Saturday, January 21, 2006
Lunch at Cesar, Berkeley, CA
We were in Berkeley this morning and decided to try to get lunch at Chez Panisse, but without a reservation, we were out of luck. However, we noticed a tapas bar right next door, Cesar, that looked rather appealing and we decided to check it out. It was a very pleasant surprise. Upon later research we discovered that it was opened by 3 former chefs of Chez Panisse, which helps to explain both the location and quality and originality of the food. The only downside was that it was pretty expensive for the amount of food on each plate.
Assorted Olives (free)
Canapé de Boquerones (Pickled Anchovies) with Crab Salad $10.75
This was truly amazing. One would never expect these ingredients to interact in the mouth they way they did. Perhaps it was the combo of the acidity of the picked anchovies and the creamy richness of the crab.
Marinated, Grilled Pork Skewers with Spiced Applesauce $9
Apples are always a classic accompaniment to pork but this was afantastic update on porkchops and applesauce.
Spanish Cheeses: Murcia al Vino, Urgèlía & Iberico $7.75
Each was delicious in its own way. One was too goaty for Giao.
Asparagus with Olive Tapenade $7
The asparagus was fresh and the tapenade nicely acidic and salty, but this was by far too expensive for 7 spears of asparagus.
Mackeral with Frisee, Capers and Meyer Lemon $9
The fish was tender and flaky, with a crispy crust and the capers and the lemon freshened up the whole dish. Very good.
Pimientos de Padrón $8.75
This dish was described as "some are hot, some are not". And it was entirely true. Giao absolutely loved these tiny fried peppers. Alexis liked them but found them a bit bitter.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Decor: 2
Service: 1
Website
Health Code Violations - Down now, but you should be able to get it from here.
Assorted Olives (free)
Canapé de Boquerones (Pickled Anchovies) with Crab Salad $10.75
This was truly amazing. One would never expect these ingredients to interact in the mouth they way they did. Perhaps it was the combo of the acidity of the picked anchovies and the creamy richness of the crab.
Marinated, Grilled Pork Skewers with Spiced Applesauce $9
Apples are always a classic accompaniment to pork but this was afantastic update on porkchops and applesauce.
Spanish Cheeses: Murcia al Vino, Urgèlía & Iberico $7.75
Each was delicious in its own way. One was too goaty for Giao.
Asparagus with Olive Tapenade $7
The asparagus was fresh and the tapenade nicely acidic and salty, but this was by far too expensive for 7 spears of asparagus.
Mackeral with Frisee, Capers and Meyer Lemon $9
The fish was tender and flaky, with a crispy crust and the capers and the lemon freshened up the whole dish. Very good.
Pimientos de Padrón $8.75
This dish was described as "some are hot, some are not". And it was entirely true. Giao absolutely loved these tiny fried peppers. Alexis liked them but found them a bit bitter.
Ratings:
Food: 2
Decor: 2
Service: 1
Website
Health Code Violations - Down now, but you should be able to get it from here.
# posted by Giao and Alexis @ 8:24 PM 
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