www.4RentinSanfrancisco.com

2005-06-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

$99 San Francisco Vacation Package

• 3 days / 2 nights accommodations at Fisherman's Wharf
• A San Francisco Bay Cruise for 2 people
• Discounted extra nights available

A $700 value for only $99 per person.

Subject to availability. Some restrictions apply.

http://www.leisuretime.com/sanfrancisco.php

Sonoma Valley

2005-05-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Sonoma Valley or the “Valley of the Moon” is the glorious area of the Sonoma County wine country that’s bordered by the tiny Kenwood area and meanders through a lush, romantic and hilly countryside (past Glen Ellen and Boyes Hot Springs) to the stylish destination of Sonoma, the Spanish- influenced town where wine first came into California. Expect wine country-chic restaurants with innovative, Mediterranean-inspired menus and extensive Sonoma County oriented wine lists. Also, no-frills, ethnic eateries and landmark bakeries/cafes that simply focus on fresh local produce and classic cooking techniques. Artisan fresh-baked breads star alongside the fabulous, internationally acclaimed Sonoma County wines, so don’t pass up the samples. Definitely call for hours of these ever-changing establishments and make necessary reservations because many are small, fill up quickly and have “winter” off-tourism hours or even closed seasons. Salud!

Barking Dog Roasters 17999 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma(707) 939-1905Breakfast and coffee all day.
This pint-sized roadside java joint is perched on the edge of Sonoma attracting true coffee connoisseurs and early risers. You won’t find much in the way of hot grub, except for some buttery pastries and fruit muffins along with top-notch cappuccino, coffee drinks, and exotic teas (beans and tea are for sale). The interior is warm and cozy with sunny colored walls and a row of giant coffee beans painted on the wall of windows. Regulars sit tight and read newspapers and magazines while savoring the robust coffee and the morning.

Basque Boulangerie Cafe460 First Street East, Sonoma(707) 935-7687Breakfast, lunch and early dinner.
Early to rise, early to close -- get there first for fresh baked sourdough breads, beautiful pastries, cakes, fruit tarts, quiche, biscotti and bread pudding. At mealtime, enjoy pre-made salads, sandwiches, and freshly-made soup. Be prepared for the small amount of indoor seating at this hot plaza spot buzzing with locals and tourists alike. If you can’t take it “to go” grab one of the few indoor seats at the cozy bar.Wine list: Consult the black board for the ever-changing Sonoma County wines by the glass or bottle (8-10 selections).

Cafe Citti Italian Trattoria9049 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood(707) 833-2690Lunch and early dinner.
Cafe Citti is a breath of fresh country air with vibrant, authentic Italian fare in a casual neighborhood setting. The cozy trattoria on the edge of tiny Kenwood has a rustic patio for alfresco dining; a young energetic staff and owners from Tuscany. Think contemporary deli-style lunch: Homemade focaccia sandwiches; frittata by the slice; marinated calamari salad; calamata olives with fresh herbs; tortellini cheese soup. More substantial selections might include polenta with marinara or pesto; chicken alla Toscana, roasted on the rotisserie stuffed with garlic and fresh herbs; worthy daily specials. Citti excels with pizzas in the real Italian style and pastas, like the luscious farfalle tossed with tender chunks of salmon and dressed with a beautifully crafted garlic-lemon-brandy-dill cream sauce. Desserts include Tiramisu, cannoli, sparkling almond biscotti, gelato or granita. Specialty coffee drinks, beer on tap and Italian groceries “to go” (homemade mozzarella cheese, prosciutto de Parma by the pound, sourdough loaves, pizza special of the day). Ask about the chef’s special tasting dinners for parties larger than four.Wine List: Short and sweet with affordable Italian selections by the tumbler-full. Don’t expect any really expensive Barolos or other Italian rarities here.

Cafe LaHaye140 East Napa Street, Sonoma (707) 935-5994Lunch and dinner.
Sunny and artsy with an open kitchen, thrown-open windows and Mexican tile floors, Cafe LaHaye has had staying power compared to many of the comers-and-goers on the touristy Sonoma square trail. The cooking is light and eclectic with Mediterranean overtones and California-fresh twists. Start with the exceptional, delicately house-smoked salmon placed on a savory multi textural pancake made of shredded spring onions, carrots bits and perfectly correct seasonings, gently cooked until the outside is just crisped-up and served with a dollop of creme fraiche. The entree selection is small but classy and uninhibited. Favs: grilled salmon filet topped with a beautiful red wine, caper and olive sauce; chicken curry with a rich cumin and saffron curry sauce sided with raita, a cooling salad made of cucumbers and pungent yogurt. Dessert stars include the chocolate brownie torte, serious chocolate that’s part brownie part torte and loaded with whipped cream; and creme brulee, smooth custard bursting with rich vanilla flavor crowned with a perfectly crinkly, unscorched crust.Wine List: Not extensive, but well selected. Of the 16 wines, six are offered by-the-glass. The Mourvedre (Rose) by Cline is affordable and menu-friendly. Pezzi King’s Sonoma Chardonnay is available; along with the notable Joseph Swan Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir, Haywood “Los Chamizal” Zinfandel, Rabbit Ridge Zinfandel and other Sonoma County favorites.

Calabazas Creek Cafe13740 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen(707) 996-4401Lunch and dinner.
Rustic Calabazas Creek Cafe overlooks the handsome rocky creek that runs through the charming town of Glen Ellen. Don’t let this dimly lit, small town-like cafe attached to the renowned Jack London saloon fool you -- the menu is a pleasant surprise. On cold nights, sit by the roaring fireplace and start with the basics like bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil and extra virgin olive oil or a salad of smoked salmon, asparagus and mixed greens with fennel-lemon dressing or chicken salad with oranges, raisins and toasted pine nuts. Move on to something heartier, maybe the butternut squash ravioli in cream sauce with toasted walnuts and goat cheese or the braised lamb shanks with rosemary and Sonoma Cabernet sauce with garlic mashed potatoes. Expect a grilled black pepper hamburger with Parmesan, mustard and brandy along with six different pizzas and an intriguing list of lunch sandwiches including a club with grilled salmon, pancetta, tarragon mayo on rye and a New York steak sandwich with mushrooms and blue cheese. Enjoyable terrace for warm days.Wine List: The choices are local but extensive with about 30 wines, 11 are by the bottle and theprices are reasonable. Sonoma favorites include a Laurel Glen Terra Rossa, Kunde Chardonnay and Kenwood Jack London Zinfandel.

Common Grounds8860 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma(707) 833-4444Coffee all day.
Common Grounds is the plain-Jane a.m. pit stop as you head into or out of the Sonoma Valley wine country and a mandatory commuter coffee stop for vineyard workers in the area. It specializes in coffee drinks, but also count on a small selection of bagels and flavored cream cheese, pastries and cookies along with smoothies, shakes and Italian sodas. No frills or credit cards but you can count on picking up some fresh roasted java beans or a birthday card in a pinch.

Della Santina’s 133 East Napa Street, Sonoma (707) 935-0576Lunch and dinner.
Enjoy reliable traditional Tuscan fare next to the roaring fireplace in the winter and alfresco dining on the delightful patio when weather permits. Regulars seek the scrumptious plump, potato pasta pillows Gnoccho Della Nonna, a hand-crafted specialty that isn’t replicated easily. Other great pasta choices include the pappardelle alla lepre with wide ribbon noodles in a rabbit meat sauce or penne Contandina with Italian sausage and pear tomatoes. The rosticceria is a highlight with mouth-watering pollo allo spiedo (spit roasted chicken with fresh herbs); spit roasted Petaluma duck with wild rice; or the vitello della casa (weekly veal special).Wine List: Slightly lackluster but includes some California basics and Italian selections by the bottle and glass, such as a California St. Francis Merlot and Cenaporio Chianti.Expect about five or so California-grown Italian varietals including Atlas Peak Sangiovese, a well balanced red bursting with plummy fruits and a hint of licorice.

Deuce691 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 933-3823Lunch and dinner.
Situated at the sleepy end of Broadway, this 1890's restored farmhouse has an attached gazebo and fabulous, spacious patio. The slightly art deco, funky-style interior is not as polished as some of the hot spots on the square, but appears to be coming together conceptually. First courses include a beautiful, rich roasted beet salad of vibrant mesclun greens and frisee piled high with orange, pink and purple beets, gorgonzola and candied pecans, tossed with a wine-friendly vinaigrette. Sauteed sweetbreads with mushrooms and fava beans or warm Laura Chenel goat cheese on a bed of arugula with sundried tomatoes could also start the evening off right. About eight entrees grace the menu with a nice array of choices: Roasted sea bass; fall vegetables with quinoa and ginger-soy sauce; roasted duck confit; grilled flank steak; braised veal rib chop. House-made desserts are a highlight, so sample either the caramelized banana and macadamia nut torte, keylime cheesecake or the gingersnap cannoli.Wine list: Expect a wide selection of sparkling wines and nice choice of mostly Sonoma County still wines, too. Notable wines include the Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Boony Doon Roussanne, Rabbit Ridge Viognier, Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc. There are about 10 wines by the glass, all from California.

E-Saan Thai House18629 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma (707) 939-9077Lunch and dinner.
Popular, simple and inexpensive, E-Sann is referred to as the “other Thai restaurant,” in a town of just two. Start with an appetizer of vegetarian soft fresh rolls, succulent chicken satay or delicious coconut soup (Tom Kha Gai). For entrees, the classic Pad Thai dish is a highlight -- tender rice noodles are gently stir fried with egg, tofu, shrimp, chicken breast slices, scallions and chili powder, topped with ground peanuts and fresh bean sprouts. The E-Saan pork curry with thin green beans, cabbage and red curry sauce had a nice spicy bite with fresh basil overtones and the beef ginger entree fared just as well.Wine list: Expect about eight or so premium wines from the area, most notable is the B.R. Cohn Chardonnay; Buena Vista Sauvignon Blanc and Sonoma Creek Zinfandel. Wines by the glass are affordable but limited as well as a good short list of beers.

Freestyle! 522 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 996-9916Lunch and dinner./
The Myriad Restaurant (Rubicon) group from San Francisco created this newish off-the-square import. The ambience is low-key hip, dimly-lit but buzzy with fresh touches like cush window seats with rustic pillows. Innovative menu with tempting starters: Mussel saffron soup with cilantro creme fraiche; Panko fried calamari with Asian sprout slaw and wasabi aioli; special of savory grilled quail with roasted root vegetables. Eclectic second courses could include the grilled salmon with Thai red curry and baby bok choy; grilled pork chop with sweet potato gratin and mustard greens; coriander seared seabass with scallion rice and miso sauce. Dessert choices are classical American sweets. The warm peach tart with peach ice cream and peach sauce is vibrant and fruit intense. The sin-filled devil’s food cake, made with Valrhona chocolate and topped with espresso ice cream, is appropriately garnished with a wafer-thin chocolate cookie Satan’s fork. Wine list: An impressive selection with wines from each local region; Chalk Hill,Alexander Valley, Russian River, Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Mountain. Expect an ever-changing wines-by-the-glass list with some fine selections including Benziger Imagery Series Pinot Blanc, Topolos Piner Heights Zinfandel and Lambert Bridge Merlot.

General’s Daughter, The400 West Spain Street, Sonoma(707) 938-4004Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch./
Despite the serious name, this restaurant is not overly stuffy or formal, but should be taken seriously by gourmets. It was once the home of General M.G. Vallejo’s (a historical figure in the founding of Sonoma) daughter’s. This lovely, circa 1864 Victorian home has been remarkably transformed by talented San Francisco designer and owner, Suzanne Brangham. Lofty-ceilings, stately and spacious, the sunny colored restaurant is clad with fabulous original art and dictates a sense of refinement along with welcoming hospitality. Specialties to start with: Seared rare ahi tostados with spiced avocado and salsa fresca (a personal favorite); Lisa’s warm herb and cheese bread; mixed baby greens with crimson pears, gorgonzola, candied walnuts and balsamic-sage vinaigrette. If eating light, ask about the vegetarian entree of the day or opt for the creamy, rich Chanterelle mushroom risotto with roasted red onions, shaved dry jack and truffle oil. Meatier entrees include the grilled lamb rack chops with Moroccan Mechoui glaze, three olive tapenade and scallion mashed potatoes or the grilled salmon with a sake-soy mirin glaze, mango-cucumber salsa, scallion rice and baby bok choy. Don’t leave without checking out the owner’s stunning culinary school, Ramekins, right next door.Wine list: It’s huge, boasting about 100 choices heavy on Sonoma County selections with about 23 Chardonnays including a wonderful Arrowood 1996 and Paul Hobbs 1996 Sonoma Mountain ‘Richard Dinner vineyard.’ All the other major California varietals are available including sparklers, champagne, half bottles and reliable, reasonably priced (but somewhat unadventurous) wines by the glass. A sample: Hawk Crest Sauvignon Blanc, Trinity Pinot Noir, Greenwood Ridge Zinfandel.

Glen Ellen Restaurant13670 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 996-6409Dinner only./
A California classic with a strong following for many years now, Glen Ellen restaurant is attached to the Glen Ellen Inn. Pretty but simple, it feels like a romantic tree house hideaway with an outdoor deck and plenty of windows for viewing nature. The menu includes superb, fresh interpretations of California-style foods. Start with a savory-rich appetizer such as the Dungeness crab potsticker with leek-cream sauce; sausage and wild mushroom purse baked in puff pastry with brandy cream sauce; pan fried oysters with crispy sourdough breading on baby spinach. Main course favorites include the housemade veal sausages and fettucine, Alaskan halibut with cashew crust and champagne-mandarin orange sauce, and California jambalaya served over couscous.Wine list: The 54 or so wines by the bottle and 13 by the glass selections are all from Sonoma Valley or nearby Carneros. Plenty of fine wines to choose from including Benziger Imagery Series Pinot Blanc and Cline Syrah; some fairly priced.

Il Mulino Cucina Italiana14301 Arnold Drive (Jack London Village), Glen Ellen(707) 938-1890Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
This converted saw mill with the wind wheel attached is the landmark for Jack London Village, a charming enclave of establishments off Arnold Drive. Still rustic but open and contemporary, it’s a sunny, relaxing dining experience. Classic Italian with some New Italian fare blankets the extensive menu. The lunch menu features light items such as minestrone soup, carpaccio, Caprese salad, homemade ravioli with lemon chive cream sauce, and green and white pasta with prawns. Dinner features more of those delectable pastas, like the refined Agnolotti di pollo, along with a daily risotto special and wood burning grill/rotisserie selections. Sonoma lamb with huckleberry sauce and polenta is a specialty many agree is a unique, must-try combination. Wine list: About two thirds of the 40 choices are Italian and the rest are California-bound.From Pipoli Aglianico to Tommasi’s Amarone, the Italian list is thoughtfully prepared with clear descriptions for the unfamiliar. Expect a broad range of wines by the glass.

Jack’s Cafe14301 Arnold Drive (Jack London Village), Glen Ellen(707) 939-6111Breakfast and lunch only.
In-the-woods rustic, Jack’s Cafe is named after former Glen Ellen resident Jack London, master writer of swift tales, journalist and adventurer who many felt personified what it means to be “of Glen Ellen.” Jack suggests coming hungry for a multitude of breakfast specialties including huevos rancheros, eggs benedict, French toast, buttermilk pancakes and a full range of java specialities (ever tried a chocolate raspberry truffle espresso blended with cocoa, raspberry and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings?). Lunch sandwich platters are served with soup or salad: Club with applewood smoked bacon and fresh herb aioli; eggplant, red pepper and mozzarella on sourdough; salmon with cucumber, onion, and cream cheese pesto. Kid’s menu also available. Don’t look for a wine list, they only serve Glen Ellen wine (Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot).

Kenwood Restaurant9900 Highway 12, Kenwood (707) 833-6326Lunch through the day and dinner./
Kenwood Restaurant defines the quintessential chic, Sonoma wine-country restaurant. This road-side country house is polished inside with lofty wood-beamed ceilings, pale interiors and expansive walls of windows, ideal for showcasing the dynamite artwork and vineyard views. Simply perfect describes the California cuisine menu. Listen for the starter specials which could include the plump fresh oysters on the half shell with cilantro vinaigrette, or fine regular menu starters: Succulent crab cakes with young greens and herb mayo; sauteed sweetbreads with endive, mushrooms and caper bordelaise; grape leaves filled with wild rice and lamb served with yogurt sauce. Winning main courses: Steamed mussels with cream, white wine, shallots; seafood ravioli in creamy tomato sauce with the catch of the day; lamb chops with crispy risotto, mushrooms and rosemary bordelaise. Also expect a terrific hamburger and grilled chicken breast sandwich with crispy fries. Warm, inviting bar area sporting a handsome fireplace and aromatic, beautiful bouquets.Wine list: Expect about eight wines by the glass including a yummy King Estate Oregon Pinot Noir; 77 bottle choices with all the big locals such as St. Francis, Remick Ridge, Kunde, B.R. Cohn, Arrowood. There are also some high quality wines from elsewhere in the country likeOregon and France, but they ‘just say no’ to any Napa Valley wines.

La Casa Restaurant & Bar121 East Spain Street, Sonoma(707) 996-3406Lunch and dinner.
La Casa’s menu boasts that it serves “fine Mexican cuisine..not just a trend, a tradition since 1967.” Pretty convincing and turned out to be pretty much true. It’s open and airy with an authentic Mexico-feel, small covered patio for dining and large lounge/bar area. Expect freshly prepared generous servings of tacos, fajitas, Mexican plates of chicken mole, chile verde and chile rellenos with the mandatory rice and bean sides. There are a surprising number of interesting seafood entrees: Salmon Tropical; Snapper Varacruz; Camarones a la Diablo. Children’s menu available.Wine list: Basic California wines are offered by glass or bottle, but microbrews and the “famous margaritas” pair the best with this multi-flavored, piquant food. Full bar and tequila tastings available for the less timid.

LaSalette18625 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma(707) 938-1927Lunch and dinner.
The location (formerly the Bear Flag Cafe right on bustling Sonoma highway) and the view are certainly not the draw, so let’s focus on the chef of this Portugese “contemporary-international” cuisine. Chef/owner Manuel Azevedo was born in Azores but was brought to Sonoma when he was 2 years old. He worked at the Kenwood restaurant under the tutelage of chef Max Schacher who was a big California influence but Azevedo never lost interest in his family connections and cuisine of the world. At LaSalette, his cooking is highly accented with inspiration from familiar cultures like Portugal, Brazil, Madeira and Africa. Rare finds in the appetite department: House-smoked rabbit with white beans; trout escabeche; seafood consomme. The Mozambique prawns is an exotic entree featuring large prawns and baked plantains around coconut flavored white rice, set in a tomato and peanut sauce. Crispy roast Liberty duck would be a good choice for the less adventurous. Stellar desserts include the basmati rice pudding and Valrhona chocolate cake. Quaint building with whitewashed interiors dotted with colorful, bold paintings by local artist’s. Wine list: Expect about 35 reasonably priced wines by the bottle, seven or so by the glass.Sonoma County favorites grace the list: Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet, Newlan Pinot Noir, Mayo Chardonnay. Corkage fee: $7.00.

Lo Spuntino, An Italian Taste of Sonoma400 First St., Sonoma (707) 935-4743Lunch daily. Dinner weekends only./
Lo Spuntino, which means “little tastes” in Italian, is the satellite for the stunning Viansa Winery and Italian Marketplace owned by the Sebastiani family. This busy little replica offers a wider array of Italian fresh foods such as savory tortas, pizzettas, pastas, salads, panini, Italian cheeses and cured meats. The rotisserie emits enticing smells of roasted chicken, turkey, rabbit, duck and lamb. In addition to the extensive wine bar, enjoy micro-brewed beers on tap, an espresso bar and gelateria. In the mood for shopping? You’ll find all of Cucina Viansa’s specialty food products, imported Tuscan pottery and gifts on one side of the store. Wine List: All of Viansa’s Italian style wines are available for tasting or purchase by the glass or bottle. The Enoteca features Viansa’s library and limited release wines for tasting and purchase.The wine list includes about twenty selections including a vintage Pinot Grigio and reserve Chardonnay; vintage Barbera, Sonoma County Zinfandel, Riserva Anatro Rosso (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc); and Samuele, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot created in memory of Samuele Sebastiani, a wine making pioneer in Sonoma Valley.

Marioni’s8 Spain St., Sonoma (707) 996-6866Lunch and dinner.
Trendy by no means, Marioni’s has been serving as Sonoma’s mainstay “surf & turf” restaurant for about twenty years. The highlight of the ambience is the petite sidewalk patio that faces the plaza, perfect for people watching and camping out by the pleasant fireplace for those frequent chilly Northern California evenings. The large, laid-back (television viewing) bar area is also a big attraction for local professionals and friendly folks. Seafood has been a safe choice with fresh, plump oysters on the half shell and the specialty of coco prawns, deep fried in a coconut cream and shredded coconut batter. Steaks, prime rib and pastas round out the menu. Lunchchoices include salads, soups and sandwiches.Wine list: Extensive by the glass selection probably due to the popular bar scene. Bottles to count on: Kenwood Zinfandel, Castle Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Rodney Strong Merlot, Haywood Cabernet.

Mary’s Pizza Shack18636 Highway 12, Boyes Hot Springs(707) 938-3600Lunch and dinner.
Since 1959, Mary Fazio’s legendary no-frills Sonoma County pizza shack has been famous for it’s intoxicating pizza aromas and yeasty crusts baked to perfection with fresh, interesting toppings. Favorites include the roasted garlic & chicken; pizza di sola with tomato basil sauce, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, feta and sliced peppers; Anna’s Mediterranean with fresh spinach, eggplant and fresh thyme served on thin crust. Calzones and garlic bread are also popular along with ten different pastas, sandwiches and traditional Italian casseroles like lasagna and eggplant Parmigiana. Kid friendly; outdoor seating; orders to go; catering available.Wine List: Short but sufficient list of Sonoma county wines by the bottle and glass at fair prices.Assorted beers and microbrews also available.

Mes Trois Filles 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen (707) 938-4844Dinner only. Sunday brunch.
Pronounced “May-twa-fee” it translates to “my three daughters” and features country French-continental cuisine with a Japanese influence. This petite and unpretentious spot offers a brief menu of outstanding food created by chef/owner Len Moriyama, graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Innovative appetizers: Dungeness crab cakes with apricot-jalapeno sauce; terrine of smoked salmon and cilantro cream in wasabi-dill sauce; Sonoma foie gras with port-fig sauce or the sushi du chef. French onion soup and wilted spinach with goat cheese salad is also satisfying. Daily specials are available along with entrees such as tender tournedos of beef with crushed peppercorns in Cabernet Sauvignon sauce; roasted breast of duck in bing cherry sauce; wild mushroom ravioli in herbed beurre blanc; fresh and juicy fish of the day. Fabulous finales include the poached pear in phyllo with Zinfandel zabaglione and the chocolate Grand Marnier mousse.Wine list: Thoughtful and complete with emphasis on Sonoma wines on the domestic list and on Bordeaux (red and white) on the imports.

Rin’s Thai of Sonoma599 Broadway, Sonoma (707) 938-1462Lunch and dinner.
Rin’s is probably known more for take-out than sit down dining due to it’s matchbox size and bare-bones atmosphere. Economical and flavorful, the lunch menu offers a variety of specials such as pork or chicken satay grilled on skewers, traditional Pad Thai, curry of the day, garlicprawns or sesame chicken salad. The dinner menu is more extensive including several choices of appetizers; soulful soups (spicy Tom Yum Goong with lemon grass and prawns); vegetarian entrees; noodles and fried rice; seafood dishes (grilled fish of the day with hot lemon sauce);intensely flavored poultry specialties such as the Gai Kra Prow,garlic chicken with mint leaves, chili and sweet basil.Wine list: Rin’s isn’t a typical wine list kind of place. The selections (bottles) are displayed on the counter up front: Fetzer Chardonnay, Haywood Merlot, Clos du Bois Cabernet.

Ristorante Piatti405 First Street West, Sonoma(707) 996-2351Lunch and dinner.
Garlic aromas billow from the sleek open kitchen as the noise levels continue to rise at this New Italian restaurant and great meeting spot. It’s coupled-up in the delightful El Dorado hotel on the square with a lovely patio worth seeking out and a dining schedule that you can keep up with: They serve all day. Start with the salad of butter lettuce with Oregon blue cheese dressing, pancetta and sundried cherries or one of the California pizzas from the oakwood fired ovens such as the pizza nostra with sauteed mushrooms, roasted garlic prosciutto di Parma, mozzarella and baby arugula. Look to the rotisserie ovens and oakwood grill for skirt steak; calves liver with glazed red onions and polenta; spice rubbed chicken. Also, count on the large selection of creative pasta dishes such as black pepper fettucine with steamed manila clams and Calabrian sausage in garlic white wine sauce. Wine list: Calling all oenophiles...check out this massive Cal/Ital list. Well chosen and reasonably priced by the glass selections: Folinari Pinot Grigio; Coltibuono Sangiovese Toscana; Kenwood Zinfandel “Old Vine.” Big name Sonoma County Chardonnays such as Gary Farrell and Chalk Hill. Expect Italian varietals from California and an extensive list of meritage and reds.

Sonoma Cheese Market2 Spain Street, Sonoma (707) 996-1931Lunch.
This delicatessan landmark on Sonoma’s bustling square is the home of Sonoma Jack cheese. Jam-packed with every other kind of cheese, deli meat, dried salami, salad and condiment, it’s popular with the field grape growers and visiting newcomers. The spacious interior also has a small gift area and sells wine by the bottle or glass. Enjoy your lunch on the covered side patio, sunny umbrella tables overlooking the plaza or have a picnic packed to go.

Swiss Hotel Restaurant18 West Spain Street, Sonoma(707) 938-2884Lunch and dinner.
Now a California historical landmark, The Swiss Hotel has been in business since 1909.This old world, lodge like restaurant features a blend of Italian and California cuisines with a garden patio complete with fireplace. There are six different signature pizzas to choose from prepared in the wood-burning oven; Italian sausage sandwiches; hamburgers and pastas. Entrees feature a few vegetarian choices along with all the meat varieties: veal chop, grilled lamb, Sonoma rabbit, roasted rosemary chicken, Sonoma duck breast, beef filet. The dessert list is extensive including fried sweet banana topped with chocolate sauce and ginger ice cream.Wine list: The Swiss hotel is known for it’s booming bar business and generous sized cocktails.The wine list is local with several wines by the glass and a full selection of single malt scotches, cognacs and ports. The popular “Glariffee” is the Swiss Hotel’s Irish coffee developed by the original owners.

The Cafe at Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa18129 Highway 12, Boyes Hot Springs (707) 938-9000Lunch and dinner.
Situated outside of the inn, the cafe is bright, casual and roomy with cool ceiling fans and a marketplace for picking up enticing gifts. The extensive menu and beverage selection includes squeezed to order juices, smoothies and espresso drinks. Health conscious but flavorful, the menu is full of “spa” selections that are low-calorie, low-fat or low-cholesterol preparations. The flatbreads from the wood-fired ovens are a specialty -- try the forest mushroom, artichoke, grilled leeks and Asiago cheese version. The steamed mussel appetizer with Chardonnay, cilantro and red Thai curry broth is a fine way to warm up to your meal. Fire roasted onion soup with Sonoma port and gruyere is also available along with several fabulous starter or entree salads and substantial sandwiches (roasted turkey club with avocado, herb mayo on foccacia; grilled salmon with roasted bell pepper aioli on herb focaccia). Savvy pastas and creative pizzas from the wood-burning oven are also an option. Expect a complete selection of entrees from barbecue pork loin to cast iron skillet chicken and grilled jumbo shrimp with gnocchi.Wine list: Fifteen or so California wines by the glass including sparklers and a non-alcoholic Chardonnay from Ariel. Half and full bottles of local Sonoma selections.

The Grille at Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa18129 Highway 12, Boyes Hot Springs(707) 938-9000Dinner only./
Internationally recognized as one of the finest upscale restaurants in the area, The Grille’s dining room is fresh and feminine in decor with floral Laura Ashley- looking linens, pastel walls, whitewashed wooden chairs and walls of windows overlooking the sparkling blue swimming pool. The current executive chef is Toni Robertson. Her relatively small, creative menu emphasizes Sonoma County produce, meats and cheeses for elegantly simple dishes. Since this is a spa, the health conscious menu selections are indicated on the menu with calories, cholesterol and fat grams noted. Those in the know start with the pepper crusted ahi served with seaweed rice cake and cress salad dressed with ginger soy dressing and wasabi oil or pan seared sonoma foie gras. The pressed heirloom tomato torte and the Sonoma Farmers’ market vegetable salad plate showcase the incredible produce available in this area. Entree choices might include the roasted halibut wrapped in eggplant; medallions of salmon with lobster potato cake or grilled sirloin of young rabbit with frisee and grape salad. Heavier meats such as grilled beef tenderloin with Zinfandel sauce and rack of lamb are also available. The Chef’s Tasting menu includes four pre-selected courses paired with appropriate wines and the specials change daily -- an ideal way to enjoy the whole ‘California wine country’ experience. Wine list: Honored with The Wine Spectator’s 1998 “Best of Award of Excellence,” The Grille features over 200 Napa, Sonoma and worldwide selections. The 22 page reserve list is comprised of many rare and more mature fine wines including vertical vintages from some of California’s premiere vintners. Diamond Creek Cabernet is offered in 8 different vintages and vertical tastings of Chateau Montelena Zinfandel are available. The 15 or so French selections are older vintages from the 1980's.

Viansa Winery and Italian Marketplace25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma(707) 935-4700Winery hours only./
The Italian marketplace, housed in the stunning tasting room, is replete with assorted cheeses, Italian sliced meats like proscuitto, olive oils, mustards, sauces. The deli includes fresh sandwiches on focaccia, gourmet salads and swell desserts. Load up and venture outside to the one of 35 or more picnic tables under grape trellises and shady trees overlooking Viansa’s 90-acre waterfowl preserve and the south end of Sonoma Valley. From April to November a Tuscan grill is fired up in the center courtyard for barbecue chicken, meat and Italian specialties like spicy grilled sausage providing an excellent way to eat lunch alfresco and soak up the fine, sun-splashed Mediterranean surroundings. During the summer, a gelato cart provides cool treats for warm visitors.Wine list: Be adventurous and try some of the unfamiliar Italian varietals. Wines by the glass that fare well at picnics: Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Arneis and Nebbiolo.

Robin Barr Sussman
Vineyards Inn8445 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood (707) 833-4500Lunch and dinner./
Seek out the vine-trellised covered patio for authentic flavors of Mexico and Spain. Start with the tapas -- try the lime-garlic calamari for a real treat or the ceviche; even nachos are special here. For lunch, sample the taqueria tacos, bay shrimp tostadita or chicken avocado sandwich. For the flavors of Spain, consider the sopa del mar with fresh seafood simmered in bouillabaisse style stew or paella Valenciana, a hard-to-find specialty; asadas (marinated grilled meats); and pastas. For dessert, enjoy homemade flan or the ice cream taco with homemade ice cream in a crisp cinnamon tortilla. Owners of this earthy cafe grow most of its produce at their ranch in Kenwood. Wine list: Small list of local wines by the bottle or glass are available, but don’t miss the fresh, fantastic top-shelf margaritas!

Zino’s420 First Street East, Sonoma (707) 996-4466Lunch and dinner.
Zino’s, offering classic Italian-American fare, captures the fancy of tourists and locals alike with it’s reasonable prices and simple, inviting atmosphere. Tried-and-true favorites include the fresh pasta dishes, chicken Parmesan, turkey scallopine and osso buco; sandwiches and old-time spumoni are also available. Full bar features espresso, cappuccino, wines by the glass and live jazz.

Great places and information

2005-05-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

Skiing trips

www.4rentincolorado.net

http://coloradoskiing.blogspot.com/

http://aspenskiing.blogspot.com/

Florida vacations

www.4rentinmiamibeach.com

Disneyland

www.4rentinorlando.com

The Jerseyshore

www.brigantine4rent.com

Do you have an Ipod ?

Get some info on the latest podcasting news!

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www.publicpod.blogspot.com

Hot spot housings Markets

http://www.hotspothomes.com/

(An online resource for the hottest areas in the realeste market)

Do you like the idea of moving to Philadelphia?

www.4rentinphilly.com

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www.phillycheessteaks.blogspot.com

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The Napa Valley

2005-05-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

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The first thing many people notice about wine country dining is the freshness of every ingredient. And why not, with the world's breadbasket of fruits and veggies on one side and an ocean on the other? With this base from which to choose, it would be a tragedy if the food was not terrific. Fortunately, you won't dine much better or with much more consistency anywhere, and most of the Napa restaurants (unless ethnic) prepare their food in the California style.

As to ethnic dining, you won't find much in the way of ethnic restaurants (a few good ones here and there - mostly Italian), but that is because the chefs here are understandably creating dishes that accompany some of the finest wine in the world.

A word about the wine. It is quite routine for even average restaurants and sandwich shops to have great selections of wine, so it would be monotonous for us to praise the wine list in each review. What we will do is mention the wine service in those restaurants that are extraordinary (on the positive or negative side).

One further tip. You will be visiting wineries all day and will often want to drink a bottle that you purchased. No problem in Napa Valley - the restaurants expect it. Most do charge a fair corkage fee, however, so you should expect it. We always think that if you dine with more than two (and sometimes just a couple), if you bring a bottle, buy a bottle.

And a last hint. If you dine in Calistoga, which is the warmest part of the Valley anyway, the area near the windows on the south side of Lincoln Avenue can be quite warm and bright while the sun is setting in the summer. Fair warning. Don't stay away from the restaurant, just ask for a cooler table.

ALL SEASONS
1400 Lincoln Ave.
Calistoga
942-9111

Mostly frequented by locals, the real treat here is not so much the food, which is good but not stellar, but the unique wine store in the back of the restaurant. The wine shop, not surprisingly, carries a fine selection of Napa and Sonoma wines, but it is the only place in the Valley (to our knowledge) that stocks fine Italian AND French wines (Bordeaux and Burgundy especially). As you dine, you have a choice of drinking from the wine list or from the store, and if you choose the latter, a reasonable corkage fee will be added on. The fine wines here are a nice accompaniment to hearty American dishes.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B+

ANGELE
540 Main St.
Napa
252-8115

A French bistro on the banks of the Napa River, the combination of affable staff, solid California/French dishes, and a pretty setting serve to make Angele a popular stop. We enjoyed the food here, but the ambiance and lively atmosphere are the selling points. Know what's really great here? The good ole American burger, and sometimes that's the perfect food after a day of visiting wineries.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B+

AUBERGE DU SOLEIL
180 Rutherford Hill Rd.
Rutherford
963-1211

For elegant dining plus a view, no restaurant in the Valley compares to Auberge Du Soleil, located at the top of a hill off Silverado Trail. We recommend taking some time for either lunch or dinner and relaxing on the porch surrounding the dining room, or even in the bar. Both areas provide top shelf cocktails, great wines, and stunning panoramas.

But the view is terrific from the restaurant too, as is the wonderful California cuisine served up by Chef Richard Reddington, who improves the experience each time we go. The menu is set up to be a tasting menu, but the restaurant allows you to also dine a la carte. That is appreciated. A bonus - wonderful wine list. It isn't surprising that Auberge is the choice of many of the vintners in the Valley when they want to experience a special evening.

Food Rating: A- Overall Rating: A

BISTRO DON GIOVANNI
4110 St. Helena Highway
Napa
224-3300

You want crowded and noisy to go along with good food? This is your place. Freshness is the watchword here - we love the sauces and fish, as well as dishes like pasta with lamb, artichokes, and roasted tomatoes; and the duck breast served on risotto with apples and chipoline onions. Much of the menu, including terrific veggies, is grilled on mesquite, a process that imparts some nice flavors that compliment the natural fragrances. It's a pleasure to have an almost rustic, Tuscan style dining room in the Valley. Giovanni's is not the best food in Napa, as some claim, but it rates highly.

Food Rating: A- Overall Rating: A-

BISTRO JEANTY
6510 Washington St.
Yountville
944-0103

If there is a more popular neighborhood type bistro in the Napa area, we don't know about it. Famed chef Philippe Jeanty, who developed his unique style in France and then at Chandon in the Valley, decided in 1997 to create a bistro where he could recreate all those favorite foods of his childhood. The doors of Bistro Jeanty opened in April of 1998.

Not one of our favorite restaurants in its early days (we felt the service was average, the menu limited, and the wine list poor), Jeanty has advanced in leaps and bounds to become both trendy and a gastronomic winner. The wine list now features a diverse selection of outstanding examples of France, Napa, and Sonoma, and the food (with a nicely expanded menu) remains eclectic and tasty. You may wish to try the beet and mache salad with feta cheese; the duck and goat cheese pate; rabbit pate with mustard celery root; lamb tongue and potato salad; sole meuniere; Coq au Vin (chicken, mushroom, and bacon red wine stew); beef stew; various cassoulets; duck confit; and steak tartare.

Food Rating: A- Overall Rating: A-

BOMBAY BISTRO
1106 First St.
Napa
253-9375

Perhaps the only Indian restaurant in Napa, Bombay Bistro prepares meals in a light style without losing the magical flavors of the Indian spices and herbs. If you are not familiar with Indian restaurants, they offer much more than simple curries. Here, for example, the grilled meats and fish (called Tandoori) are spiced perfectly, and the cool yogurt or cream based sauces surround meats or vegetables and bring out its flavor. The owners have invested in a nice wine store right next door, so choose from the menu or the store (if the latter, a fair corkage charge is added to the bill).

Food Rating: B+ Overall Rating: B

BOUCHON
6534 Washington St.
Yountville
944-8037

This is a fun French bistro. In fact, though Bouchon means "cork" in French, it is also a term in France meaning bistro. The striking bar, attractive room, fresh raw seafood, well conceived wine list, and late hours all combine to make Bouchon enormously popular with those in the wine industry, as well as diners in the know. It's a place to meet people after 10:00 p.m.. We think the food is fine - quite simple as a Bouchon should be - but nicely prepared with lots of options.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: A-

BRANNAN'S
1374 Lincoln Ave.
Calistoga
942-2233

After some changes in the kitchen, this beautifully restored restaurant with open windows and wall murals created by acclaimed trompe l'oeil artist Carlo Marchiori (a local), should become as hot as it was when it opened in 1998. New chef Allen Routt, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, can flat out create and prepare extraordinary dishes. Some of what we tasted is not on the menu nightly, but will be included in specials. The oyster ravioli in champagne sauce was the perfect start, and nicely preceded a rare and moist oak plank salmon. For a primary entree we were served a truly unique rabbit still on the rib. What a find that was. Chef Routt just has "the touch." The bar at Brannan's makes a mean martini, and is understandably one of the most popular meeting places in Calistoga.

Food Rating: A Overall Rating: A

BRIX
7377 St. Helena Hwy.
Yountville
944-2749

One of our favorite places - we have yet to have anything but excellent and professional service, as well as some of the best prepared food anywhere. And this is so even though there have been more changes in the kitchen than one usually finds in better dining establishments. You might describe the cuisine at Brix as seasonal California. The restaurant attempts to use local produce, and adjacent to the restaurant is a seasonal garden planted with herbs and vegetables that enhance the menu.

The ultimate experience here is due in great part to the management, and a good time is enhanced by the jovial staff who will make sure you order the right amount of the night's best dishes. Trust them, but do order the ever so lightly fried calamari, some of the best anywhere, and consider the beef skewers with peanutty peanut sauce; the Ahi on crispy wonton; the pan roasted snapper with a lobster sauce; and rack of lamb with fried artichokes, baby squash, and whole grain mustard jus.

The wine list is one of the best, and there is a wine store here where you can choose your libation if you desire for a fair corkage charge. We do like it here.

Food Rating: A Overall Rating: A+

BUSTER'S BBQ
Intersection of Lincoln & Rt. 29
Calistoga
942-5605

We don't think anyplace in the country can outdo the quality and taste of Buster's BBQ. Hidden in a shack just off the main road, with seating at picnic tables, Buster prepares his meats and ribs on a huge grill outside, and serves you from a window in the building. You will select either a sandwich or a dinner made from Tritip (a popular beef cut in the West), pork loin, or ribs, with sides of slaw and baked beans. Be careful that you taste the hot sauce before allowing it to touch your tongue. For two of us we usually split a sandwich and a slab of ribs. It's enough, and it's a treat.

Food Rating: A+ Overall Rating: B+

BUTTER CREAM BAKERY & CAFE
2297 Jefferson St.
Napa
255-6700

This little place with (if you can imagine in 2003) pink and white stripes is reminiscent of an old time bakery and soda counter (they still have pink stools). Breakfasts and lunches are traditional, but the real reason to stop here is the huge selection of fresh baked goods and pastries, and the smiles from behind the counter.

Food Rating: B
Baked Goods & Pastries Rating: A+
Overall Rating: A

CELADON
500 Main St.
Napa
254-9690

Celadon, owned by Chef Greg Cole, was the first fine dining restaurant in the recently revitalized city of Napa. It has grown in scope and moved to a location more befitting its grace and style (the historic Napa Mill), but it remains a popular stop for tourists and locals alike. Chef Greg is fond of referring to his cuisine here as "global comfort food," and the seasonally changing menu features the flavors of the Mediterranean, Asia and the Americas. The Algerian style braised lamb is a wow. The wine list has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence annually since 1997.

Food Rating: B+ Overall Rating: B+

CHANDON
1 California Dr.
Yountville
944-2892

The "Granddaddy" of fine Napa dining, this elegant restaurant (Chandon is the dining room at Domaine Chandon winery) has always served good food, though it has had more than its share of turnovers. Fortunately there now seems to be a working match between the restaurant and Chef Eric Torralba, who since his arrival has worked to build kitchen camaraderie through the European tradition of dining together during staff meals, and has begun infusing his global culinary experience into the refined dining room setting.

By coincidence, we dined at Chandon the week Chef Eric arrived, and we can recall his deceleration that Chadon was through with goat cheese for a while because everyone else used it. That's why we found his quote on the Domaine Chandon website to be interesting. "Focus," he said, "on using the products around you and use common sense. Don't necessarily follow trends."

We had a marvelous dinner the evening we visited, choosing the seven course tasting menu. However, you may dine a la carte as well. Appetizers got us in the right mood when we tasted the olive oil braised artichokes and the exceptional lobster risotto with vanilla infused sweet corn reduction. The six oysters "five ways" were intriguing. Stellar entrees included the turbot with sweet corn risotto and coral butter; roast squab with seared foie gras; basil crusted lamb loin; osso bucco pappardelle with pinot noir essence; and fillet of John Dory with basil gnocchi and clam sauce.

Food Rating: A Overall Rating: A

CINDY'S BACK STREET KITCHEN
1327 Railroad Ave.
St. Helena
963-1200

After a rocky start as Miramonte (a surprise to all with the owner being chef Cindy Pawlcyn), Cindy's PR team must have been smart enough to not only revamp the restaurant, but it's name as well. Thus, Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen was born and seems to be doing quite well, though the service is still a little suspect.

Located in a 150 year old building on Railroad Ave., the charm is certainly there, and, let's face it, Cindy knows how to cook. The menu is now mostly regional cuisine with just a few southwestern touches, and maybe a splash or two of Asian influences. Our flatbread with cheese, smoked heirloom tomatoes, roasted corn, and basil was superb, as were the Chipotle rubbed quail with balsamic jus, the roasted artichoke with lemon-caper aioli, and the duck burger with shiitake mushroom ketchup. Other very enticing menu selections include chicken with relleno, corn and salsa; wild mushroom tamales with grits and chard; short ribs; and curried chicken with sugar snaps, butter lettuce, and crispy bacon.

Food Rating: A- Overall Rating: B+

COLE'S CHOP HOUSE
1122 Main St.
Napa
224-6328

Napa Valley is without many of the fine dining chain restaurants you find in other areas of dining renown. To this we say "Hurrrah," as the absence of these giants allows independent chefs to practice their trade. With this in mind, Greg Cole ambitiously opened the Valley's only restaurant devoted to steaks and chops (this does not imply many other restaurants cannot prepare superb steaks - they can and do). The restaurant itself is spacious and stunning in design, and it's hard to secure a reservation on the patio as well. As with most steak houses today, everything here is a la carte, and that makes your meal relatively expensive. Add a good, but also expensive, wine list, and an evening here can cost some money. But the prices are fair for this type food, for a nice wine inventory, and for friendly service.

Food Rating: B+ Overall Rating: A-

COMPADRES GRILL
6539 Washington St.
Yountville
944-0103

Even in wine country, sometimes you want something other than wine. Well, if your choice is a margarita and very good Mexican food, many locals will tell you that the best one around is served here at Compadres. Atmosphere here is lively. Food is good. Prices are gentle.

Food Rating: B+ Overall Rating: B

CUCINA A LA CARTE
6525 Washington St.
Yountville
944-1600

Open a little over a year as of this writing, almost all great western cuisines are represented over a period of time (in fact, the Chef may want to concentrate a bit more in one area). Most every dish, from bread to pasta, is made in house, yet the food lacks a certain ambition. Also, we aren't fond of dining on paper plates with regular flatware (a strange combination). Cheese selections are good, but the wine list is a bit short.

Food Rating: B- Overall Rating: C+

CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
(sometimes referred to as Wine Spectator Greystone CIA)
2555 Main St.
St. Helena
967-1010

It may be a good thing that some people stay away from the CIA thinking it is only a training school for chefs. The restaurant is crowded enough. In reality, though, the training area is separate from the superb dining room, which easily ranks in the Valley's top 10.

Housed in the former Christian Brothers Winery,the CIA includes museums, gift shops, exhibits, culinary conference and teaching areas, and a new and exciting wine study building. Yet the restaurant is not overshadowed at all. The restaurant creates some of most innovative classic California dishes in America, and the wine list is arguably the finest in Napa. In fact, the Institute has a program where second generation winemakers are bottling special wine under their wineries names to raise money. These wines can be purchased and enjoyed at dinner for ridiculously low prices. The cavernous dining room (which is a bit loud - it's in an old stone building after all) surrounds numerous chefs preparing various dishes, each of which will challenge your palate. The servers are uniformly knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. What more can you want? This is a real wine country experience.

Food Rating: A Overall Rating: A+

DEAN & DELUCA MARKET
607 S. St. Helena Hwy.
St. Helena
967-9980

Not a place to sit for a meal, but deserving of inclusion here because buying lunch to enjoy outside at a winery is an almost inescapable pastime in the Valley. At D & D you can find whatever you want, from pre-prepared meats to an incredible selection of cheeses and sandwiches, and from gourmet desserts to perhaps the largest selection of California wine anywhere. This store has produce, food products and cookware. Even if you aren't buying, you should still browse through the store and taste all the samples. Someday they'll get you back. A one of a kind place.

Food Rating: A Overall Rating: A+

DOMAINE CHANDON (see Chandon)

DON GIOVANNI (see Bistro Don Giovanni)

FOOTHILL CAFE
2766 Old Sonoma Rd.
Napa
252-6178

This is a small room (seats about 40) that is not well known at all - well, it wasn't until some big city reviews. Now it is a popular place with locals (including some wine industry people), and becoming more sought out by visitors. Truth be told, the food is pretty good (not great) and the service is average (nice but not special), but a well conceived wine list and whimsical ambiances added to the cool clientele elevates the overall experience. Comfort food, especially steak, pasta, and garlic mashed potatoes is the watchword.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B+

FLATIRON GRILL
1440 Lincoln Ave.
Calistoga
942-1220

When you want to be ultra casual, yet would like some fine wine and food, there aren't many places you can visit in Calistoga. But Calistoga will remind you of an old cowboy town, and people are more casual there than in the rest of the Valley. It's also hotter there (see Introduction). The newest restaurant earning kudos is Flatiron, an attractive dining room and bar that serves what can only be called comfort food. But they do it very well, and thoughtfully offer what might be our favorite wine list, and a global beer list. In fact, service is fine all around.

Just a glance at the menu tells you what you are in for, except it doesn't speak to the uniformly outstanding preparation. The appetizers include fried calamari, simple salads, sauteed mussels, and onion rings. Entrees can be selected from steak, prime rib, brisket, grilled chicken, seafood pasta, etc. The sides are pure childhood home: French fries, mac & cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed mushroom and onions, or potatoes gratin. A fun evening of memories can be had at Flatiron (a root beer float for dessert?).

Food Rating: A Overall Rating: B+

FRENCH LAUNDRY (Temporarily Closed, 2004)
6640 Washington St.
Yountville
944-2380

To most, this is Napa Valley's most famous, and penultimate, restaurant. It certainly is the most expensive, the most difficult place to get a reservation, the home of the world's highest (and, ridiculous) corkage charge, and the seat of pretentious service. This is not to say that the flair of Chef Thomas Keller is not wonderful, or that the food is less than stratospheric in its excellence. But for us, there has to be more than food. You have to feel not only as if the restaurant owners want you and the servers care you are there, but also you want to leave thinking the entire dining experience was "worth it." If the price is too high, the corkage charge unreasonable, and the reservation policy a pain, it's hard to feel satisfied no matter the brilliance of the dishes.

Make no mistake. French Laundry has won almost every award or rave in the world. And the food merits those accolades. So if that's what you want, by all means don't miss the chance (if you can get in).

Food Rating: A+ Overall Rating: B+

FUME BISTRO
4050 Byway East
Napa
257-1999

Fume Bistro, warm and inviting, has become a local favorite in just a short time. Cocktails are good, the carefully chosen wine list is price friendly, and the servers are people friendly. If you are in the mood for pizzas, there is a wood fired oven. If you want appetizers, choose from one of a number, such as duck confit, spring rolls, crab cakes, roasted mussels or crispy calamari Salads are good, and soups (especially the potato leek) are terrific. Entrees include excellent Kobe beef, lamb, fresh seafood, chicken, and pasta. Save room for the exceptional homemade desserts, primarily the creme brulee and the lemon-blueberry bread pudding.

Food Rating: B+ Overall Rating: A-

GREEN VALLEY CAFE
1310 Main St.
St. Helena
963-7088

It always surprises us as to how many locals are not familiar with this Northern Italian trattoria, even though it is in the middle of Main Street in trendy St. Helena. People just walk right by. And if the locals don't know about it, think about the tourists. Well, the lasagna's out of the bag, so here we go.

What you will primarily find in this unobtrusive small room is superb Italian cuisine - the best in Napa Valley. Yes, the clientele mostly know each other, and the servers are friendly, but the food's the thing. Don't miss the calamari, and check the blackboard for specials. For a real treat, have a steak (no kidding) surrounded by pasta and meat sauce, but whatever you have will raise your spirits, and you'll raise yours to the chef.

Food Rating: A+ Overall Rating: A

HURLEY'S
6518 Washington St.
Yountville
944-2345

Hurley's benefits from the local popularity of its owner, plus the location (location, location). The restaurant is in the middle of late night Yountville where the two main streets connect, and serves a regional menu for dinner, as well as a late night bar menu. Stunning glass doors open to the patio from the bar, and the dining room is bathed in warm colors. Neither the menu, itself, nor the wine list, are overly exciting, but the menu does have something for everyone - steak, seafood, and sometimes game (usually a fowl). Service is certainly fun and friendly.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B+

HYDRO BAR & GRILL
1403 Lincoln Ave.
Calistoga
942-9777

Hydro, which is really a bar with food, has one distinction that puts it on our list. We believe it is the only place in the Valley north of Yountville to find a hearty selection of food after 11:00 p.m. There is nothing remarkable about the decor (brick walls and hardwood floor) or the food. But it's there and can satisfy a yen.

Food Rating: C Overall Rating: B-

JULIA'S KITCHEN
COPIA
500 First St.
Napa
265-5700

We included Julia's because Sallys-Place is a comprehensive review site. However, there have been so many changes, and there are so many varied opinions about this restaurant, that any grade would be misleading. It is worthy of note that it was selected Restaurant of the Year in 2002 by Esquire Magazine, but at present that rating would seem high.

LA LUNA MARKET
1153 Rutherford Rd.
Rutherford
963-3211

You can't eat inside, but there is no place to find more authentic Mexican ingredients in the Valley, nor are you ever likely to experience anything quite like the burritos served at the food counter in the back of the store. If we told you that they weigh a pound or more, we are not exaggerating, and you choose the meats, beans, and spices that are included. One burrito feeds three, and it's worth a stop here at least one time per trip to fill up for a lunch picnic. Have some Tums handy, and don't plan dinner for that night.

Food Rating: A Overall Rating: A

LA TOQUE
1140 Rutherford Rd.
Rutherford
963-9770

One of the places we go out of our way to recommend is La Toque. Chef/owner Ken Frank and elegant front of the house manager Julia Wilson are always on hand to be certain that the diner's experience is a memorable one, and they almost always succeed. From the moment you are greeted by Julia with a glass of champagne, to the presentation of desserts somewhere between two and four hours later (dependent on the numbers dining, your drinking preferences, and your desire to relax), you feel as if you are royalty. We think this is Napa's number one dining experience. From service to food to wine to ambiance, all is perfect.

La Toque features a prix fix menu that changes weekly. You may select your wine from an extensive list, or decide to have the pairings of the evening. Either way, and no matter how well you know wine, we suggest you consult, and have a discussion with, sommelier Scott Tracy - we always do (and frequently learn something).

Perusing a menu is a fitting end of the review (you would choose one from each course):

Duffy's Early Girl Tomato Soup served Chilled with "Brunoise" of Panzanella
Diced Montauk Bluefin Tuna with Yukon Gold Potatoes and Sauce Verte
__________
New England Spotted Skate Wing with Zante Currants and Brown Butter
Olive Oil Poached Pacific Halibut with Marjoram and Manila Clams
__________
Seared Artisan Foie Gras with Fresh Corn Polenta and Chanterelles
Roasted Oregon Quail with Port and Green Peppercorns
__________
Wild Atlantic Striped Bass with Lobster Cabernet Sauce
Niman Ranch Rib Roast with it's own "Hachis Parmentier"
Pappardelle with Garlic Roasted Rocky Mountain Porcini
__________
Selection of Ripe Cheese with Walnut Bread
__________
Sauteed Hamada Farms Peaches with an Almond "Twinkle"
Warm Chocolate Hazelnut Tart with Toasted Hazelnut Ice Cream

Food Rating: A+ Overall Rating: A+

MARKET
1347 Main St.
St. Helena
963-3799

Market capitalizes on the trend toward comfort foods. To that end they offer dishes like meat loaf, fried chicken, etc., in a semi upscale setting. The food is "OK," the wine list not as good as it should be, and the service needs some work. If you are staying in St. Helena, this is a nice stop, but not worth a special trip.

MARTINI HOUSE
1245 Spring St.
St. Helena
963-2233

This is one of the hottest places in Napa, and a place to be seen. Restaurateur Pat Kuleto and Executive Chef Todd Humphries have created a sophisticated restaurant offering "the whole package." Ambiance? Fireplaces in three rooms compliment the dark woods in the semi formal main dining, there are light fixtures evocative of woven Indian baskets and acorns, and an open staircase descends into the casual Wine Cellar bar. If you prefer outside dining, enjoy the lawn where you will dine beneath vine-covered arbors and trellises. Service? As professional as any in Napa. Food? If Chef Humphries is involved, it's good. Here he has created a "Napa Cuisine" menu incorporating local produce and foods, including farm-raised meats and wild game.

An example of a few dishes will bring home the excellence. You might enjoy the sauteed foie gras with a golden raisin sauce; olive oil marinated Monterey Bay anchovies; roasted Sonoma duck breast with cherries in a hibiscus sauce; sauteed day boat sea scallops with saffron gnocchi, sauteed chanterelles and summer truffle sauce; pan roasted wild striped bass; and chilled poached ruby red prawns with ginger salad of organic melon and sea beans with lime vinaigrette. Ask for a wine recommendation by the glass, or from an extraordinary list.

Food Rating: A- Overall Rating: A

MIRAMONTE (see Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen)

MUSTARDS GRILL
7399 St. Helena Hwy.
Yountville
944-2424

Long a Napa Valley tradition among locals, celebrity chef Cindy Pawlcyn continues to turn out well prepared fresh fish, lamb, and pork. Visitors now are a major part of the clientele. We have never been as enamored with Mustards as are many writers, and it may be because we became regulars in the Valley long after the restaurant's reputation had been earned. We were, therefore, able to more dispassionately give an opinion. Mustards is good, but there are many better.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B

NEST CAFE
7787 St. Helena Hwy.
Oakville
944-0206

Apparently designed to compete with Oakville Grocery, Nest has a long way to go. You can dine on premises here, but you still have to order at a counter and then get your own utensils. The dining areas are unattractive and hot. Add that to an only fair wine selection (no excuse in Napa) and average food, and you have an average business.

Food Rating: C+ Overall Rating: C-

OAKVILLE GROCERY
7856 St. Helena Hwy.
Oakville
944-8802

The King of all sandwich and gourmet food shops. You don't eat here, but order gourmet sandwiches (hot and cold) of every kind. "The Grocery," as it is known, is always crowded, yet turns out orders quite quickly. The place is a "happening" in and of itself, and the food is superb. A nice wine selection is on premises.

Food Rating: A+ Overall Rating: A+

PALISADES MARKET
1506 Lincoln Ave.
Calistoga
942-9549

We are always thankful for this outstanding gourmet food, wine, sandwich, and specialty shop located in the northern part of the Valley. It's hard to find a quick meal of quality in Calistoga, but Palisades always comes through. Don't let the unassuming building deter you. While you wait for your order inside, peruse the olive oils, bakery goods, cheeses, chutneys, and salads. A great place.

Food Rating: A Overall Rating: A

PERE JEANTY
6725 Washington St.
Yountville
945-1000

The newest restaurant of famed Philippe Jeanty, this charming establishment can be found just a few blocks from Bistro Jeanty in Yountville. Pere Jeanty is a beautiful representation of Provencal cuisine and ambiance, and exhibits old world style and charm. Menu items include sweetbreads, rabbit loin, wild mushrooms and white truffle oil; thyme roasted monkfish with bouillabaisse broth, manilla clams and aioli; a wood oven roasted whitefish with Baux de Provence olive oil and grey salt; and an oven roasted whole dungeness crab with calabria chilies, garlic, basil and orange zest.

The establishment has started well, but a grade awaits a six month trial.

PIATTI
6480 Washington St.
Yountville
944-2070

We have always enjoyed the Northern Italian dishes and available Italian wines served at Piatti, especially on the lovely patio. Service is friendly, and the cost is less than many competitors. If there is a negative, it's the lack of uniqueness here - a very staid place. But sometimes that's what the winemaker ordered.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B-

PINOT BLANC
641 Main St.
St. Helena
963-6191

Locals will tell you Pinot Blanc has one of the nicest bars in town for both cocktails and wine. We can tell you about the Mediterranean pizzazz added to what has always been quality California cuisine. We loved the lamb tartare with truffles, and the pan seared grouper with thyme braised chanterelles and grilled scallions. The romantic room, with a stone fireplace, is a plus. If you haven't been to Pinot Blanc for a while, it's time to enjoy it again.

Food Rating: B+ Overall Rating: A-

RUTHERFORD GRILL
1180 Rutherford Rd.
Rutherford
963-1792

If there is one place that no visitor should miss (locals don't), it is Rutherford Grill. Priced to please any budget, this Napa Valley institution is home to more winemakers and winery people than you can count in the late afternoon and early evening, especially on Fridays. The Grill is always crowded, friendly, and full of people who know each other. The wine list here not only rivals most in the Valley, we know of nowhere that offers better selections by the glass, or better prices for glass or bottle. And the food is superb. If ostrich is on the menu, you must try it, but we also like the usually offered lamb, the prime rib sandwich, the rotisserie chicken, or any of the other so called comfort foods. Feel free to dine at the bar that is the focal point of the room. The food is the same as in a booth, and, if you are outgoing, you'll meet some interesting people.

Food Rating: A Overall Rating: A+

SODA CANYON STORE
4006 Silverado Trail
Napa
252-0285

When you need a relatively quick lunch or other "general store" goods on the southern part of the Silverado Trail, you don't have many (if any) options. Fortunately, Soda Canyon Store has been remodeled, and the young ladies who own it have done a nice job. The gleaming hardwood counter tops and paneled walls give a nice counterpoint to the shiny glass and stainless steel. The store now offers excellent made to order sandwiches , as well as local wines which you can enjoy inside or, if you get there first, at one of the two picnic tables outside. Salads and prepared foods are there too. A good stop as you begin your way up the Silverado Trail, or at mid-day so you can stay in the neighborhood.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B

SUSHI MAMBO
1015 Combs St.
Napa
257-6604

Sushi with a bit of a twist. The rolls include wine country ingredients and are somewhat unique. The fish is fresh and, as far as we know, this is the only sushi restaurant in the Valley.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B

TAYLOR'S REFRESHER
933 Main St.
St. Helena
963-3486

This may be the most unique place to dine in the country. Frequented by locals and those who really know Napa, Taylor's atmosphere is a throwback to the 50's (even though it was remodeled in the 90's). You order from a window, take a seat at a covered picnic table, and wait for your name to be called. What sets this legendary establishment apart is the menu. Yes, normal drive-in food is available (and itâ€™s excellent - try the juicy burgers), but you might also choose fish tacos, crawfish, or the best ahi burger anywhere. It just depends what is on the menu that day. Shakes are wonderful, too, and the flavors are quite eclectic. Finally, truly nice wines can be ordered - some by the glass and some by the half bottle. Hint: it's usually crowded, so if you call ahead, you can go straight to the pick up window and avoid the lines. Don't visit Napa without trying Taylor's.

Food Rating: A+ Overall Rating: A

TERRA
1345 Railroad Ave.
St. Helena
963-8931

Terra is the favorite of many who live in, or travel to, the Valley, and deservedly so. We think it easily wins all accolades for light, sophisticated, and delicious cuisine. No one uses fresh ingredients with subtle Asian infusions better than chef/ owners Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone (Hiro was named 2003 Chef of the Year by the James Beard Foundaton), and maitre d/sommelier Tim Mosher is one of the best at his craft, always able to recommend some new boutique wine of excellence. In only one other Napa restaurant do we always discuss our wine selections with the sommelier as we do with Tim.

Though the menu changes every evening to some degree, some of our favorite dishes include the lobster in an oyster mushroom lobster sauce with spinach and tarragon; sweet corn bisque with clams and summer squash; broiled sake marinated black cod and shrimp dumplings in Shiso broth; grilled squab on sweet corn and chanterelle mushroom risotto with foie gras sauce; the veal steak; and the sweet breads. If the word superb ever applies to food, it does here.

Food Rating: A+ Overall Rating: A+

TRA VIGNE
1050 Charter Oak
St. Helena
963-4444

A legend in the Napa Valley, and the recipient of many awards from many critics, we believe Tra Vigne to be highly overrated in most respects. In fact, when we read guide books and reviews, we can't believe they are describing the same restaurant where we have dined many times. The service is lacking for non-locals, and, while it is in fact friendly when locals are involved, it is not professional. If you aren't with "somebody," your chance of a good table or an honored reservation is not great. Despite food raves everywhere you look in the books, it is relatively ordinary Italian cuisine. But there is no denying it is a popular stop in the Valley. However, we think your money is better spent elsewhere.

Food Rating: B- Overall Rating: B-

TRIPLE S RANCH
4600 Mountain Ranch Rd.
Calistoga
942-6730

You probably have not heard of this retro place. It is in very few guidebooks and perhaps is best described as a rustic hotel bar/restaurant that hasn't changed in 35 years. It is also up in the mountains a few miles from civilization, and hard to get to. Nevertheless, if you want to eat where jeans are considered dressing up, where the price of a steak includes salad or soup, a non alcoholic beverage, and dessert, and where people are people, this is it. Oh, the food isn't bad either.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B

TUSCANY
1005 First St.
Napa
258-1000

Tuscany is a casual and affordable restaurant with some Italian core dishes (including some creative pastas), but its special preparations (duck, rabbit, and veal) are really the stars. We would identify the style of cuisine more as Californian with Italian influences than we would Italian, but the dacor is clearly reminiscent of many European cities, and Tuscany in particular. The Italian wines on the list are often good buys and worth a try.

Food Rating: B Overall Rating: B

VILLA ROMANO
1011 Soscol Ferry Rd.
Napa
252-4533

Built as a stage stop in 1855, the two story Villa Romano offers a wine list of over 150 different labels to compliment its well prepared Northern Italian dishes. A fireplace, romantic candlelight dining, and a warm décor help give you the feeling that you are in a private home. While you won't see many dishes on the menu you haven't seen before, they are prepared with care and passion by the chef/owner, served by a friendly staff, and are flavorful enough that they should well satisfy a search for good Italian cuisine in the Valley. Once a month Villa Romano sponsors a wine dinner, so inquire about that when making reservations.

Food Rating: B+ Overall Rating: B+

WAPPO BAR & BISTRO
1226 Washington St.
Calistoga
942-4712

This is a very interesting and almost daring restaurant. It defies any sort of classification, as it offers dishes from many global cultures, as well as intricate combinations of foods. How about, for example, Tandoori style chicken; Brazilian seafood stew; Thai coconut curry; New York steak; or Ecuadorian braised pork. Given that we love innovation, the same factors that make Wappo unique also cause our only problems. Firstly, there just is no chef that can prepare extraordinary food of every nation. The Tandoori chicken may taste good, but not taste like Tandoori chicken should taste. Secondly, some of the infusions don't work. On the other hand, much of what is served is great. So what you get here is a place with an almost self imposed lack of consistency. What is always consistent, however, is a creative wine list with minimum mark ups. Wappo is a good time, and worth a "risk."

Food Rating: A to C- Overall Rating: A- to C+

WINE SPECTATOR GREYSTONE
(see CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA)

ZUZU
829 Main St.
Napa
224-8555

Zuzu is a late night Mediterranean tapas bar in downtown Napa, and a worthy place to sample various small plates of well thought out, creative dishes. We like the service in this small but hip restaurant almost as much as we like the marriage of many flavors.

Eat in San Fran!

2005-05-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

A
Alfred's
Ana Mandara
Anzu Nikko
A. Sabella's
AsiaSF Aqua

B

Bacco
Baker Street Bistro
Baldoria Trattoria
Bar Cesar
Basil Thai
Bay Wolf Restaurant
Betelnut
Bistro Jeanty
Bix Bizou
Blowfish
Boboquivari's
Breads of India
Brix
Bubba's Diner
Bubble Lounge
Buckeye Roadhouse
Burma Superstar

C

Cafe Cacao
Cafe de Paris
Cafe delle Stelle
Cafe Gratitude
Cafe Kati
Cafe
Cafe Rouge
Campton Place
Careme Room
Celadon Chapeau!
Chez Panisse
Chow
Civic Center Area Dining
Clementine
Club XIX Cypress Club

D
Delfina
Dining Room @ Ritz-Carlton
Dottie's True Blue Cafe

E
Eliza's
Emporio Armani
Enrico's Sidewalk Cafe

F
Farallon
Firefly
Fleur de Lys
Fog City Diner
The French Laundry
Fringale

G
The General's Daughter
Great Eastern Restaurant Greens

H
Half Day Cafe
Habana
Harris'
harvest and rowe
The Helmand
Hawthorne Lane
Hayes Street Grill
House of Nanking
House of Prime Rib

I
Il Fornaio
Indian Oven
Izzy's Steak & Chop House
J
Jeanty at Jack's
Judy's Cafe

K
Kate's Kitchen
Kokkari
L
Lark Creek Inn
Left Bank
M

Maharani
Marinus--Carmel Valley
McCormick & Kuleto's Mecca
Moose's
Millennium Mo's Gourmet Burgers
Morton's of Chicago
N
New Delhi
O
One Market
P
paul k
Pane e Vino
Peppoli
Pizzetta 211
Postrio
Puccini & Pinetti
R
Reservations Tonight
Rivoli
Rose's Cafe
Roy's San Francisco
Roy's at Pebble Beach Rubicon
S
Sanppo Restaurant
Scala's Bistro
Shanghai 1930
Silks Splendido
Stillwater Restaurant
Suppenkuche
Sushi on North Beach
Swan Oyster Depot
T
Tablespoon
Tadich Grill
Thep Phanom
Ti Couz
Ton Kiang
Town Hall
U

V
Via Vai

W
Walzwerk
Waterfront Cafe
Waterfront Restaurant
Woodward's Garden
X
xyz
Z
Zuni Cafe

Beverlyhills Wheeler and Dealer on Rodeo Drive

2005-05-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

This guy takes the cake!
www.bigbullshitter.com

Need an Apartment?

2005-05-02T23:57:00.000-07:00

A great web site when searching for an apartment!
www.4rentinsanfrancisco.com

SFGov Rental Info

2005-05-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

Menu #11: This Year's Annual Allowable Increase Amount

ALLOWABLE INCREASE FOR 2005-2006—1.2%
& Capital Improvement Imputed Interest Rates
January 2005

Effective March 1, 2005 through February 28, 2006 the allowable annual increase amount is 1.2%. This amount is based on 60% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers in the Bay Area, which was 2.0% as posted in November 2004 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Click here for more information on how to calculate in Menu No. 12.

PAST ALLOWABLE INCREASES

Effective Period
Amount of Increase

March 1, 2004 - February 28, 2005
0.6%

March 1, 2003 - February 29, 2004
0.8%

March 1, 2002 - February 28, 2003
2.7%

March 1, 2001 - February 28, 2002
2.8%

March 1, 2000 - February 28, 2001
2.9%

March 1, 1999 - February 29, 2000
1.7%

March 1, 1998 - February 28, 1999
2.2%

March 1, 1997 - February 28, 1998
1.8%

March 1, 1996 - February 28, 1997
1.0%

March 1, 1995 - February 29, 1996
1.1%

March 1, 1994 - February 28, 1995
1.3%

March 1, 1993 - February 28, 1994
1.9%

*December 8, 1992 - February 28, 1993
1.6%*

*March 1, 1992 - December 7, 1992
4%*

March 1, 1991 - February 29, 1992
4%

March 1, 1990 - February 28, 1991
4%

March 1, 1989 - February 28, 1990
4%

March 1, 1988 - February 28, 1989
4%

March 1, 1987 - February 29, 1988
4%

March 1, 1986 - February 28, 1987
4%

March 1, 1985 - February 28, 1986
4%

March 1, 1984 - February 28, 1985
4%

March 1, 1983 - February 29, 1984
7%

April 1, 1982 - February 28, 1983
7%

*Caution: Only ONE of these two increases may be imposed for the period from March 1, 1992—February 28, 1993, based on the anniversary date or date of last increase.

Call our 24-hour Info to Go line, 252.4600 and press 1-1 to hear the new rate around each December 20th. See Fact Sheet No. 7, "Annual Increase Amounts and How to Calculate Annual Rent Increases" for useful tips and examples of how increases are calculated.

Capital Improvement Imputed Interest Rates in effect from 3/1/05 through 2/28/06 are as follows:

3.9% for 7 Year Amortized Improvements (Factor of .01362)

4.3% for 10 Year Amortized Improvements (Factor of .01027)

4.7% for 15 Year Amortized Improvements (Factor of .00775)**

5.1% for 20 Year Amortized Improvements (Factor of .00666)

**This is the average of the 10 and 20 year rates.Menu #12, Annual Allowable Increase-Calculation Methodology and History
An owner is permitted to impose the annual allowable amount each year. No petition is required to be filed by the owner in order to impose the increase. Owners must give at least a thirty day notice of the proposed increase and they should indicate both the dollar and percentage amount of the increase. Increases are calculated on the tenant"s base rent-capital improvement costs are not part of the base rent. Owners can also "bank", or reserve the annual increase and impose them in later years. Push 13 to hear more on this issue. There is no requirement that the owner include an "advice clause" in the rent increase notice, which means that tenants do not have to be told that they can seek advice about the notice at the Rent Board. The advice clause applies only to most eviction notices.

Proposition H, which became law on December 8, 1992, changed the way annual increases are determined. The annual allowable rent increase is now determined by multiplying 60% times the increase in the Consumer Price Index. There is no longer a minimum floor of 4%. For the period from December 8, 1992 through February 28, 1993, the permitted increase was 1.6%. The Rent Board re-calculates the annual allowable increase each December and announces the new rate each year on this message system at that time. Note, there is no limit on what amount of rent an owner may ask for a unit that has been vacated.

Concerning Proposition H, it took effect on December 8, 1992 by operation of law, as advised by the City Attorney"s office. Proposition H, the ballot measure passed in November 1992, removed the 4% minimum floor that a landlord could give as an annual rent increase. Proposition H now limits the amount of the annual increase to 60% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index as published by the Bureau of Labor, up to a maximum of 7%.

The Rent Board will calculate the annual allowable increase permitted each year in late December and will have that information available on Menu No. 11 by December 20th or thereabouts. The Rent Board administers only the San Francisco Residential Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Ordinance for both tenants and landlords.

Fore more info http://www.sfgov.org/

Useful Info

2005-05-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

SELF-CLEANING PUBLIC PUBLIC PAY TOILET LOCATIONS

Currently there are twenty five (25) wheelchair accessible automatically self-cleaning public toilets installed throughout the City. The toilets cost 25 cents to use. Anyone that cannot afford the 25 cent entry fee, can obtain free tokens at most non-profit organizations or by calling JC Decaux at (415) 487-2300.

Fisherman's Wharf: Jefferson & Powell Sts.
Bay & Taylor Sts.
Coit Tower
Washington Square: Union St. & Columbus Ave
Pier 7
Justin Herman Plaza
Market & California Sts.
Transbay Terminal: Mission & 1st Sts.
St. Mary's Square: Pine & Quincy Sts.
Union Square: Geary & Powell Sts.
MacCauley Park: Larkin & O'Farrell Sts.
Boedecker Park: Eddy & Jones Sts.
Market & Powell Sts.
Civic Center: Grove & Larkin Sts.
UN Plaza: Market & 7th Sts.
Mission & 6th Sts.
Stanyan & Waller Sts.
Market & Church Sts.
Market & 17th Sts.
Mission & 16th Sts.
Twin Peaks
Mission & 24th Sts.
South Van Ness Ave & Cesar Chavez St.
Drumm & Clay Sts.

A really hip city

2005-05-01T01:56:00.000-07:00

Think Art,Alcatraz and Trolley cars.
This city has it all!
Lunch?
Never worked here before,"What eateries are good for lunch?"