Back in the Bay

I spent a few days in the Bay Area before leaving the country. In those few days, I was able to try out some new places.

Jack's Prime Burger, San Mateo
If you're looking for a local burger and beer place, this is pretty decent.
The Menu

The Beer
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale - a classic choice

Sliders with Fries
The fries were pretty good. The bun of the sliders was tasty. I found the patty a bit thin and on the dry side, though.


Bocadillos, San Francisco
I brought my girl friends to my favorite restaurant. We tried a new cocktail, Kalimotxo. Red Wine, Coke, and an Orange Slice. It was refreshing and light.


Fentons Creamery, Oakland
After getting some won ton soup in downtown Oakland, we drove across town and went to Fentons (a la, "Up").
Fentons Special
Made in a tall glass with alternating layers of pineapple, strawberry, chocolate fudge and caramel sauces with Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate & Toasted Almond ice cream. Crowned with sherbet slices, whipped cream and cherry.
I shared this with a friend, and other friends took some nibbling bites. We still couldn't finish it. The portions are huge. The sherbet layers on top were delicious. It took us back to our childhood with comparisons like Flintstones Push Ups, Skittles, etc.


Howie's Artisan Pizza, Palo Alto
When I lived in the Peninsula, one of our special occasion restaurants was Marche in Menlo Park. Chef Howard Bulka was always at the restaurant, and he would greet and get to know his patrons. It's been a long time since we've been to Marche. A couple months ago, we read that he opened up a new place in Palo Alto. It's a great pizza place. Not as good as Delfina or Settebello, but I rank it up there with some of the better pizzas I've eaten.
The Inside

Eggplant Pillows
With ricotta and "salsa verde" of olives. Nice presentation and a good start.

The Pizza
Pancetta, Red Onion, Red Chili. No joke about the red chili. It was pretty spicy. The pie was nice and thin, with a non-greasy well-cooked crust.