17721 Thu Oct 18 02:29:56 -0700 2001 3 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 53405 Has anyone been to A Cote in Oakland, on College Avenue? Is it a good place for a bunch of girlfriends to meet up for lunch on a Saturday afternoon? Is it noisy? I hope it's not yuppieish or touristy...I hear they have a really impressive wine list; what are some recommendations for Cabernets and Merlots? Thu Oct 18 02:29:56 -0700 2001 0 Stephanie 1 53409 Well, what's your definition of "yuppie-ish?" I wouldn't call anyplace on College Ave in Rockridge with a great wine list exactly a working-class hangout. That said, the times I've been there it's had a nice, mellow East Bay crowd. The food is small-plate style, mostly French/Italian. I think there's a long table in the middle of the room that can be reserved for groups. Go for it--I think you'll really enjoy it. By the way, it's owned by the same people as Citron down the street. Thu Oct 18 12:37:31 -0700 2001 53405 0 dixieday 1 53414 A Cote is marvelous. I've had two delightful dinners there. One at the communal table, which was alot of fun, and one at a private table. Both times, everything we ordered was awesome. Excellent ingredients; excellent execution; fun menu. As an added bonus, they do wine and spirit flights--three glasses of a particular wine varietal or spirit, served together so you can compare and contrast. The place is kinda small and can get loud. Thu Oct 18 15:40:47 -0700 2001 53405 0 eel, Palo Alto, CA 1 53441 Here's a post on my Saturday lunch with a girlfriend in August. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/17320#51044 Fri Oct 19 16:02:12 -0700 2001 53405 0 Melanie Wong