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Coco? So So…

Coco? So So…

Review of: Coco500
By: Avery Glasser
Rating: 2
Read review on Judy’s Book.

Considering that I walk by it at least twice a day and that the cocktail menu was created by the head bartender at the Slanted Door, I really want to like Coco500. However, after three visits there, it just doesn’t deliver.

This afternoon, I went there with three other colleagues for lunch. The meal? Forgettable. I had a $13 “Coppa Salami Pizza” which was, regrettably, not a Coppa Salami Pizza, but merely a coppa pizza, the menu writer not understanding that Coppa is a Salumi, not a Salami. It was good, but $8 good. Not $13 good.

A colleague had a chicken romaine salad that had an inedible lettuce core served on the plate (and I don’t mean the white part of the lettuce, but the actual stalk of the lettuce). The service was very rough for the price – servers reaching over people, cutting off orders and generally providing minimal service.

Honestly, it’s not worth the trip. I wish it was still Bizou, a nice French bistro instead of this hipster tapas joint.

Posted in Reviews.


Custom Timbuk2 Bags

Custom Timbuk2 Bags

Review of: Timbuk2
By: Avery Glasser
Rating: 4
Read review on Judy’s Book.

I’ve been a Timbuk2 fan for years – purchasing my first one over 10 years ago, and aside from a single computer bag from Crumpler that I purchased while abroad, I’ve been loyal to the brand.

In April, Timbuk2 opened their first retail location in Haves Valley, and last weekend I decided to pop in and check it out. This store focuses only on custom messenger bags, offering a selection of textured and patterned fabrics. They also have some of the accessory bags (for iPods, Treos, etc), and that’s about it.

If you’re looking to put together a truly one of a kind messenger bag, stop in and take a look.

Posted in Reviews.


Perfect Place for a Special Dinner

Perfect Place for a Special Dinner

Review of: Quince Restaurant
By: Janet Glasser
Rating: 5
Read review on Judy’s Book.

Quince is the perfect place for a special occasion dinner. It feels very homey, but elegant at the same time, with low lighting and simple cream-colored decor. I had what was probably the best glass of champagne of my life to start, and the meal only got better from there. The food is excellent – all three courses were delicious, but I’ll never forget the petrale sole with mandarin sauce and white carrots (so fresh…and so rich!) Dessert (which I almost skipped and am very glad I didn’t) was also amazingly good. Service is very professional and attentive, right from the moment you step through the door.

As a special touch (and a very nice surprise), they had printed a special menu for me that read “Happy Birthday Janet” at the top (they had asked if it was a special occasion at the time the reservation was made). At the end of the evening, they presented it to me rolled up and tied with a red ribbon. These little details really make dinner extra special.

Just as a tip as far as making reservations, we called a week ahead for a Saturday reservation and got one at 10 PM, but they offered to put us on a waiting list for an earlier one. We honestly didn’t think there was any chance of that happening, so we were pleasantly surprised to get a call on the afternoon of our reservation with an offer of an earlier one at 7:30. The meal is rather pricey, especially if you indulge yourself with all four courses and a bottle of wine, but it’s definitely worth it, even if it’s not a special occasion!

Posted in Reviews.


The Ultimate in Cozy Dining

The Ultimate in Cozy Dining

Review of: Canteen
By: Janet Glasser
Rating: 4
Read review on Judy’s Book.

Though I knew Canteen was small, when I got there I still had to marvel for a few minutes at just how tiny it is! It’s cute and cozy during dinner, with low lighting and plenty of candles. The books on the bookshelves at each table are a neat touch and a great conversation starter (one of my favorites that night was “Mr. Bell Invents the Telephone”). Like the restaurant, the menu itself is also small (the wine list is, too), with only four appetizers, four main courses and four desserts (plus one special dessert) to choose from on the night we were there. Service is friendly and amazingly efficient, and with a 9:15 PM reservation, we didn’t feel at all rushed. And the food? The food is excellent. Not necessarily knocks-your-socks off amazing, but very, very, VERY good. I started with a Spring Onion Soup with prawns, chose the Lamb Shoulder Confit with chickpeas, yoghurt and mint for an entree, and finished with a Tangerine Sorbet with champagne gelee and fromage blanc for dessert.

Best line of the night: “Would you like another roll? We have some just coming out of the oven.” Heaven!

Posted in Reviews.


The Ultimate in Cozy Dining

The Ultimate in Cozy Dining

Review of: Canteen
By: Janet Glasser
Rating: 4
Read review on Judy’s Book.

Though I knew Canteen was small, when I got there I still had to marvel for a few minutes at just how tiny it is! It’s cute and cozy during dinner, with low lighting and plenty of candles. The books on the bookshelves at each table are a neat touch and a great conversation starter (one of my favorites that night was “Mr. Bell Invents the Telephone”). Like the restaurant, the menu itself is also small (the wine list is, too), with only four appetizers, four main courses and four desserts (plus one special dessert) to choose from on the night we were there. Service is friendly and amazingly efficient, and with a 9:15 PM reservation, we didn’t feel at all rushed. And the food? The food is excellent. Not necessarily knocks-your-socks off amazing, but very, very, VERY good. I started with a Spring Onion Soup with prawns, chose the Lamb Shoulder Confit with chickpeas, yoghurt and mint for an entree, and finished with a Tangerine Sorbet with champagne gelee and fromage blanc for dessert.

Best line of the night: “Would you like another roll? We have some just coming out of the oven.” Heaven!

Posted in Reviews.


Memories of Paris

Memories of Paris

Review of: The Butler & the Chef Bistro
By: Avery Glasser
Rating: 4
Read review on Judy’s Book.

Every time I walked by The Butler and the Chef, I always thought is just going to be an overpriced sandwich shop with a French theme. Who would have thought that under the vintage signs and new enamel tabletops promoting classic French brands lurked a real, traditional sandwich shop along the lines of what you find lining the streets near the Sorbonne.

The menu at The Butler and the Chef is simple – the sort of food you would take to go and eat while sitting outside, watching the hordes of students passing by if you were in Paris. There are four main categories of food here: cold sandwiches, hot sandwiches, crepes and what I’ll call “other”.

The cold sandwiches are made in the continental style – split baguettes simply dressed with butter instead of mayo. It might take a little getting used to your first time, but once you get through the initial shock of butter, cheese and a slice of french jambon (ham), you realise how decadent it is.

The Croque Monseiur, from the hot sandwiches menu, was an amazingly good version – topped with creme fraiche instead of gruyere cheese before placing under the salamander – it’s creamy, a little sour and perfect with a slice of tomato and herbes de provence.

The crepes looked nice, and there are sweet and savory options available. Finally, in the other category are some salads, soup and the breakfast dishes such as belgian waffles and a fantastic looking pan perdu (french toast).

The interior was a little warm last Saturday – but a nice cold Fischer d’Alsace Amber took care of that. Overall, the food was exceptional for what it was. the prices were a little high to make it a weekly stop, but now that it’s open weekends (which is amazing in this neighborhood), I’ll certainly make a point to stop in for a baguette now and then.

Posted in Reviews.