Here are a few of our local favorite eateries, the places we go when we don't want to cook, or where we take family and friends when they come for a visit.
SU HONG, Menlo Park, CAWhile they do have a nice dining room, we've only eaten there once. It has become our first choice for take-out Chinese food, though, and may be our most frequently visited restaurant. Personal favorites are the Pine Nut Chicken, Walnut Prawns, Cashew Chicken, Mu Shu Pork, and the Sizzling Rice Soup. Be sure to try the Spring Rolls, Cheese Wontons, and Fried Shrimp appetizers, too.
OLD PORT LOBSTER SHACK, Redwood City, CADesigned like a traditional New England lobster joint, all the seafood is flown in fresh daily from the East Coast. The specialty of the house are the lobster rolls, served either "naked" (plain) or blended with a bit of mayo. The clam chowder and lobster bisque are excellent, and they always have a few specials worth a try. There's usually a "two-fer" deal on whole lobsters, so take a friend and strap on the bibs.
PARK CHOW, San Francisco, CAWhenever we're in the city, we plan to have at least one meal at Park Chow. A great location right next to Golden Gate Park, Park Chow is an American bistro with excellent food at reasonable prices. The wood-baked artichoke is a tasty starter, the pork chops are plump and juicy, the fusilli with chicken and sausage is a favorite pasta dish, and their hamburger may be the best I've had (aside from Mary Lou's homemade ones, of course).
COCOLA, Redwood City, CANot technically a restaurant, but they do serve excellent sandwiches for lunch. Cocola is a French bakery that we frequent often and, as there's one in San Jose near my office as well as one near the house, I do mean often. Their baguettes are marvelous, with a nice crisp crust and fluffy interior. They make an assortment of mouthwatering pastries, including French macaroons, brioche, croissants, tarts and mousses. They also make a killer latte.
MARTINS WEST, Redwood City, CAUsing Scottish pubs as an inspiration, Martins West is a unique dining experience in Redwood City. With items like Shepherd's Pie, Scottish Eggs, Roasted Bone Marrow, and Bangers and Mash on the menu, it's not your run of the mill dining experience. We stopped in for lunch after reading a great review of their fish & chips. I tried the Terrine of Pork and the Slow Roasted Brisket Sandwich, both of which were excellent. Mary Lou had the fish & chips, and while the fish was delicious, the batter was quite salty - we're pretty sure that is not usually the case as no reviews mentioned that, and the waiter also seemed surprised. The Sticky Toffee Pudding was an excellent dessert, and the french press coffee was smooth and delicious.
THAIBODIA, Redwood City, CAThis is, by far, my favorite destination for Thai food, serving up Thai and Cambodian specialties combining excellent quality, generous portions and reasonable prices. The spring rolls, corn cakes and fresh rolls are my favorite appetizers, the fried rice (especially the chicken) and pad thai are fesh and tasty, and the coconut rice is to die for. They have a variety of curries that have marvelous flavors, and be sure to get a hot pot of tom yum soup for the table. Great for take-out, (the food re-heats nicely), and at their prices, $40 will feed two people for three meals, easily. Go there, NOW!