Ultimately, food experiences in 2020 were more about taking joy where I found it, rather than seeking the newest, hottest, or best-of. Following are my top-five eats of this year.
Category: Restaurant
#TBT: A Night at Nam
A look back at the opening night of Nam Vietnamese Brasserie—when dining out was still a thing.
Eat Local: Asian Box 2.0
It's been awhile since I've fed my craving for Asian Box, but finding myself in the heart of Palo Alto with a growly belly yesterday, I headed to Town & Country for a fix. Expecting less of a crowd than the out-the-door lunch-time insanity, I was surprised to find the place not only quiet, but closed when … Continue reading Eat Local: Asian Box 2.0
Eat Local: Redwood City Restaurant Week
I love a good food story, particularly when it comes to the hows and whys of food producers doing what they do. Whether we're talking about small-business foodcrafters, farmers, chefs, or restauranteurs, the "why" often comes down to two things: a love of food and a desire to share what you make or grow with … Continue reading Eat Local: Redwood City Restaurant Week
Eat Local: Do You Viajando?
Last month I received a nice surprise via email: an invitation from Kye Michael, who handles marketing and social media for LV Mar in Redwood City, inviting me to dinner at the restaurant. Not just any dinner, mind you -- but Viajando by LV Mar, Destination: Mexico, a celebration of Mexican food and culture that … Continue reading Eat Local: Do You Viajando?
Eat Local: LV Mar
The first time I went to LV Mar -- Chef Manuel Martinez' upscale, contemporary Latin restaurant in Redwood City -- I walked in on a private party. I was headed to Vesta with a friend on a cool November night, the week before Thanksgiving, when we walked by LV Mar and saw that window signs … Continue reading Eat Local: LV Mar
Field Trip: Celebrating Summer with CUESA
It's summer! Just writing those words brings a smile to my face. (Could you tell that it's my favorite time of year?) How did you mark the official arrival of summer? Did you barbecue at home with the family and neighbors? Take your kids to the park for a picnic? Pass a leisurely afternoon day … Continue reading Field Trip: Celebrating Summer with CUESA
Eat Local: Get Yer Sexy On
It all started with the Sexy Fries: waffle-cut sweet potato fries smothered in melted cheese, grilled onions, a spicy sauce and cubes of Indian cheese called paneer. That was my introduction to CurryUpNow's "Indian street food" at Off the Grid a couple of years ago. The weather was typical for an August evening at Fort … Continue reading Eat Local: Get Yer Sexy On
Eat Local: Johnston’s Saltbox in San Carlos
Nothing brings out San Carlos residents like a new restaurant on Laurel Street! Johnston's Saltbox, at the southern end of Laurel (cross-street: St. Francis), has been quite the draw since opening in early April. The team of Sean Johnston and Jennifer McAteer Johnston -- he handles the front of the house, while she handles the … Continue reading Eat Local: Johnston’s Saltbox in San Carlos
Field Trip: Taylor’s — er, Gott’s Roadside
The first time I walked into Taylor's, Gott's Roadside in Palo Alto's Town & Country shopping center last fall, I was super excited to order my all-time-favorite Ahi burger. Maybe I'd even splurge and order a side of sweet potato fries! From the time construction started and the "Coming Summer 2013" sign appeared in the … Continue reading Field Trip: Taylor’s — er, Gott’s Roadside