One Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 543-6084
fax (415) 495-2936
blvd@sirus.com
Melinda and I went here for
one of our bi-monthly dinners mainly because I walk by it every day and
was kind of curious about the cuisine.
It's this cute little restaurant
with a view of the Bay Bridge. Art Nouveau decor. Very turn of the century
Paris. Moulin Rouge, Cafes on the Left Bank. I particularly liked the peacock
theme.
But anyway, the food. I had
a duck with carmelized onions and cherries with rache (spinach). It was
pretty good, although if I may say not quite what I would expect for the
price. If I pay over $20 for a plate, I expect extastic delight, not pretty
good. However, there you go.
I think Melinda enjoyed her
pork chops a bit more.
We shared a chocolate mouse
which came with several amuse bouches on the side (carmelized cream, cookies,
etc). This was incredible. Sweetly rich, without being overpowering.
1799 University
Ave
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 849-4681
Crystal and I met Kevin and
other friends here for Kevin's graduation dinner.
This is a great Italian restaurant
not too far from the university (although it is too far to walk) and I'd
recommend a reservation for most nights, especially the weekend, because
it's very popular.
The food. The group
shared appetizers of antipasto and fried calimari, both delicious. I had
an extremely generous portion of duck livers in a wonderful brown sauce
with mushrooms which I couldn't finish even though it was very yummy. They
had a nice wine selection and I enjoyed the Italian red that I ordered
with dinner.
We skipped dessert although
the choices had my mouth watering. I've always enjoyed both the food and
the atmosphere at this fine establishment. For more information on prices
and selections, see their webpage at www.caffevenezia.com.
If you're looking for great
Italian in the East Bay, go to Venezia.