GO GIANTS GO!!!

Join the red hot fever of watching the Giants in the World Series at any restaurant in town. There is a heightened energy of positive mojo flowing in the bay area. I am a true believer that sports and food bring people together.

I sat at the bar at Ortaez and watched the game with a room full of strangers. The tortilla chips were warm and fresh. So yummy! Ordered two tacos, one fish and one carne asada. The fish taco was a bit runny, which made the taco soggy and my hands greasy. The beef taco had more robust flavors and was the favored taco.

At the end of the night, everyone in the room were friends all cheering for our home team. It was a great feeling. Can't wait for Saturday's afternoon game!

So So Meal at Cera Una Volta

I have an up and down relationship with Cera Una Volta. At first, I did not enjoy their food. Then after a few cooking changes were made, I enjoyed dining there on a regular basis. The last time I went however, the dinner was okay, not great. There were hits and misses on the food. The restaurant now has a three-course prix fix menu for $33. Salads and raviolis were safe bets on the menu. The fish, however, was another story. The scallops on the prix fix menu were old. The fish was chewy and you could smell it as you bit into it. Even though the scallops were wrapped in bacon, it still was not a pleasant experience.

My favorite food entree at Cera Una Volta is Pappardelle alla Senese, which is wide pasta noodles with a ground beef Chianti meat sauce. The restaurant was not serving that dish the night I went.

The Old Switcheroo

If you have not noticed on Park Street that Havana closed and renamed itself Habanas. The restaurant looks the same with the same color scheme, the only difference is the name change. I wonder what happened to the owner?

Park Street & West Side Closures

I wasn't surprised to hear that Boniere Bakery went out of business. The products they made were questionable, even though it was an Alameda institution and was in operation for many generations. Perhaps people these days are more finicky than decades past and are always searching for new or legendary signature products.

After a beautiful renovation, The Fireside Lounge on Webster Street is for sale. The bar looked great and much more hip than what it use to be. Even though the other bars on Webster are still in business, they look somewhat sad. Why do the attractive places in Alameda not do well. Another one bites the dust...The first victim was Aquacotta.

Pearl's Deluxe Burgers is Now Open

Finally, Pearl's Deluxe Burgers is open in the mall. It has taken a long time to get this business in operation. I am ecstatic that this new burger joint is open. I love a delicious and juicy burger. Burgermeister, you better watch out!

New Zealander Revisited

Went to eat at the new and improved New Zealander. The menu has improved since the former owner with pictures and colors, but the food selection was mainly the same. I ordered the old standby of the Steak and Cheese meat pie with salad. I have to say the meat pie had more filling compared to times past, but the flavor and texture lacked appeal. The meat was mushy in the middle. I am not sure if the pie was suppose to be meat loaf like? I would not order this meat pie again. On a positive note, the crust was nice and flaky.

The service was a bit troublesome as well. The dining room was one-third full and it took over 20 minutes to get a menu. It then took more time to place an order even though water was quick to the table. Eating with a small group of people took over two hours for dinner and that did not include dessert.

Ordering beers is a safer way to go at this restaurant and bar.

I Can't Believe it was Busy

I was driving the other night on Park Street and passed Yo! Philly Cheesesteaks. The store was packed. People were eating at the counter, others were waiting for their food and more people were waiting in line to order. I was amazed at the crowd.