Come check out LikeSteam

I have posted and promoted this before, but I would love to again in the interest of growth.  If you have gone online to find a restaurant in a city you’re planning to visit, this site or app is for you.  Come check this out...and I look forward to seeing you over there.  

Come sign up for LikeStream because you want great restaurant recommendations from the friends and experts you trust and want to hear from. Who better than a passionate local with a point of view, to help you discover more hidden gems? 

LikeStream has a couple knowledgeable and adventurous local foodie experts to help you in your quest for new dining experiences. 

Michelle Syracuse is the author of a tasteful blog called Gather365. With the motto of "Go forth, Gather, Eat good food", she engagingly narrates her dining experiences in and around Oakland and San Francisco. Best way to describe Michelle's choices and reviews - down-to-earth, warm and thoughtful.  

Mark Janda is the author of a thought-provoking blog called It Takes A Kitchen. Mark is a history teacher with a penchant for exploring new food and dining, so you can imagine the learning and adventure that comes from following his reviews around his hometown of Santa Cruz, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Europe.

Sign-in, go to our "foodies & friends" page and follow them from our "famous foodies" tab to see their reviews in your search results.

p.s. A local expert foodie yourself? or know of one? Just let us know, we would love to promote you or your friend on our famous foodies page!

 

Here's what to do...

Sign up or go to the app from your desktop.

For the bio and photo, just go to the "Settings" page and click on "More about you!" to add a photo and a short bio (six words or less!)

For the reviews, set the "Where" field to the appropriate city e.g. San Francisco and then search for your restaurant by name.  When you find it, click on “Rate It” and you’ll see a window allowing you to enter a short or long entry.  Hit Save and you’re all set.

Come on over and take a look around.  If you find features you like, let me know.  If you don’t find features you’d like to see, let me know.  

See you there.

Finally, I am back...

How on earth have two months gone by without a post?  I guess May and June are my busiest times.   We have celebrated a first communion, multiple birthdays, Mothers’ Day, and the end of the school year all followed by a ten-day business trip, a five-day leisure trip during which I spent most of my time working on the book, another four-day trip spent with family and time at home catching up on house things.  Wow…now I am tired.  But I am back and the posts will start again.

My first trip was to Salt Lake City.  This was my second prolonged visit to SLC, and I must admit to being pleasantly surprised again.  It’s a place of weird dichotomies.  On the one the one hand, you have sizeable city with a vast business/industrial area stretching for miles from downtown past the airport to the west and sprawling, faceless suburbs to the south.  But to the east, beautiful mountains in which you can have yourself thousands of feet higher and feet in the snow faster than from virtually any large city in America.  The physical beauty of the area is striking, the city spotless and compact enough for easy walking, even if the roads are freakishly wide.  The people are also an interesting mix of youthful, progressive and inked and conservative, traditional and Mormon.  What you may have heard about SLC being dry or at least needing a membership to drink in bars – false.  Rolling up the sidewalks at sunset – false.  Nothing to do or eat after dark – false.  The truth is, I really like SLC, and I ate quite well.  Here’s a quick rundown of my culinary highlights…

Squatters Pub – So you thought Salt Lake would be bereft of brew pubs and beer meccas, uh?  It’s not at all.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s not Portland or San Diego, but it does have a few.  Squatters must be the largest.  Housed in a gigantic building it features two levels each with large bars and seating for seemingly hundreds.  Downstairs feels like your average sports bar, while upstairs offers some great views of the mountains and a smaller, more intimate bar and fewer TVs.  The beer has the typical assortment from a lighter pilsner, a reasonably hoppy IPA and a rich stout and stops along the spectrum.  They do nothing extreme, but do what they do well.  The food is typical bar food, also good.  I am partial to the Ahi spring rolls. 

The Bayou – This place is something special for beer fans, in fact they call themselves Beervana.  Just south of the immediate downtown area, it’s housed in an old warehouse and features a Cajun and Creole theme and global beer selection.  Want to see the folks the Mormons rejected?  You will see them here.  Live music and spicy food brings out the area’s version of counter culture (again, this isn’t Portland).  The food is delicious; I am partial to the oyster po’ boy, but you won’t go wrong.  Beer selection makes this one of America’s great places to tour the brewing world without leaving your seat.  And if you’re committed to trying the locals when you travel, this place has them all. 

Gracie's – Gracie’s is the one place downtown at which you are virtually guaranteed to see a crowd every single night.  Two great patios, one upstairs with a view to the east, live music and good food draw in the young crowd.  Food and drink are both good and reasonably priced.  I can’t stop eating their nachos. 

The Green Pig – The Pig, with its TVs, live music and its upstairs patio, is a true, blue collar bar with appropriate name, lots of activity, diverse crowd, excellent service and an awesome Cuban pork sandwich.   

Beerhive – Utah is the Beehive state, and the beehive motif abounds everywhere you look.  Right downtown, perfectly placed to be a happy hour watering hole for businesspeople, politicians, bureaucrats and tourists alike, is the drinkers’ play on a theme, the Beerhive.  Has some feel of an old-fashioned, Old West barroom, with upscale drinks, good beer selection and good service.  The novelty ice bar will keep your drinks cool if you opt to sit there.  Ask for some Utah-distilled Underground and relax. 

Vivace – Vivace is one of my great surprises in SLC.  Nestled into a car dealership in an old neighborhood going through new development and revitalization on the west side of downtown, Vivace’s setting will transport you to hip neighborhoods of NYC or San Francisco with the authentic cuisine of Italy.  Casual with seating along large windows that roll up when the weather demands or at a bar so you can watch the kitchen, you will quickly recognize that this place is all about fresh, delicious, flavorful food.  Go with a prix fixe, and you will get a proper sampling of all this place can do.  As a “collector” of carbonara, Vivace’s is among the most authentic I have had in the States – no peas, no cream – just eggs and pancetta.  Grilled veggies and chicken were amazing.  This is a must stop for the Italiaphile.    

Cannella's – A hip hangout with great food.  Greeted by a man with a handle bar mustache, bowler hat and inked sleeves, I sat at a table with two friends on their delightful sidewalk and had a refreshing beer, excellent antipasti plate and a chopped salad with anchovies added…and all tasted great, served with a charming smile.  Great menu littered with clever quotes.  My favorites…

“ALCOHOL MAY BE A MANS WORST ENEMY, BUT THE BIBLE SAYS LOVE YOUR ENEMY.”- FRANK SINATRA

 “YOUR BODY IS NOT A TEMPLE, IT IS AN AMUSEMENT PARK, ENJOY THE RIDE!” - ANTHONY BOURDAIN

It was a near-perfect post-ride, late dinner.  I need to visit again.   

Rio Grande Cafe – In a refurbished train station to the west of downtown, Rio Grande is historic and quirky.  Check out the Chick-in Taco over the bar.  Inexpensive Mexican food, family-friendly with great service.  It’s not a SoCal Taqueria, but it satisfied a craving.

Ruth's Diner – One of the oldest restaurants in the state and made famous on Diners, Drive-in and Dives, this spot is well outside of downtown.  In fact, it’s out past the University and the Zoo on your way up Emigration Canyon.  If you’re a cyclist and wander past here on your way up the canyon you will smell the kitchen before your round the corner.  Then you’ll see the overcrowded lot and the cars parked on the shoulder across the street.  After you climb 2000 feet and 20 miles later you’ll come screaming past in the other direction good and hungry.  Take a shower, head back in a car, and you’ll replace the calories you burned.  Great chicken fried steak, excellent diner food, charming service, quirky atmosphere decorated with flamingos…why?  Don’t ask…just eat!  You’ll be so glad. 
 

Thanks, Salt Lake City for a great time this year.  See you again next June.

 

Coronado Brewing, Family Fun!

I realize that many people don’t leap to a brewery or brewpub when they need a family-friendly restaurant, but I think that’s a mistake.  It’s not all beer-drinking and drunkenness.  In fact, I have been in very few where beer was the only focus.  However, I have been in a few where beer was just the trendy gimmick.  Coronado Brewing Company in San Diego does not brew as a gimmick, nor just for drinking.  They have created a restaurant that really is family-friendly serving quality meals, excellent beers, with an atmosphere and service to make you come back.

We stopped by on a weekday evening around 7pm only to find the place mobbed and a 30-minute wait for a table.  Fortunately, CBC is in a lively part of town with lots of people coming and going.  People watching can help the time pass quickly.  And it turns out that Tuesday nights are kids' night and they eat virtually free.   Better yet, on this night there was a roving balloon clown.  Well, not really a clown.  He was dressed like a server, but had a giant tool belt loaded with tools and balloons.  He worked for tips only making some of the most outrageous, complex balloon “animals” I have ever seen.  And he did them at light-speed.  It was incredible!  Our 30-minutes flew by and the kids got a couple balloon friends to come along for dinner.

Service was excellent from the start.  Any time we eat in a new restaurant we need to ask about nuts; our son has a nut allergy that could be life-threatening.  Our server, Matthew, knew immediately what we were talking about and why.  He reassured us that CBC is nut free with the exception of desserts which come from elsewhere, but then he offered to double check with the chef to be sure.  He returned quickly and cheerfully to reassure us – no nut allergy problems here.  In fact, he did everything at light speed with a smile.  He looked after every table in his area this way, flying from table to table, giving everyone his undivided attention with cheer.  

We got our drink orders in, which of course included beers for my wife and I.  Their IPAs, both the Islander and the Idiot were excellent.  Wish I could have had more than one, but at 7% and 8% ABV, you’re gonna feel this, particularly if you’re already drowsy.  Our food arrived just as the crayons and coloring were completed by the kids.  Mac and Cheese, Penne with marinara and some Caesar salad for the kids, an Ahi sandwich and Fish and Chips for the adults.  I think the Mac and Cheese came from a blue box, but then that’s what makes the kids happy, right?  The Fish and Chips were delicious, crisp and a little slice of England for me.  If only they had been served on newsprint with mushy peas.  The Ahi was cooked just right – just slightly pink in the middle and was apparently delicious; it was consumed with such gusto I didn’t get a bite!  Matthew stopped by a couple times to make sure it was all great – and it was.

We were having such a great time on our vacation we figured we had to get dessert.  A gigantic bowl of ice cream for only $4.95 pleased us all.  And this entire meal can be yours for $10 less than hot dogs, sodas and fries at Legoland.  Seriously…this entire meal was under $50.  Wrap your brain around that…great service, delicious food and drink for four in a major American city over spring break for under $50!

Coronado Brewing Company, you’re doing something right.   Now it’s your turn.  Get there for a beer and dinner – with the kids!      

The Carnitas Snack Shack - Carnivores' Dream

The Carnitas Snack Shack has quickly become one of the cool, hip places for carnivores in North Park, San Diego.  My wife surprised me with an impromptu stop a few weeks ago, and we were met by a long line and a longer wait.  I say that not as a point of criticism, but warning.  This place is great.  In fact, I want to live within walking distance so I can place an order, do some errands and walk over.  I will happily wait in that line, grab a beer, sit on their inviting patio and wait.  When my food pops up I will just grab another beer.  

Wait…I am supposed to explain the place before revealing my review.  Sorry, got excited.

So anticipate a line, and it won’t move fast.  That’s ok.  You will need the time to check out the menu which changes all the time.  In fact, just to make your mouth water, join them on Facebook.  They often post pictures of their menu and it’s enough to make a pork lover weep.  When you reach the little window you will likely be greeted with cheer.  Order a drink and get that part rolling.  Great selection of beers, by the way.  I ordered something from Green Flash or Stone, as one should do in San Diego.  But what to eat amongst all this deliciousness?!  I asked for the seared, chili-glazed pork belly with frisee and some fries with bacon ketchup.  You’re drooling now, aren’t you?  Then I waited.  And waited.  Waited some more.  Enjoyed the patio.  Talked to some regulars who assured me the wait was well worth it.  Fortunately the patio seems to invite conversations amongst patrons and the time passes quickly.  But once my food arrived in a paper bag I could not wait.  The fries were crisp and hot.  The ketchup had a tanginess mixed with smoky bacon that was really nice.  The frisee was dressed with a very acidic dressing that cut the fattiness of the pork belly beautifully.  And that pork belly….wow.  Tender, flavorful, mmmmm…like butter, but better.  This was porkiliciousness at its finest.  It is not a large piece.  You don’t need that!  But it was just right.  And the balance of fat and acid…I know this is what Aristotle meant when he discussed the Golden Mean…right?  

I wish I had the room and the time to try more, but I will be back.  And when I return I hope they have chilaquiles and that Triple Threat Pork Sandwich.  I saw one of those, and I think it looked so good, so delicious, I blushed.   

Get over to the Snack Shack.  Look for the pig on the roof and the line on the sidewalk.      

         

Panificio E Ristorante Solunto? Now Panetteria

One Saturday we wandered down to San Diego’s Little Italy and its wonderful farmers’ market.  What a great and diverse event.  If in San Diego on a Saturday I must recommend you wander up and down, taking in the sounds and aromas, try a sample here and there and see what you want to take home to cook with.  But when you are done grab a bite for lunch at the former Panificio E Ristorante Solunto, now Panetteria, on India Street.  You can’t miss it; it’s brightly painted a yellowish orange and has tables out on the sidewalk.  You will be greeted by a true Italian who will likely invite you to sit where you like, order what you like and take as much time as you like.  Apparently the old place, Panificio E Ristorante Solunto, was quite beloved.  However, little seems to have changed and under a new name, it will continue to please.    

Photo from http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/feast/2011/dec/23/so-long-solunto/

We had a simple lunch.  We shared a plate of calamari fritti and bruschetta (and as we all have our ‘things,’ please say ‘brus-ketta’ and not, ‘bru-shetta.’) a great salad with a light, bright, citrusy dressing.  The food was delicious, fresh, flavorful and simply perfect for a sunny afternoon.  Service was authentically Italian – kind, leisurely and informal, charming and enthusiastic about every food in the place.  The special attraction at Panetteria is the pastry and cookie selection.  We sampled at least five different ones, and they we were exquisite.  Finished off with cappuccino and espresso, and we felt as though we had stroll back through Tuscany to get to the car.  And all that Italian joy for under $40! 

In the San Diego area?…Make a Saturday of it…. andiamo!

LikeStream - Restaurant Review App in Facebook

I know you get flooded with requests to join apps on your phones and at Facebook, but this one will appeal to you foodies.  Like a good restaurant?  Need to find one, but need to find a trusted reviewer.  Come check out this new app and give it a shot.

    -Mark

Some very exciting news from the world of online restaurant reviews.  Come check this out...and I look forward to seeing you over there.

Come sign up for LikeStream because you want great restaurant recommendations from the friends and experts you trust and want to hear from. Who better than a passionate local with a point of view, to help you discover more hidden gems? 

 

Please welcome the first of our knowledgeable and adventurous local foodie experts to help you in your quest for new dining experiences.

Michelle Syracuse is the author of a tasteful blog called Gather365. With the motto of "Go forth, Gather, Eat good food", she engagingly narrates her dining experiences in and around Oakland and San Francisco. Best way to describe Michelle's choices and reviews - down-to-earth, warm and thoughtful.
 

Mark Janda is the author of a thought-provoking blog called It Takes A Kitchen. Mark is a history teacher with a penchant for exploring new food and dining, so you can imagine the learning and adventure that comes from following his reviews around his hometown of Santa Cruz, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Europe.

Sign-in, go to our "foodies & friends" page and follow them from our "famous foodies" tab to see their reviews in your search results.

p.s. A local expert foodie yourself? or know of one? Just let us know, we would love to promote you or your friend on our famous foodies page!

La Posta

Santa Cruz, California has a number of restaurants that inspire people to travel over the hill from the South Bay and San Francisco areas, many open for a long time holding fond memories of family vacations and college days.  By nature, these places cannot change or challenge too much.  Thankfully there are newer places in the process of establishing new traditions. La Posta on Seabright is at the fore of this, and is, in my opinion, the best restaurant in town for either a nice night out or a serious celebration.  

La Posta is called such because it is housed in the old post office.  Its neighborhood is ripe for serious development (see a previous post about another of Seabright's Italian eateries), as it offers a great mix of housing and entertainment and is within a five minute walk to the sea.  But La Posta offers something few places in town can.  First, there is an attention to detail, quality and overall experience that, I dare say, only comes from a restaurant owned and operated by women.  In fact, La Posta is owned by a women, its head chef is a woman and its front-of-house manager is a woman.  I honestly think it shows in a most wonderful way.   

The dining room is simple with a small bar that has a glimpse into the kitchen.  Simple black and white photography of Italy decorates the walls above simple wood benches.  Chandeliers over the bar are also decorated with photography.  It’s a simple, soft setting.  Service on every outing has been spectacular.  Rarely has a server not been able to describe each dish in detail including each ingredient.  Often they also know the provenance of all ingredients and can describe flavors wonderfully.  They also have a good knack for recognizing patrons’ paces and adjusting ordering and plate arrival accordingly.  The music is mostly soft jazz, but on Tuesday nights they have live music and a great pizza-and-wine deal.  The one time we have been there for the live music it was trio playing folk music, and it fit perfectly with the fun, local atmosphere of Tuesday nights.  

What you’re really here for is the food.  Inspired by Italy, using as much locally produced food as possible and presented in perfect portions, the food is phenomenal.  We have had pizzas, pastas, braised meats, salads, seafood, antipastis and soups, and all have been excellent.  The pizzas are always crisp and thin, topped with very light, fresh tomato sauce and top-notch ingredients.  The other night I had the special of the night topped with braised pork and chilis and it was great.  The pastas are always hand and house made and are worthy of an Italian osteria.  Last week we tried a pasta special made with fregula, a small pasta reminiscent of Israeli couscous, topped with mussels and a light, citrusy sauce.  It tasted like summer at the sea.  We also had a bowl of assorted olives lightly warmed (why don’t we all do this?) and a salad of arugula, radish and fennel with lemon breadcrumbs and green garlic vinaigrette…delicious!

The wine list is all-Italian with samplings reasonable to pricey.  They also offer a couple house wines by bottle or carafe that provide a great bargain. One section of the wine list features wines made by women. The beer selection is small, but also all Italian.  The real drink treat is their fizzy water.  They make their own, but somehow it’s just better.  As my wife says, it’s clean, crisp, and “tastes like fresh air.”  You can finish your meal here with a small variety of desserts that have always pleased.  

We have had some amazing meals at La Posta.  Sometimes we just get a couple small plates and a glass of wine and get out for under $30 each.  On the other hand, if you go for three courses, a good bottle of wine, and an espresso you could easily spend two to three times that.  That’s what I love about it.  You can enjoy La Posta for almost any occasion so long as you are in search of great food and excellent service in a casual atmosphere.  In my opinion....the best restaurant in Santa Cruz.