Tony’s Restaurant Reviews

The beautiful town of Carmel has one of the best little Italian restaurants in California. Strolling the idyllic, artistic, tree-lined, quiet town and arriving at an elegant little spot like Mondo’s is a great experience. It’s what vacations are all about.

The service staff treated us with great care and even moved us to the corner window spot after the previous occupants left. It all began with good bread and good wine – a Durney Vineyard 98 Carmel Valley Pinot Noir. I have to admit my homemade pinot noir has a bit to go to compete with this quality – but what a nice new CA wine area to navigate and discover.

Sharing the Melanzane and special veal entree were excellent choices. The Melanzane is among the best. Veal was Provimi as you would expect in the land of healthy and quality food (luv ya – California). Tutto Mindo will be a sure visit whenever we are in Carmel.

Dolores Street between Ocean & 7th

Carmel, CA 93921

(831)624-8977

www.mondos.com

Monterey has loads of fine restaurants, but this one was chosen away from the tourist areas but close enough to our hotel near the ocean; we do have a good nose for restaurants.

The restaurant is branded ” A Local’s Place” though we could not assess this branding as we were there midweek and late in the day. We shared a spinach salad (oops, guess not in the future until the fresh spinach scare is clarified/resolved) and ricotta basil raviola and I had minestrone as well. Wine choices are adequate and the pours are fair; guess the increasing popularity of Monterey and Carmel Valley wines has improved things at Joe’s.

Service was very friendly and their open kitchen approach should be a standard; nothing to hide here.

2149 North Fremont Street

Monterey, CA

(831)655-3355

www.montereyjoes.com

Mario & Tony (the chef) Farahmand transplanted themselves from Iran to California,with a childhood (and growing up in the Italian restaurant business) in Italy before Corte Madera. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your journey to an area we visit often. I will again praise an eggplant dish prepared exactly to my liking – tender, not greasey, with a fresh marinara sauce consisting mainly of diced, flavorful tomatoes. Wow! Other dishes with my companions included a really thin crust pizza with prosciutto, and a pasta/chicken dish – both very good. The focaccia style bread was a hit with the fresh garlic/spices/olive oil.

Wine choices are extensive for such a small place – variety from many places, and some very decent Barbera and Dolcetta selections by the glass and bottle. Wine prices are fair.

Sharing a tiramasu was not a bad idea either. Coffee is good, and service very friendly (even with a 2.5 year old in tow). Friendly staff as well as elegant/casual surroundings.

18 Tamalpais Drive
Corte Madera, CA 94925
(415)927-2316
www.benissimos.com

See my comments on the San Francisco location. This newer of their places is larger and fun (see Dracula).

55 North La Cienega Blvd.
(Near Wilshire)
(310)652-7673

www.thestinkingrose.com

The original in San Francisco is a garlic lover’s paradise – garlic in everything, even in the ice cream if you choose (not me – I prefer hot fudge). I have not had a dish here which I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed. The starter of baked garlic/oil to accompany the bread is almost reason enough to stop here. I am partial to the garlic meatloaf and garlic mashed (smashed would imply too much eclecticness) potatoes. Wine choices are fair as well as the pours.

Their “gift shop” has some very unusual garlic-themed items. During my first visit I finished half a bottle of pickled garlic before bed time – WOW!

325 Columbus Avenue (near Broadway)
San Francisco, CA
(415) 781-7673
www.thestinkingrose.com

Strolling the Santa Monica promenade presents a challenge in choosing from the varied restaurant choices (from soup to nuts). This nut chose well.

Italian restaurants which advertise northern cuisine are not always playing with a full deck – but this place has a full stack. The grilled vegetable appetizer and Petti di Pollo “Contessa Branca” entree (a chicken/fungus/cheese/prosciutto/wine/veggie creation) were well prepared and subtle (even vegetables if they are lightly sauteed in good olive oil). Bread is excellent (good crust and aerated texture), and wine choices are ample (though pricey).

231 Arizona Avenue
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 451-3525

www.LagoSantaMonica.com

The North Beach neighborhood in San Francisco has a multitude of good Italian restaurants – and Rose Pistola came highly recommended by a midwestern visitor – thanks for the recommendation.

Our lunch consisted of several appetizers (though the meal was just this last October I failed to note the choices); also Italian wines by the glass from an interesting selection from many regions.

Next time I’ll take notes and make specific recommendations.

532 Columbus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 399-0499

Sheep herders, stop on by before the sheep transfer from the valleys to the moutains (or vice versa) and sample Basque style entrees in Arnold’s sunny state. Apparently the city of Bakersfield was a gathering point for Basque region immigrants and the area still boasts a Basque population that can support several of their ethnic restaurants.

The special of the day was “BBQ’d” beef which was really good quality beef with a mild sauce, prepared that day (the waiter stressed that their dishes are freshly prepared and the specials vary quite a bit).

The pleasant surprise was the home style presentation which included soup, a side of pink beans, hot sauce, marinated tongue, and a salad. The entree came with vegetables and the best french fries I’ve had in ages. I relented and had flan for dessert (a standard presentation).

Next time I’ll try one of the lamb specials, or Chicken a la Basquaise (boneless breast with swiss cheese and Basque tomato sauce).

Not a beer lover’s place; short but fairly priced wine list.

$$

200 Oak Street
Bakersfield, CA 93304
(661) 327-2915

Published 3/19/04 in the New York Times: 36 Hours: In Bakersfield, CA

New management and chef made our first visit in December 2003 a genuine treat – warranting a second visit prior to our return to the Windy City. Hand-crafted pasta dishes are my favorite – and the one with veal and funghi made my taste buds scream out “I want more!” Don’t be afraid to order the house red – it’s ok.
$$

706 Third Street
San Rafael CA 94901-3306
(415) 453-7596

The sister restaurant to the one in San Francisco – garlic is the name of the game.
$

55 North La Cienega Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA
(310) 652-7673