http://www.chow.com/boards/3 Mon, 13 May 2013 09:09:40 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901810#8083400 Curious, isn't it? There's no Mexican flag displayed here. The answer above is all I got in response to my question. Melanie Wong Sun, 19 May 2013 04:44:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901810#8083400 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902292#8081958 Stopped there on the way home from work today and picked up a dozen chicken with green sauce tamales, some assorted pastries and a couple of the bolillos with jalapenos and cream cheese. Have so far only tried the tamales, but they're really good. Living in the southern part of the county, our usual source of tamales is the Mi Pueblo in Watsonville, which are also good, but these are better. The masa is very tender and the green sauce has a definite (welcome) kick. Recommended. ahclem Sat, 18 May 2013 03:47:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902292#8081958 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902366#8081540 Good little overnight road trip from Santa Barbara to Fresno and back to see the famed Forestiere Underground Gardens. Lunch snack at Casa De Tamale for fresh and tasty choices, though this is a no lard -no gluten sort of place but with terrifically friendly and helpful staff. Good pick for a good pick me up. And some splendid fresh juices as well. Dinner at Trelio in Clovis - charming little town, nice restaurant, friendly staff and a real find in this part of California. Worth the visit - low key elegance in an old store front building on the main street, excellent homemade bread to start and appetizers - beet salad and crab cakes both excellent, flavorful and balanced. We were off to a very good start. Wild Boar main was eagerly appreciated by DH, my pork chop was a nice piece of tender but not overly flavorful meat and accompanied by undistinguished sides that added little to the overall enjoyment of the bare meat main. Okay, but nothing spectacular. No lamb that night on the menu. Two very good desserts and a bottle of the cremant sparkling all for decidedly less than big city prices. Enjoyed this place overall a lot. Kudos for them making it work in tiny Clovis. Breakfast came with our stay at the Garden Inn off Shaw Ave along with added fresh extras from the very engaging owners who showed us their private gardens and plied us with fresh golgi berries and kumquats along with a standard buffet breakfast, and fruit from their gardens. Wonderful choice to stay there. Tried to find the old Klein's truck stop up the way in Herndon for old times sake but it is now closed and replaced with a mini-market and chain food land. Then a hour or so tour of the Underground gardens and down to George's Shish-kabob in the very lovely and surprising Civic Center garden plaza. Fine diner food and we left full and happy. Could not have done this trip without Polar Bear holding our hand and we had a lot of fun seeking out the various sites and finding the Tower District as well. Home via Route 33 is always spectacular. glbtrtr Fri, 17 May 2013 22:39:40 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/902366#8081540 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901909#8081442 Been eating at LV for over 30 years and it is still one of my fave places in the world. Sitting on the patio is lovely with the piano playing. Make reservation and specifically ask for the patio...gets busy and the Belgian owner rents a cottage on Crystal pier for the month of August...loves SD! Was there for my bday/anniversary last year in September and had their 3 course meal for around $60 pp. Fantastic wine list and they have a good pour for cocktails. Great deals in Palm Desert after the Memorial Day weekend to stay and relax in the pool.. La Quinta resort has deals under $100 for old world charm. Take the Palms to Pines highway from SD. If your there on Monday night, you must go to the Ace hotel in PS for Bingo with the boys...it is a riot with drag queens and Linda running the board..great craft cocktails and food too. Beach Chick Fri, 17 May 2013 21:29:03 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901909#8081442 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848828#8080041 bb1, have to admit your query shook this old local (or loco) at first, had to actually goog 3J to get a geographic reference and came up with this: http://www.lostfresno.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=281 Looking this over I do have a vague recollection of the Mexican place mentioned but salad with shrimp is throwing me. Any other recollections that might help? A mile west on the same corner (NW) at First was a Chinese place that was our goto at the time, but everything else is pretty foggy (hey, it was the '70s). There was a bar/resto, same corner at Gettysburg/Cedar, called The Pub, iirc, in the 80s. and I do seem to recall raves about a salad there, might have had a different name earlier (it WAS the 70s). Will ask around in case any of our old cronies have more functioning brain cells than we do. PolarBear Fri, 17 May 2013 03:05:43 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848828#8080041 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/890732#8073662 I've been back a couple times now, and Paloma's seems to be settling into a comfortable groove. We've been there after 1pm and the lunch rush, and the pace has been better. Also, both times we've been given complimentary dishes of watermelon that help make the wait go better, as well as non-stale chips and very good table salsa. http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8736389391/ When chowhound visitor, "david kaplan" was in town, I insisted that he order the green mole. The poached chicken breast was as perfectly cooked again, and he lapped up the verdant sauce. For me, the chile relleno plate. They are baked here, by the way, to be lower in calories. The sauce style was more tomato-driven and less chile-based than others. http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8737510134/ Here's the owner/chef showing off her tray of puffy and golden brown baked rellenos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8736389863/ Then with visitors last week, I again insisted that they try the green mole and they marveled at the unusual flavors and balanced spicy heat. The portion size is now more manageable, a half-breast of chicken or the thigh/drumstick quarter. Lynn asked for her baked chile relleno with green mole as the sauce, and the kitchen was happy to comply. I finally had the chance to order the Aztec black mole, $10, for myself with the chicken leg (ask for "pierna de pollo"). Fruity, spicy, nutty, and deep with huge volume of flavor. http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8737510414/ It takes a bit for the accompanying handmade corn tortillas to come out, but they're worth waiting for. These could not have been more perfect. http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8736391011/ Mom ordered a taco de carnitas, $3, served wrapped up in foil and twisted at the ends. The corn tortilla is hecha a mano for the taco, and the carnitas had just the mix of golden brown crusty bits and tender flesh I like topped with green salsa. But not to my mother's taste, too much of what she considers "dry" edges. http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/8736390179/ "villadeste92's" report, http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/894761 Melanie Wong Tue, 14 May 2013 03:11:57 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/890732#8073662 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901807#8073596 Some times the boards get requests for kid-friendly restaurants. I wanted to mention that I'd consider Old Fisherman's Grotto the opposite of that. Melanie Wong Tue, 14 May 2013 02:16:29 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901807#8073596 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901865#8072857 Thanks for the clarification re: Elli's, Melanie ;-) The desserts looked great, in the dessert case. Too bad we were too full to consider dessert. prima Mon, 13 May 2013 19:40:01 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901865#8072857 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901849#8072631 I see the naysayers have scared you off onto either 99 or 101, but for any future hounds that travel I-5 I encourage you to read through these threads from just the past year. http://www.chow.com/search?query=I-5&type=Topic&board_name=California&search_board_id=3&from_date=1+year+ago Cheers, Dave or just do a search on Buttonwillow, Los Banos, Gustine, and Stockton PolarBear Mon, 13 May 2013 18:02:06 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901849#8072631 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901847#8072372 In town for just a couple of nights two weeks ago, being tired and having stuffed ourselves the night before at Il Vecchio, an old pal and I were in need of some lighter fare someplace close to our digs. He recalled really liking this place on an earlier with his fiance and thought that I needed to check it out and assess its houndworthiness. Turned out to be a true gem on all levels. Being just the two of us we were only able to order a couple of dishes that we shared, which suited our appetites perfectly. From the Rice & Noodles section we chose Drunken Noodles and under Seafood Specials the Spicy Thai Basil Seafood, with a single side of rice. Both dishes were well executed and the flavors bright and fresh. I think next visit I will ask for a little more heat for any spicy dishes. We enjoyed our meal with a bottle of German Riesling Kabinett that I had brought along (sorry, don't recall the vintner) that matched perfectly. Have forgotten what the corkage fee was but it was minimal ($12 per my DC). Service was extremely personable and friendly, this family run place is a welcome addition to the culinary scene of the Monterey Bay area and deserves the support of locals and visitors alike. Pacific Thai Cuisine 663 Lighthouse Ave. (at 19th x fr Post Office) Pacific Grove, 831/646-THAI (8424) www.pacificthaicuisine.com PolarBear Mon, 13 May 2013 16:01:44 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901847#8072372 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849194#8070107 I was just at Monterey Fish House a week ago and had a very tasty version of cioppino with them called Sicilian Holiday pasta. I would describe it as cioppino over homemade pasta. All the fish/shellfish was cooked just to the point of doneness. Although you didn't ask, their fried calamari is always cooked perfectly (not at all rubbery or oily) and their oak grilled items are great. We had oak grilled oysters that were the highlight of the dinner. jillyju Sat, 11 May 2013 21:17:26 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849194#8070107 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/553937#8070053 I think it's because like Santa Maria, it's usually about the Tri-Tip. Danny Bakersfield Hound Sat, 11 May 2013 20:42:41 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/553937#8070053 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/893670#8069220 Venita Rheas, on granite Driver in Rocklin (Rocklin Road exit) is well reviewed by THE Bee today. I forgot about this one, I haven't been in some time, but I do remember that it was pretty darn good for breakfast. http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/10/5405996/counter-culture-fine-breakfast.html#storylink=misearch bennyboy1 Sat, 11 May 2013 03:49:55 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/893670#8069220 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901474#8068072 I tried their cioppino a couple of months ago and the soup base tasted like it came out of a can. I have to give credit that the seafood wasn't overcooked though. PattyC Fri, 10 May 2013 16:35:28 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901474#8068072 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/316871#8067495 Apparently. http://www.edmeades.com/edmeades_story.asp Midlife Fri, 10 May 2013 06:00:56 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/316871#8067495 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/864184#8067199 No, they're not homemade, part of the reason we went with flour over corn. In any case, the outside tortilla maker does a great job on these. I think I'll have to ask where they're from next time I'm there. Here's another view of the aguachile with a thick piece of pulpo and semi-cured shrimp in the foreground. Melanie Wong Fri, 10 May 2013 01:12:40 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/864184#8067199 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/900063#8065379 We were there on a week night and they were very busy. We're planning to go back next week. This week I'd like to try 1833 (never been) and Lokal (never been for dinner) if I can get a reservation. PattyC Thu, 09 May 2013 02:30:37 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/900063#8065379 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/898470#8064351 I stand corrected...I saw the first roadside stands yesterday. ricepad Wed, 08 May 2013 18:50:16 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/898470#8064351 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/856422#8062478 Week 18, February 19, Petrale Sole A plethora of flat fish in recent weeks! And that's not a complaint as I much prefer getting the whole beast and dabs and petrale are among our favorite. Three big guys, landed off Fort Bragg, and just by hefting felt heavier than the previous delivery of Petrale. I forgot to weigh them this time, as I was in a hurry to hand off two fish to our neighbor. We were headed out of town the next day and could only cook one for ourselves. Clear-steaming, Cantonese style again. The photos below show the white underside and the sand-colored dabbled upside of the Petrale. Retail value ~ $20+ http://www.localcatchmontereybay.com/?p=3353 Melanie Wong Tue, 07 May 2013 19:35:48 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/856422#8062478 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901175#8062218 Hi all, I just got engaged so my fiance and I plan to escape the Tucson heat to visit central Ca and the Ca coast in June. Our first stop is Ojai where we plan to eat at "Suzannes". Then onto Cambria and we plan to eat at "The Sea Chest". Next stop, Big Sur, where we plan to camp and cook our own gourmet, healthy meals. We then plan to spend 2 nights in Monterrey. We have no idea where to eat dinner. We both love seafood and healthy cooking. We read some reviews of places but I decided to contact my fellow foodies at Chow who has never lead me wrong. We also both eat lots of veggies, salads, grains, whole grain breads, herbs. Can anyone recommend a great place in Monterrey that is not too expensive? randysue Tue, 07 May 2013 17:45:57 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/901175#8062218 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/894981#8060478 Yes that first pic was the popcorn shrimp at the time. Glad you enjoyed it! PattyC Mon, 06 May 2013 20:00:02 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/894981#8060478 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/898348#8060042 We made our resos for 7 PM since my DC would not be denied his happy hour crawl (sorry we missed you on that one). PolarBear Mon, 06 May 2013 17:21:05 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/898348#8060042 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/900681#8058545 It's also close to the Paso Robles wine country and dining if your friends wanted to do something else during the day. It is big, quiet and empty out there, but dazzling and haunting in its surprisingly lush country side scenery. It is a world apart. One can laze in the sun, read a book, , probably hike, catch a local rodeo if one is going on, and learn about the San Andreas Fault since you are sitting right on top of it, and/or move to the next meal. glbtrtr Sun, 05 May 2013 20:15:46 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/900681#8058545 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/893290#8056450 Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately many restaurants were closed while we were there for seasonal maintenance. We did manage to eat lunch at T's Rotisserie before they closed for the week. Yum. I would eat there all the time if I lived here. We also had a good lunch at the Sierra Cafe at the Hyatt, though it was resort prices. Bites was closed, which was too bad, but we had a really fun dinner at Fredrick's. We happened to be there on a Wednesday, which was "all night happy hour." The ginger martini and the apps were great, but the most memorable dish OF THE ENTIRE TRIP was their sauteed spinach with carmelized shallots and roasted garlic puree. This is a dish I need to try to recreate at home. We also enjoyed the Thai restaurant in the same strip mall. The banquet dinner that we attended at the Hyatt (next to Lone Eagle) was unmemorable and bordered on cafeteria food. Very uninspired. Considering that we were there between seasons, some very worthwhile dining. Thanks! mountaincachers Sat, 04 May 2013 12:05:11 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/893290#8056450 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/900346#8051889 Actually I've been to Taqueria Lidia, trying a couple antojitos there in January 2011, but failed to post at the time. It was fine but not so wonderful that I need to rush back. Part of my wanting to try Lidia is that I'd heard that the produce used comes from organic farms in Pajaro Valley. Not sure that's true, as I didn't get a chance to verify it at the time. Here's what it looked like at the time, http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/5416166681/ Anyway, I had a memelita (Oaxacan version of a small sope) and a quesadilla. Neither of my items looked anything like the photographs posted with the menu. The memela (foreground) with quesillo (Oaxacan style cheese) was more like a freshly made tortilla than a thick, griddled masa cake and had none of the cabbage or other garnishes. Then the quesadilla was griddled instead of golden and deep-fried like the photo on display. Salsas had plenty of kick but were quite watery. http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/5416166661/ I'd love to hear what others have liked here, especially any comments on the mole. Melanie Wong Thu, 02 May 2013 07:24:42 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/900346#8051889