Tony’s Restaurant Reviews

Owner/chef Anthony J. Miceli has created an idyllic spot in the redwoods near Woodacre (the location of Spirit Rock).

The outdoor patio is beautiful, service is great, and prices are reasonable.

The cooking here is exceptional – another carbonara masterpiece. Salmon dishes are a specialty; salads are fresh with local ingredients, and meat dishes cooked to perfection.  Also great for a sandwich or bowl of soup.

625 San Geronimo Valley Drive

San Geronimo, CA

415-488-0105

A great place to stop by on way to Point Reyes.

This is one of our San Rafael favorites. Great food and great circuses (worth the visit for the circuses).

We had lunch in between film festival viewings – my chilaquiles were authentic and delicious. Too many items to review here, but plenty for the carnivore and vegetarian. The owner’s distinct style is imprinted everywhere (check out the framed family recipes which are at the heart of their success).

We will return as this is a special place.

1025 C Street

San Rafael, CA 94901

415-295-7990

www.lavierlatinfusion.com

Gem of authenticity with owners from New York with Sicilian background.

Wow! The Sunday Gravy which took hours to prepare was the perfect Bolognese style pasta sauce (though the word sauce does not give this thick and luscious staple of good cooking any justice). Pat Bruno’s recipe from one of the Chicago newspapers has been attempted in Chicago several times with some success and Lillian’s comes in close.

Appetizers are well prepared; try their gnocchi (they melt in your mouth)! Bread is perfect and wine choices adequate and fairly priced.

Location is great with plenty of parking nearby (and away from the hustle and bustle of “downtown” Santa Cruz and the waterfront).

Lillian’s

1148 Soquel Ave.

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

(831)425-2288

Closed Monday

Open 4 to 9 pm (Sat & Sun until 10 pm)

Great little spot with wine from casks made to owner’s specifications – both the red and white were good.

Shared freshly made ravioli with pumpkin squash filling – they split the order in the kitchen – always a good sign.

We will definitely be back.

Small spot so reservations would be a good idea during prime dining time.

Fradelizio’s Ristorante Italiano

35 Broadway

Fairfax, CA 94930

(415)459-1618

Subsequent visit in March 2018 confirmed again great food and service.

This one makes my Top Ten!

Chef/Owner Sergio Giusti brings his home cooking knowledge from a small town near Firenze – and his food is some of the best Italian food I have eaten outside of Italy. He spent time in Chicago for years and knows all of the better Chicago Italian restaurants and their chefs (La Scarola, Piccolo Sogno, Bruna’s, Coco Pazzo, etc.) – I am sorry he left Chicago!

This small, noisy restaurant in a happening part of San Francisco (you definitely need a reservation most nights) has an exciting ambiance (more like a New York spot) – but why not go where the in-crowd goes? One of his specialties is gnocchi with a light cream tomato sauce – the gnocchi melt in your mouth. The roast chicken is perfectly prepared with the right spices and tenderness. The Veal Saltimbocca Alla Romano was tender with just the right amount of prosciutto and fontina cheese.

Salt alert: none needed here – Sergio does not mask the flavor of his cooking with too much salt – what a concept.

Next time I will have the Malanzane Alla Leonardo Da Vinci – my quest for the best Malanzane continues.

Wine list is thorough but not ridiculous; nice Barbera de Alba and Dolcetta de Alba choices along with other great Italian wines.

Also, the prices are very reasonable.

1429 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 392-8585
Firenze by Night website

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

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

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