Rec for San Mateo/Burlingame Dinner for 12

[KatoK]

I've been asked to research suggestions in this vicinity for next Tuesday. The requirements beside the group size are: some of our diners are not too adventurous, so we'll steer away from the Asian options, (which saddens me), menu must feature beer and wine with cocktails a plus and our budget maxes at $50/person.
Does anyone have an opinion of Spiedo in San Mateo?
http://www.spiedo.com/

Thanks for your input!

[KatoK]

Thanks to all of you who offered suggestions.
We ended up going against the advice of mdg, choosing Spiedo. Our host liked the idea that our party could choose from a four course prix fixed menu at $35/person price point.

We were seated in the front of the restaurant in a semi-private room that was a great size for our group and would be comfortable for an even larger party. It worked out perfectly as we had the space to ourselves.
Service was prompt and we were quickly offered drinks. The restaurant was offering an Italian varietal for $40/bottle, but that was out of our budget, so we instead selected a Wilamette Valley Pinot Noir for about half the price, (I've forgotten the name of the producer). It was okay, a little bit lighter than I prefer, but acceptable. The non wine drinkers had beer or mixed drinks.
We were then served our appetizer of bruscetta with a garlicky tomato topping. I thought it was good and would be an excellent choice when tomatoes are in full season.

Minestrone soup or Caesar salad were next. I chose salad and it was fine, but a bit overdressed, which I try to avoid. It was unremarkable. I don't think anyone chose the soup.

Entrées were the best course. I chose the grilled salmon and it was prepared perfectly and served with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables which were also cooked nicely. Several others chose the steak offering and all proclaimed it cooked to their specifications and tender. The one critique was that the reduction that was served on top of the meat was a bit overpowering for some. Another diner chose the shrimp with lobster sauce over pasta. She asked if an alternate, non-cream sauce was an option and the wait staff was very helpful. She was very happy with her dish when it arrived. None of us chose the roasted chicken, which seems to be one of the house specialties.

Dessert for me was tiramisu and I thought it was meh. I'm not a big sweet eater, but it seemed a bit heavy and didn't have flavors that were popping out. Others were more pleased with the chocolate fondant cake,

I was pleased to note that while we were there, the rather large dining room was filled to more than half. My thought was that a number of the guests were locals or regulars coming to get familiar favorites.

Overall Spiedo was a good choice for us. The room, service and food were above average and the restaurant was obviously trying to deliver a quality product and good value for the price. My group was pleasantly full and was happy with the experience.

Again, thanks 'Hounds for offering your favorite places. They will definitely be on my list for the next time.

[whiner]

I never know how to respond when someone gives a pp price because I don't know about if they are ordering desserts, how much on alcohol, etc.

Kingfish is generally about $35-$45/pp for an appetizer and a main course BEFORE tax, tip, and alcohol... it would also perfectly fit your bill and I like the food there.

[pilinut]

If you're willing to drive down a bit further, to Belmont, Shalizaar might work: who can possibly object to lightly seasoned, perfectly done meats cooked on a skewer?

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Shalizaar
300 El Camino Real, Belmont, CA 94002

[hannah]

You may want to check out Trapeze in Burlingame http://www.trapezerestaurant.com/. Decent food and safe for the type of dinner you're looking for.

[lrealml]

Tannourine may work for you. They have a lovely space... You wouldn't except such a nice space on 25th street. The only concern with them would perhaps be that the wine and beer list is not very large, but you could definitely get a few nice bottles of wine.
We went on Thursday and had a great meal with fantastic service. I don't know why they don't get much mention on this board... For some reason they are pretty empty during the week (they are packed on Saturday when they have belly dancing). They make their own yogurt (and it is amazing) and the some of the best baba ghanoush I've ever had. We also got the Meat Shawarma and the Sambousek which were both fantastic. We couldn't decide what wine to get, so the waitress ran off and came back with 3 large taste. We have had great food and service every time.

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Tannourine
120 W 25th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

[mdg]

Avoid Spiedo - some of the worst Italian food I've ever had. Most of the places I know in that area are outside your parameters, though.

Michael

[bbulkow]

Central Park Bistro.

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Central Park Bistro
181 East 4th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401

[artychokeasana]

My current favorite restaurant in San Mateo is Osteria Coppa-I don't know how they would do with a twelve top but if the menu interests you call them and ask. Broadway Prime is a fine Prime Rib and steak house-but again call and check with them about a party of 12. Kincaid;s Bayhouse has great, great views of the bat and good food and could certainly handle a 12.

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Kincaid's Bayhouse
60 Bay View Place, Burlingame, CA 94010

Broadway Prime
1316 Broadway, Burlingame, CA 94010

Osteria Coppa
139 S. B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401

[artemis]

What do you recommend at Osteria Coppa? I went once in the first month it opened and wasn't disappointed or blown away. I'm sure they've long since worked out any kinks of course, so I'm thinking about returning.

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Osteria Coppa
139 S. B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401

[artychokeasana]

I've enjoyed everything I've tried. My favorites have been the pastas-as they are very tender and usually have interesting combinations of flavours and what for me is the correct ration of pasta to sauce.