed adding the Curtido to pretty much everything I was eating... it went so well with everything! I agree with Sonoma Bento... a great combo indeed!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Tp_uNLeXk0nGzen6BUwbcniMRfk1cc4PQEmo7e6mTjJKVwXE-9xeLLczLmIEOnY8Ppsjsgty-gJ6RPLWgUO6YIibaEwkoQ7NyFXGbL75MJeVlKHOmX3amwlJUquqt3mkUVSL9WiisPfI/s1600/SonomaBentoPupusa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Tp_uNLeXk0nGzen6BUwbcniMRfk1cc4PQEmo7e6mTjJKVwXE-9xeLLczLmIEOnY8Ppsjsgty-gJ6RPLWgUO6YIibaEwkoQ7NyFXGbL75MJeVlKHOmX3amwlJUquqt3mkUVSL9WiisPfI/s320/SonomaBentoPupusa.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out the bits of cheese and loroco flower that oozed out of my pupusa! They got all crispy on the grill, yum! I really enjoyed both visits to Pupuseria Salvadorena. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Overall:</strong> The food quality is great, the prices are unbelievable, service was really friendly without being overbearing, they don't mind if I show up in a rain suit, and you get full after about 4 dollars worth of food. I'll definitely go back, even if my bank account is not hurting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Ambiance:</strong> Yeah, they don't spend a lot on decor, but who cares? Our meals were delicious and dirt cheap. And the music is pretty bad. At one point CocoCarina said "This sounds like a male Cher." LOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Parking:</strong> I parked my scooter up against the wall so it didn't get rained on, but the parking lot is not big, and it's pretty busy, what with being right next to a 7-11.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Price for two meals, plus one drink</strong> (CocoCarina had water): about $16.90. And we had leftovers. AMAZING! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwsCzqWJdPnIF-QM8AKBlTCtj6z5OSKL1uX7M4fqQkZxK5cvIgFAj9qOs4-kyVZmM4r9Z8DV0HCwMtkp320k0ml3w5oVYgu02v_RZ21iOzp2e-hold1J7NdrZGamMyjErvYVxmqBwml-N/s1600/PupuseriaSalvadorena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwsCzqWJdPnIF-QM8AKBlTCtj6z5OSKL1uX7M4fqQkZxK5cvIgFAj9qOs4-kyVZmM4r9Z8DV0HCwMtkp320k0ml3w5oVYgu02v_RZ21iOzp2e-hold1J7NdrZGamMyjErvYVxmqBwml-N/s320/PupuseriaSalvadorena.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Pupuseria Salvadorena</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1403 Maple Avenue</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Santa Rosa, CA 95404</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(707) 544-3141</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Open Daily from 9am to 9pm</div></div>Sonoma Bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213542337431064754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-25984264675052637762010-12-01T11:20:00.000-08:002010-12-01T11:24:30.513-08:00Sushi To Dai For<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2y2qrH2LRVokYrD49T8DnO4M7zCDg4GR1femGwRlzhC_TYocvx9lKEe9rnyxFflF3k6pKKS3jMHlRJ6jRYHZhsP1aNEDVLmT7Hi9Hb0MoY8lxGj-JG8kRJ254Z371nRYSSx3Ejwvgl9BS/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542617551778930210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2y2qrH2LRVokYrD49T8DnO4M7zCDg4GR1femGwRlzhC_TYocvx9lKEe9rnyxFflF3k6pKKS3jMHlRJ6jRYHZhsP1aNEDVLmT7Hi9Hb0MoY8lxGj-JG8kRJ254Z371nRYSSx3Ejwvgl9BS/s320/IMG_1083.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">119 4th Street Santa Rosa, CA</div><div style="text-align: center;">707.576.9309</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>First impression / Atmosphere:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina:</b> I have walked by Sushi To Dai For many many times but had yet to actually go there to eat. But today I finally got to try it! When you walk in you can either sit at the sushi bar and watch the sushi chefs at work in the kitchen or you can sit at one of their tables which are situated alongside the wall so one person gets a bench seat and another sits in a seat. We opted to sit at the sushi bar to watch the sushi chefs do what they do best! Plus I think Sonoma Bento was eying their techniques so she an tackle sushi making next!<br />
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<strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> I've never been to Sushi To Dai For, but I've walked past the location many times. I liked the blue walls in the interior, and I loved the fact that they had lots of Japanese dishes besides just sushi. We decided to sit at the sushi bar and it was fun to see the action in the open kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5u2OZNwVhQ6KJu3dS_cSw7yZgwCbPAi7916jS_dqcU5AGgJ3TSyZ_BqNTK2RNPfwn0Bm-g2rdX2Mz3KET7TcKY-6pEheiBtYHiUc6188qvA0FQNFFU7rgKPvDzIfGD4QBj3xTMwG7_sX/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542619412497303506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5u2OZNwVhQ6KJu3dS_cSw7yZgwCbPAi7916jS_dqcU5AGgJ3TSyZ_BqNTK2RNPfwn0Bm-g2rdX2Mz3KET7TcKY-6pEheiBtYHiUc6188qvA0FQNFFU7rgKPvDzIfGD4QBj3xTMwG7_sX/s320/IMG_1079.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO17s1a5uWsp1dgRgs71mxjae_7y2sWX-EGOxbTwS4RraDzF8-IPQBeqe_bbB5bCiFJMT7A6QBsy3ZQ2ORJWWNLkLqAmoO08urx4-bis3CSMfFdagsM2aTWssAiEykhq5jHMeOK_kGLkTD/s1600/IMG_1055.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542619835069903394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO17s1a5uWsp1dgRgs71mxjae_7y2sWX-EGOxbTwS4RraDzF8-IPQBeqe_bbB5bCiFJMT7A6QBsy3ZQ2ORJWWNLkLqAmoO08urx4-bis3CSMfFdagsM2aTWssAiEykhq5jHMeOK_kGLkTD/s320/IMG_1055.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Appetizer:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina: </b>This was probably the 5th time I've ever tried sushi in my life but after venturing into this world of delectable raw fish I'm getting more adventurous and am enjoying every bite... well most bites! Many people had told me about Sushi To Dai For and one lady told me that I <i>must</i> try the Candy Apple appetizer (imitation crab, with bits of tempura wrapped in tuna with teriyaki sauce dribbled on top). My mouth had been watering for weeks to try this so it was the first thing we ordered.<br />
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<strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> I loved the Candy Apple appetizer! It was a fun mix of textures and flavors. We also tried a veggie gyoza that was made in a green wrapper. They were crispy fried and then steamed, really quite tasty. And their ponzu dipping sauce for the gyoza was amazing, super citrusy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBoveFfqYy4JvWXw2OWMyAapJHZzeipks3G22OZLbSMaHcARPWKvoLXGHCvDVlPfpI5KWsMnEsDKnQHtO4Z2yxK2F8r5sdkTn8FPC-rfObnu_DLO0k2wf-octya510tv_4uBV1EVq9D4V/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542623243897036818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBoveFfqYy4JvWXw2OWMyAapJHZzeipks3G22OZLbSMaHcARPWKvoLXGHCvDVlPfpI5KWsMnEsDKnQHtO4Z2yxK2F8r5sdkTn8FPC-rfObnu_DLO0k2wf-octya510tv_4uBV1EVq9D4V/s320/IMG_1060.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina:</b> We were really hungry after a long day at work so we decided to order the Veggie Gyoza as well.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQr_X-svuuCTEv4CFyM-X2o9dEgqTAcflejCCmkKJVOzQZRurDHnbuFLoq-mExu4hCrNAxZlBzoMi3fcS6CIiPHbtO8IM0yVhnVnnDBoI4RX3Y3xTVm6u9AVU7d1eaQEbBydXCq9zaUB4/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQr_X-svuuCTEv4CFyM-X2o9dEgqTAcflejCCmkKJVOzQZRurDHnbuFLoq-mExu4hCrNAxZlBzoMi3fcS6CIiPHbtO8IM0yVhnVnnDBoI4RX3Y3xTVm6u9AVU7d1eaQEbBydXCq9zaUB4/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542623836453636370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQr_X-svuuCTEv4CFyM-X2o9dEgqTAcflejCCmkKJVOzQZRurDHnbuFLoq-mExu4hCrNAxZlBzoMi3fcS6CIiPHbtO8IM0yVhnVnnDBoI4RX3Y3xTVm6u9AVU7d1eaQEbBydXCq9zaUB4/s320/IMG_1064.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQr_X-svuuCTEv4CFyM-X2o9dEgqTAcflejCCmkKJVOzQZRurDHnbuFLoq-mExu4hCrNAxZlBzoMi3fcS6CIiPHbtO8IM0yVhnVnnDBoI4RX3Y3xTVm6u9AVU7d1eaQEbBydXCq9zaUB4/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina:</b> Both appetizers were quite delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Candy Apple appetizer... the crunchy tempura mixed with the crab and tuna with the salty sweetness of the teriyaki sauce was an excellent mixture of textures. The Veggie Gyoza were pretty good as well. These were the first Veggie Gyoza I've ever tried and I must say that I liked them much better than your typical Gyoza which usually have pork in them. They seemed lighter and not as filling making it the perfect appetizer!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Entree:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina:</b> Before dinner we ordered our drinks first. I wasn't in the mood for sake so I ordered the 2007 Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc. It was a nice refreshing wine to pair with the variety of sushi dishes we ordered.<br />
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<strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> I decided on Onigoroshi sake, which is kind of my go to sake choice. I like it's smooth flavor and it's floral accents. My sake was $13, which is kind of steep for one glass, but oh so tasty. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkYfb0kPIMMITyW6Q8e3WBUmVPEBJZRvHNTdFWiDY4KiBaQnrVMyHnDvQr7MEveoJl0b4RxayhDB15J8o8OENx3ESyErx2Bytj55B6jbke2Z158AyrYMQCu08s5CgzHiIwnNfk3bEeEh4/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkYfb0kPIMMITyW6Q8e3WBUmVPEBJZRvHNTdFWiDY4KiBaQnrVMyHnDvQr7MEveoJl0b4RxayhDB15J8o8OENx3ESyErx2Bytj55B6jbke2Z158AyrYMQCu08s5CgzHiIwnNfk3bEeEh4/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542629451665940706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkYfb0kPIMMITyW6Q8e3WBUmVPEBJZRvHNTdFWiDY4KiBaQnrVMyHnDvQr7MEveoJl0b4RxayhDB15J8o8OENx3ESyErx2Bytj55B6jbke2Z158AyrYMQCu08s5CgzHiIwnNfk3bEeEh4/s320/IMG_1056.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina:</b> For dinner we decided to share two rolls: the Mojojojo (2 pieces of shrimp tempura, cream cheese, shiso topped with albacore tuna, tempura bit, tobiko, green onion, and teriyaki sauce) and the Mahalo (tuna, avocado, pine nuts, tempura whitefish, and cilantro with a japaleno sauce).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dQ_iMkZVOf5FIkzHAuFcGYH19djeuAECb2VDuFG9D-96GUKn3rxU155I90j4rmbhrTPweRk7_ljprKfDdXTOpgE6tb7Oo_-q2cCltTvANj-3X2AuqmFfFPTnaFEtloL9_fROVhF-lL4E/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dQ_iMkZVOf5FIkzHAuFcGYH19djeuAECb2VDuFG9D-96GUKn3rxU155I90j4rmbhrTPweRk7_ljprKfDdXTOpgE6tb7Oo_-q2cCltTvANj-3X2AuqmFfFPTnaFEtloL9_fROVhF-lL4E/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542630097339896690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dQ_iMkZVOf5FIkzHAuFcGYH19djeuAECb2VDuFG9D-96GUKn3rxU155I90j4rmbhrTPweRk7_ljprKfDdXTOpgE6tb7Oo_-q2cCltTvANj-3X2AuqmFfFPTnaFEtloL9_fROVhF-lL4E/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dQ_iMkZVOf5FIkzHAuFcGYH19djeuAECb2VDuFG9D-96GUKn3rxU155I90j4rmbhrTPweRk7_ljprKfDdXTOpgE6tb7Oo_-q2cCltTvANj-3X2AuqmFfFPTnaFEtloL9_fROVhF-lL4E/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina:</b> I really enjoyed the Mojojojo. The display was aesthetically appealing and was super fun to dive into. I was a little hesitant to try the tobiko (fish eggs) but I went ahead and tried them with a roll and they were okay. They honestly didn't have much flavor, a bit of saltiness, but the pop in your mouth was kind of fun... kind of weird... but kind of fun. The Mahalo roll was pretty good too. I really liked the spicy mayo that came with the roll. It was just the right amount of spice to go with the rest of the sushi mixture. When I come back to Sushi To Dai For, because I will be coming back, I'll definitely order the Candy Apple and I'll probably order the Mojojojo - though this particular roll could do with out all of the tempura bits surrounding the rolls. It was a bit much and it was a little hard to find the roll underneath all of it. But it looked nice and tasted delish!<br />
<br />
<strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> The Mojojojo was more fun to say than to actually eat. The mound of tempura bits was really overkill, and it was hard to tell if there were any more sections of sushi roll under all the debris. They could have done about half or less of the tempura bits and it still would have been fun and tasty. The roll itself under all that tempura fluff was somewhat bland, and it was not easy to get the tobiko eggs onto each piece of roll. I prefered the Mahalo roll. The tempura whitefish was really good and I love the addition of the pine nuts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5eh85H_pgFgsi_i1LVsNPyxZJwz1FlEAgiFFai20UIAdZ3Wx-lsZIkZXulmhzk3N4bykApS-HTHMJnBM4XVxdNI7-1FRzzH4GRyt709GWdy2gjSZ53zJ_FPNzERyJ-PDkR-u8qaZWJcN/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5eh85H_pgFgsi_i1LVsNPyxZJwz1FlEAgiFFai20UIAdZ3Wx-lsZIkZXulmhzk3N4bykApS-HTHMJnBM4XVxdNI7-1FRzzH4GRyt709GWdy2gjSZ53zJ_FPNzERyJ-PDkR-u8qaZWJcN/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542633569223850962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5eh85H_pgFgsi_i1LVsNPyxZJwz1FlEAgiFFai20UIAdZ3Wx-lsZIkZXulmhzk3N4bykApS-HTHMJnBM4XVxdNI7-1FRzzH4GRyt709GWdy2gjSZ53zJ_FPNzERyJ-PDkR-u8qaZWJcN/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Service: </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CocoCarina:</b> The service was pretty good at Sushi To Dai For, we were seated promptly and given the choice of where we would like to sit, the bar or a table. Once seated at the bar our waiter, was very friendly and attentive to us. Giving us more time when we needed it but not waiting too long to check on us either. The sushi chef behind the bar even tended to our needs and took our order when our server was too busy. <br />
<br />
<strong>Sonoma Bento:</strong> We had a very attentive waiter and he made sure to check in with us often even though he appeared to be the only server for the whole restaurant. I thought perhaps that he had forgotten that I had also ordered unagi nigiri, but that showed up as well after we finished our rolls. And I am proud of CocoCarina for trying the unagi! She also tried tobiko for the first time! Way to go, Coco! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Overall:</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Atmosphere: </b>**** I liked the blueish decor when you walked in. The lighting was dim but not too dim where it made it difficult to read the menu. It was someone's birthday tonight and the turned the lights almost all the way down before presenting the birthday boy with his candlelit dessert. I thought that was pretty cool... way to make an entrance!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Food:</b> **** All of the food I tried was really delightful. I was happy with the freshness and overall taste and textures of the rolls. I would definitely go back again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Service:</b> **** Friendly & prompt. The server even took a picture for us!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Price:</b> *** I thought the price was pretty comparable the other two sushi restaurants I had been to before. The only thing I thought was a bit pricey was the sake... but then again I don't really order sake so I can't really compare. I did, however, like how you could order a small or regular sized sushi roll. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Parking:</b> **** There are a lot of options for parking by Sushi To Dai For. There's metered parking on both sides of the street, and metered parking lots around the corder. Luckily we got there after 6pm so we didn't have to pay for the meter!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall cost of dinner for two with two appetizers and one glass of white wine and one sake was $73.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N8tXIKzH4R0bPSAQ4n9GGCn-pGPLX-4g_6A4rr8IvdjISTju7ykjR3uDqibp86RT_6oj3XPXOKmv645rOKAwCGuodbgAXwsjktYfuqxO1xjKS_HyIwrDlaea5iO8X-ZDMZiAhm8iuhkT/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N8tXIKzH4R0bPSAQ4n9GGCn-pGPLX-4g_6A4rr8IvdjISTju7ykjR3uDqibp86RT_6oj3XPXOKmv645rOKAwCGuodbgAXwsjktYfuqxO1xjKS_HyIwrDlaea5iO8X-ZDMZiAhm8iuhkT/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542638026591914706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3N8tXIKzH4R0bPSAQ4n9GGCn-pGPLX-4g_6A4rr8IvdjISTju7ykjR3uDqibp86RT_6oj3XPXOKmv645rOKAwCGuodbgAXwsjktYfuqxO1xjKS_HyIwrDlaea5iO8X-ZDMZiAhm8iuhkT/s320/IMG_1082.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ31jkV0WNBIZdg8TTzJq_upqghw46GMbcrtFRIEOm8phLLxlOL23MRQQvFZmTNSc_Lo1AjbX1F-OZS0IhS6jlaV9dowKAtGFKSHo6403mI0-8pG9EnX5zRGj-g1IFBeQYQ3wJk20-wyca/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544355543851400354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ31jkV0WNBIZdg8TTzJq_upqghw46GMbcrtFRIEOm8phLLxlOL23MRQQvFZmTNSc_Lo1AjbX1F-OZS0IhS6jlaV9dowKAtGFKSHo6403mI0-8pG9EnX5zRGj-g1IFBeQYQ3wJk20-wyca/s320/IMG_1076.JPG" style="height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqeMGXTKgmvX5hfmDDUdZztersbtn9rpBsE-wWCs4m0tAJRulV33wiy_eJThWK485RP3jOEFzTOrjR-BPwBUzq4ardv4JS92v9i9K7iRah4jgSCLYowFXHWsgBBltVoSbBaSqLiLWqpPB/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544355532102875026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqeMGXTKgmvX5hfmDDUdZztersbtn9rpBsE-wWCs4m0tAJRulV33wiy_eJThWK485RP3jOEFzTOrjR-BPwBUzq4ardv4JS92v9i9K7iRah4jgSCLYowFXHWsgBBltVoSbBaSqLiLWqpPB/s320/IMG_1075.JPG" style="cursor: hand; height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You know you want to try the unagi, CocoCarina! :)</div>CocoCarinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092630953364903672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-10472623239891166792010-10-26T11:57:00.000-07:002010-11-04T11:19:49.159-07:00Bruno's on Fourth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZVyAyI_NAhxbyzt0GJzJJlIyPSG2phmVvRCD_pDQqnAGU_rloxB2Cql6igJB-j81YdgdfQuL0CFazWMta9n-VIjX9RQGVy81xkauvn5tIDEpCYD0AXyb-PY3Wzhyphenhyphen3ATS1Vqj0awcP7cT/s1600/BrunosRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZVyAyI_NAhxbyzt0GJzJJlIyPSG2phmVvRCD_pDQqnAGU_rloxB2Cql6igJB-j81YdgdfQuL0CFazWMta9n-VIjX9RQGVy81xkauvn5tIDEpCYD0AXyb-PY3Wzhyphenhyphen3ATS1Vqj0awcP7cT/s400/BrunosRoom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>First Impressions/Atmosphere: <br />
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<strong>Sonoma Bento</strong> I've actually been to Bruno's fairly often, as it is right in my neighborhood. It's a casual spot, but generally has good quality food, and generous portions. The interior is cozy and welcoming with cute window seats and warm colors, but it can get a bit loud. There was a table of 14 celebrating a 27th Anniversary while we were there, which may have contributed to the service issues we had. We visited on a Sunday evening after a really rainy day, so I was definitely in the mood for some good comfort food.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong> Unlike Sonoma Bento... I have never been to Bruno's On Fourth before this little excursion of ours. One of my co-workers told me about it and said it was one of her favorite places to go, so I had wanted to try it for a while but it just never worked out. Luckily we've now started this blog so I can go to restaurants I've been wanting to try out!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcr2xVx2q049_Ebmobkj_0ur90yWiV-bGvE7nilpa40pH5iiuN4DJxkoz-qCIHCUxu4oJsrGDRwGrnqWzCqwEg67K6AQznEXphlfISS8TWxcxzdq9mNxIw7FdbIZetuuvcw2ofd7pysxB/s1600/BrunosTable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcr2xVx2q049_Ebmobkj_0ur90yWiV-bGvE7nilpa40pH5iiuN4DJxkoz-qCIHCUxu4oJsrGDRwGrnqWzCqwEg67K6AQznEXphlfISS8TWxcxzdq9mNxIw7FdbIZetuuvcw2ofd7pysxB/s400/BrunosTable.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsOP-EyFdPC4ZYe30OPRKVPcEfRyKh2e2vQfDIftzjja26UgmUOBDg06eyGPF2BvNF3f4YfFnIAxK15wAuOSWy8h7Z5y9KXC9JPTe_-9zbC_OwCuKnmHpqY6do2hdIk4DfxUz7JPEorBv/s1600/BrunosBread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsOP-EyFdPC4ZYe30OPRKVPcEfRyKh2e2vQfDIftzjja26UgmUOBDg06eyGPF2BvNF3f4YfFnIAxK15wAuOSWy8h7Z5y9KXC9JPTe_-9zbC_OwCuKnmHpqY6do2hdIk4DfxUz7JPEorBv/s400/BrunosBread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Food:</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong> I chose the seafood special of the evening, six seared scallops in a basil cream sauce with sun-dried tomato and artichoke heart risotto, and bits of dungeness crab. The plate was topped with a few leaves of salad mix, which didn't add to the flavor, or really make the plate look that much better. I think they could have left the garnish off and I still would have liked the way it looked. It was very rich, and I couldn't finish the whole thing. Bruno's tends to be heavy handed with the sauce, and as you can see, my plate was swimming in it. The scallops were very tasty, I just could have done without so much sauce. I really enjoyed the risotto and crab, as well. For dessert we tried a very decadent brownie sandwich. It had fudge sauce, caramel sauce, chopped candied pecans, and two gooey brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream between the brownies. Wow! It was definitely enough for two people to share.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong> I chose the sauteed chicken with sherry wine and mushrooms dish. Unfortunately when the food came out they served me the seafood ravioli. I'm just getting into trying seafood so I wasn't quite prepared to just take the dish. Normally if it was something I would normally eat but was the wrong order I'll just take it rather than send it back... who knows it could be a nice surprise!? But needless to say I wasn't quite feeling an all seafood dish so I asked for the dish I ordered, the Chicken .... And like Sonoma Bento said they just got new computer systems in and the server accidentally pressed the wrong button. I wasn't upset... the bread at the table was delicious so I ate a bit more bread to hold me over til my food came. When it came I was very pleased. It smelled delicious and I couldn't wait to dive in! The chicken and mushrooms went perfectly with the Pinot Noir I ordered. The Wine and mushrooms paired perfectly! I was very happy with my meal choice and even had enough left to take home and eat for lunch the next day! I love leftovers! After our meal our server comped us a dessert because of the entree mix-up - I was stoked! We decided on the delectable brownie sandwich! And boy, oh boy was it delicious!!! It was two perfectly cooked brownies with vanilla ice cream in the middle, candied pecans with caramel and chocolate drizzle. Y-U-M-M-Y!!! When i go back to Bruno's, because I will go back, I sure hope this is on the menu because I WILL order it again!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQEftiRFn12iLpRKJ_QVffLjwPQuUVWTAcEGgAru_4eOtLfQvnOmsc50-SGTzypjbToyGUzQg9gOFXSn4VSxk901XEr0KIND5XmsUOSHPyETWHj1rDf61B5h-xWEKT20YdZXD4y-r3VIz/s1600/BrunosScallops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQEftiRFn12iLpRKJ_QVffLjwPQuUVWTAcEGgAru_4eOtLfQvnOmsc50-SGTzypjbToyGUzQg9gOFXSn4VSxk901XEr0KIND5XmsUOSHPyETWHj1rDf61B5h-xWEKT20YdZXD4y-r3VIz/s400/BrunosScallops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_ANDcy6s8uICSajKKHMfx-FeoAz_nNuakPP-z4aBR8vxVHZjlMa7xLHKHuOZqHKZKZgW6u__fvTREd0itA3b8h33naxGp3u9-XCb0oxbY5rdKou5_Cgjtj-9_qpXplnZJjXlDNgnreMj/s1600/BrunosChicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_ANDcy6s8uICSajKKHMfx-FeoAz_nNuakPP-z4aBR8vxVHZjlMa7xLHKHuOZqHKZKZgW6u__fvTREd0itA3b8h33naxGp3u9-XCb0oxbY5rdKou5_Cgjtj-9_qpXplnZJjXlDNgnreMj/s400/BrunosChicken.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Wine:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong> I wanted a creamy chardonnay to go with the risotto and seafood, and the waitress poured samples of both chardonnays for me to try. I went with the 2007 Starkey's Court Chardonnay, which really complimented the rich dish. I would definitely order that chardonnay again. (The first glass I was served had a bug floating in it, which CocoCarina noticed. I was given a new glass of wine when I pointed this out to the waitress.)<br />
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<strong>CocoCarina</strong> I chose the 2008 MacMurray Pinot Noir. I've had this wine before, so I was pretty comfortable ordering it. I think this was the only pinot on the list and I was in a pinot mood, so it was PERFECT!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPKpFOQgJaj8-mkO5tnozQ7cXPtBNqFVQbb9r2je1Cj0q96d04v8xY3bfopz7C3k9lWXi7IkAHQJa3G5fH-aLPvP7PTf_XhFvAk7bWp-Mfs0FybfEfHJovonL2K4nkNj9lLxHZBweqP-3/s1600/BrunosCarinaSonoma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPKpFOQgJaj8-mkO5tnozQ7cXPtBNqFVQbb9r2je1Cj0q96d04v8xY3bfopz7C3k9lWXi7IkAHQJa3G5fH-aLPvP7PTf_XhFvAk7bWp-Mfs0FybfEfHJovonL2K4nkNj9lLxHZBweqP-3/s400/BrunosCarinaSonoma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLGqZk4lJnpnwMC_LMXOlNLThcaj0wz93CDT__7PIK3EmjZuCjm-B7juniUF6-hVxZovYdZ4c8qT1VEG0g7zoF2Hc-ROQ7Vq3a-53CNc_n-htSbYx9d3R6vnrwyYokt3aZu0rcAuTERMy/s1600/BrunosCarina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLGqZk4lJnpnwMC_LMXOlNLThcaj0wz93CDT__7PIK3EmjZuCjm-B7juniUF6-hVxZovYdZ4c8qT1VEG0g7zoF2Hc-ROQ7Vq3a-53CNc_n-htSbYx9d3R6vnrwyYokt3aZu0rcAuTERMy/s400/BrunosCarina.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Service:</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong> Possibly due to the fact there there was a huge table of 14 people taking up most of the room, or the new computer system Bruno's installed, CocoCarina got the wrong order. The waitress did put in the correct order and CocoCarina got her correct order within about 10 minutes, but it did put a hamper on the meal. The waitstaff apologized many times and they comped us a dessert, which was nice.<br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmv3vd14Ljg3B-yzqUepZK8JkDJL4suGE1z7rn2DK6sxlNZQLNmmJpi3J0IkCEJfJ1wtmeOzrCoCqBF5l4p9Lt9EycDbVqcp81krZ-kLKUDB0ZyNvOgzn4SRTnoQOQ8a_O5GKbxZlMLnFm/s1600/BrunosDessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmv3vd14Ljg3B-yzqUepZK8JkDJL4suGE1z7rn2DK6sxlNZQLNmmJpi3J0IkCEJfJ1wtmeOzrCoCqBF5l4p9Lt9EycDbVqcp81krZ-kLKUDB0ZyNvOgzn4SRTnoQOQ8a_O5GKbxZlMLnFm/s400/BrunosDessert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Overall:</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Sonoma Bento</strong> I am giving Bruno's higher overall scores, because this was honestly the first time I have had any service issues here. Every other time I have gone to Bruno's I have been given the correct order and never before found a bug in my wine. And the wait staff did work hard to correct any mistakes. This is a good place to go when you have a comfort food craving and want to have a full belly. And the convenience of its location is also a big plus for me. Out of 5 stars, I will give it 3 and a half.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong>CocoCarina</strong> Scores for Bruno's On Fourth:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Atmosphere: **** - it was a cute little restaurant... emphasis on little. It probably sat about 20 people total. But I kind of like that... you just better be prepared if you plan on going there with a big group.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Food: **** I thought the food was pretty tasty. Not the best I've had in my life but definitely nothing much to complain about.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Service: **** The service was pretty good. I believe the owner was helping to serve us, in addition to our waitress. I was happy that they comped my dessert after the entree mix-up. It was nice they tried to make-up for the little flub.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Price: *** I think the prices are pretty comparable for the kind of food you're getting. It's good quality comfort food but not too high class where you feel like you gotta save a paycheck just to eat there, but then again it's not a place you could regularly afford to visit... well at least not with my paycheck.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Parking: ** There's some decent street parking but it's on an unlit street which was not comfortable to walk down by myself after leaving the restaurant. They have maybe one or two spots in the back of their restaurant where you can park. Other than that you have to park on the street. </span><br />
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Cost of dinner for two with 1 glass of wine each: $63.75. If you want a dessert, add an additional $6. The bread served at the table made a delicious free appetizer. Yum!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://brunosonfourth.com/">Bruno's on Fourth</a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1226 Fourth Street</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Santa Rosa, CA 95404</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">(707) 569-8222<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcj0wDhKbLP6GWTndnc6MYTPKk3hBT1PoKI5AngFddHs4_TpaqJOyJxM2OXYNUycco2PnXp4qTo09PH4fKLihyphenhyphenBPSy4GCITRlrXMdsCKGuDpwhnV7cfLJtZ16onkM4V_DhaKLMZ_iXkdI/s1600/BrunosSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcj0wDhKbLP6GWTndnc6MYTPKk3hBT1PoKI5AngFddHs4_TpaqJOyJxM2OXYNUycco2PnXp4qTo09PH4fKLihyphenhyphenBPSy4GCITRlrXMdsCKGuDpwhnV7cfLJtZ16onkM4V_DhaKLMZ_iXkdI/s400/BrunosSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sonoma Bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14213542337431064754noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832131770697236959.post-25771924133170757362010-10-18T15:44:00.000-07:002010-10-18T15:44:48.725-07:00Why We Started This BlogSoooo as I mentioned in my "about me" section... I LOVE to eat! Problem is... sometimes I don't know where to go, which restaurant is good, what's delicious, yet affordable? My friend Sonoma Bento is quite knowledgeable about food and we have oh so much fun together that I thought we should go out once a month and try a new restaurant and blog about it! There are so many amazing restaurants in Sonoma County yet I always find myself going to the same ones. Please join us on our adventure of food domination! Hopefully our little blog will help you figure out where to eat when you feel like you want to try something new!<br />
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-- CocoCarina<br />
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There are a few reasons I thought CocoCarina’s idea to start Two Girls, One Restaurant was a SUPER idea. One: because I love hanging out with CocoCarina. She’s hilarious and we always have a good time on our adventures. Two: there are soooo many wonderful restaurants in Sonoma County and our readers need to know about them. Three: I can’t always afford to eat out, but I can usually splurge at least once a month after payday. <br />
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I’m really looking forward to sharing our restaurant reviews with you! I hope you take some time to visit our favorite places. <br />
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-- Sonoma Bento<br />
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