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Recent restaurant reviews

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Dec 4, 2009 | by Anonymous

The following are shortened versions of recent full-length restaurant reviews. The date the original review ran and its overall rating is in parentheses. If there are more stars than dollar signs, consider it a good value.

AMERICAN

900 Grayson, 900 Grayson St., Berkeley. 510-704-9900. Concealed in a little red building is casual dining with an oasis of scrumptious breakfast and lunch fare. Classic American fare meets pizazz (buttermilk waffles topped with spicy fried chicken and cream gravy) and a few sophisticated touches (salad with omelet). Exquisite soups and salads blend fresh ingredients and new dimensions of texture. Despite a laid-back vibe and harried service during rush periods, the food shows a refined hand in the kitchen. $$. (HHH on 11/14/08)

Burgermeister, 2319 Central Ave., Alameda. 510-865-3032. Burgers at this family-owned restaurant are the real deal. Here, you will find all-natural, high-quality Niman Ranch beef, cooked to order. Customized toppings include Applewood smoked bacon and sauteed mango, but the classic cheeseburger remains the most popular choice. The MeisterBurger is a megameal. Even the non-burger BBQ chicken sandwich is done up right. Milkshakes are made from Tucker’s Ice Cream, a beloved Alameda institution. It’s definitely a high-end burger joint, so expect a hefty tab. $. (HH 1/2 on 3/6/09)

The Cheesecake Factory, 1181 Locust St., Walnut Creek. 925-952- 8451; www.thecheesecakefactory.com. This popular chain restaurant has found an excellent corner spot in downtown, with seating indoors and out. Every hallmark of the franchise is seen here, from the warm Venetian-style decor to the menu brimming with options. Wait times at this location aren’t as long as at other Cheesecake Factories in the Bay Area. If you want the great food without the wait, try the Curbside to Go. Portion sizes are huge, so expect to go home with leftovers. The cheesecakes and other desserts are incredible, so consider splitting an entree or ordering from the small plates. $$. (HHH on 06/05/09)

Chow, 445 Railroad Ave., Danville. 925-838-4510. Versatility is key for both decor and the restaurant overall, as if the goal is to create a place that feels welcoming to all types at all times. The space is perfectly suitable for a big rowdy group, but equally comfortable for a single diner. Chow’s straightforward comfort food menu is conceptually strong. With more snacky items and appetizers, the Danville Chow varies a bit from the one in Lafayette. Pastas and salads fare particularly well in this kitchen. $$. (HHH on 11/07/ 08)

City Bistro, 30162 Industrial Parkway, SW, Hayward. 510-429- 8600
sydney kitchen design