Stefan Didak

Cafe Maddalena (Dunsmuir)

December 20, 2006 by Stefan Didak Leave a Comment

Cafe Maddalena, located in Dunsmuir’s historic district, was a very pleasant surprise while we were staying in Dunsmuir. We arrived early in the evening and went hunting for a place to eat and just by sheer chance ended up in front of where one of the locals passed by us and said the place was “always very good”. Personally I consider that an understatement because it was more than good. It was GREAT! The food was excellent and the staff was extremely kind and helpful. I’m not surprised that some food critics have said that Cafe Maddalena was one of the best restaurants in Northern California. I would definitely agree with that and that’s why they get the #2 spot on my personal favorites list. The presentation of the food had a lot going for it but the deserts were real works of art that tasted even better than they looked and I can tell you, they look amazing! I’m not a big fan of fish but the way that Cafe Maddalena did their grilled swordfish almost turned me into a fish lover, instantly.

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Cafe Maddalena, California, Drinks, Dunsmuir, Favorite, Food, Restaurant, Review, Swordfish, Wine

Tonno Rosso (San Francisco)

December 20, 2006 by Stefan Didak Leave a Comment

By now you may figure out that I like Italian food a lot. And lots of it! Tonno Rosso was this incidental find we ended up for dinner at while being at the Embarcadero because we had planned to go to the Slanted Door (which unfortunately had a 5-week waiting list for reservations!!!). The food was very good and the service was prompt and quick. The place uses waiters and runners so when you ask for a another glass of wine the runner will tell the waiter who then comes over to the table again. This process may work out well, logistically, for the restaurant but does seem a little odd when the restaurant isn’t completely full. The food was good and the service was decent and effective. Not a place I will go out of my way for but definitely a place that should be on my recommended list… and so it is. Unfortunately, it’s now closed.

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: California, Drinks, Food, Italian, Restaurant, Review, San Francisco, Wine

Brookdale Lodge (Brookdale)

December 20, 2006 by Stefan Didak Leave a Comment

The Brookdale Lodge, good food but with an even better ambiance. The restaurant (Brookroom) has a real live brook running through it which is lit with colored lights at night and provides an atmosphere that is very good for both casual and romantic dining. The food, as I already said, is good. It’s not spectacular but the fruit salad I had was almost unique and really worked well for me. It may be a bit out of the way but if you ever pass through Brookdale, or come near it, going to the Brookroom would not be a mistake you’d regret.

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Brookdale, California, Drinks, Food, Lodge, Restaurant, Review, Wine

Fior d’Italia (San Francisco)

December 20, 2006 by Stefan Didak Leave a Comment

Well, what can I say about this place that hasn’t already been said. Not much I suspect. “If you haven’t eaten at Fior d’Italia you haven’t been to San Francisco!” is what they say and I can agree with that. The place is up there with the best of all time and while it’s not inexpensive it’s definitely worth it for their authentic cuisine and their excellent wine selection. This place always pops up in the top-100’s that are published and for one I can’t disagree with that. It’s one of those places where it’s good to dress up and make sure you make it worth your time by going the whole route from appetizers to desert (so you can experience the full range).

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: California, Drinks, Fior d'Italia, Food, Italian, Restaurant, Review, San Francisco, Wine

Beauregard’s Bistro (Berkeley)

December 20, 2006 by Stefan Didak Leave a Comment

Fresh preparations with a Californian/Mediterranean touch which you can find on 1373 Solano Ave. at Beauregard’s California Bistro. Excellent fish. Efficient, friendly service with a smile. I am not a big fan of fish unless it’s Swordfish, Salmon, or… SHARK. The shark as provided by Beauregard’s was to die for. And it was the first time I had shark so I was naturally cautious and suspicious. The selection of, mostly, Californian wines of moderate prices seem to provide a good balance with the quality of the food and the overall ambiance of the place (which can be a little noisy but has great lighting at night for that almost-perfect romantic dinner).

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Berkeley, Bistro, California, Drinks, Food, Restaurant, Review, Salmon, Shark, Swordfish, Wine

Trattoria La Siciliana (Berkeley)

December 20, 2006 by Stefan Didak Leave a Comment

As far as Italian food goes, Trattoria La Siciliana is about as good as you will ever get it. Unfortunately the place lacks the ambiance I so like at Frantoio, which is why this place doesn’t rank at my #1 position. However, the food is so good that on food alone this place should be highly recommended. The arrangements are a bit cramped and noisy but that is often the case in a small family-run restaurant like this. Be prepared to wait a while before your food is served because the staff is small and the cook really takes his food seriously and it will require its time to prepare when you want to have it done RIGHT. This place does it RIGHT but not in any hurry. A great selection of Italian wines to go along with the food, as can be expected, is always a huge plus for me. If you are willing to part with a little ambiance and if you can be patient enough then by the food quality alone you will come to love this place (unless you can’t stand Italian food, then this place isn’t for you).

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Berkeley, California, Drinks, Food, Italian, Restaurant, Review, Wine

Frantoio (Mill Valley)

December 20, 2006 by Stefan Didak 1 Comment

The best Italian food in Mill Valley. Hell, the best Italian food in the whole Bay Area as far as I’m concerned. Frantoio is my current number one highest scoring restaurant on my personal favorites list. The quality of the food is superb, the selection of wines is excellent. The presentation of the food is always a work of art made by a kitchen that clearly puts its effort into the ‘art’ and the staff is quick, helpful, and very attentive. The restaurant looks and feels upscale and posh but it’s not so exclusive that it would leave you standing outside if you wear the wrong outfit. In fact the dress code is anything you wish, whether you want to dress up or dress down. For me, Frantoio has been my favorite restaurant for the past 3 years and I can recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in Mill Valley (though I believe driving to Mill Valley just because of Frantoio would be well worth it as well). This place also has the best Tiramisu in the whole area!

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: California, Drinks, Food, Frantoio, Italian, Mill Valley, Restaurant, Review, Wine

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Cafe Maddalena (Dunsmuir)

Tonno Rosso (San Francisco)

Brookdale Lodge (Brookdale)

Fior d’Italia (San Francisco)

Beauregard’s Bistro (Berkeley)

Trattoria La Siciliana (Berkeley)

Frantoio (Mill Valley)

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