O'ANNE AND O'DAVE RESTAURANT AND HOTEL RATINGS
| How we rate restaurants and hotels: |
|
General total score : |
We walk in with zero points and an open mind.
If an aspect is not remarkable, it gets zero points.
If any aspect is remarkable, it gets one point, either way.
Add up the points.
Simple. |
|
- = we will not return
0 = We won't return unless we are desperate
1 = We will return if in the area
2 = We will go out of our way to return
3 = We plan entire trips to return |
Branding Iron, 640 W 16th St, Merced, CA
209.722.1922 - white tablecloth
Mon-Fri: 11:30 - 2:00 and 5:30 - 9:30
Saturday: 5:30 - 9:30 Sunday: 5:00 - 9:00
Website:
http://www.thebrandingiron-merced.com/
One of the most popular, more elegant places in town, based on the old Merced
farmer's, cattle ranchers and their brands. A rich wood style, white
tablecloths, local cattle brands encompass the walls. Includes a garden
courtyard, unfortunately, right next to the train tracks. Since we are a
small town, most people are not bothered by this, especially if you smoke.
The service is always impeccable.
Our favorites: salmon, scallone, scallone, and scallone, prime rib, and their
Bleu Cheese is to die for.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#52 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
+3 |
Brentwood, Lucerne, Clear Lake, CA - Casual
white tablecloth
Very quiet, smaller but elegant place. Spaghetti, chicken. Closed as of
2005.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Brookdale Lodge, Brookdale, CA - Traveling
white tablecloth
11570 Highway 9, Brookdale, CA 95007 831.338.1300
http://www.brookdaleinnandspa.com/
Nice selection on the menu, select recipes, fair to poor service with a group
of 20, small to normal portions, side dishes are not offered, priced a bit
high, the only dinner available in the immediate area, does not include cheaper
or plainer entrees for children . The citrus salmon is very different and
quite good, the ravioli and prime rib looked wonderful. The only problem
with the seating arrangements unless you are at a two person table is that
the wide, comfy chairs are so close together that it is very difficult to
get in and out of a chair without everone at the table having to get up.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+2 |
| Service |
|
-1 |
| Prices |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
For the hotel rating, you must go here.
Brookdale Cafe, Brookdale, CA -
Cafe casual
Open 7 am to 2 pm, I think? (I lost the menu!)
Plain, no-nonsense cafe with plenty of room. Even when bustling full, the
girls, Kim and Annie, are cheerful and treat you like you are neighbors,
can take a ribbing and dish it back delightfully. The food is excellent,
home grown standard breakfast and lunch with standard prices. This place
saves the day when at Brookdale Lodge. Kim gets an extra smile for noticing
David hardly ate his soup and sincerely asking if it was ok. (His stomach
was at odds, the soup really was wonderful!)
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
Buena Vista Motor Inn, 1599 Lombard at Gough,
San Francisco
We were on a search for a new hotel since the break in at the Queen Anne,
and, the QA had become totally non-smoking. I went on a quest, listed all
that I could find (here), pondered, threw dice
and chose the Buena Vista. In one sentence, we will not be back.
The appearance is nice, quiet, pastels, pleasant sitting areas on each floor,
large but typical no frill rooms, ice machines on every floor, coffee makers
and hair dryers, king sized beds (a detriment to us, we prefer to sleep side
by side without 'searching' for each other through out the night) and promise
of a tolerable but affordable place diminished with every passing hour.
The heater broke (it's February in the city) so they brought us an extra
blanket and reduced the price of our room. Whoop-de-do. The door didn't shut
or latch unless bolted and the light from the hallway shone through all night.
There were ants in the bathroom, peeling wallpaper, ripped shower curtain,
a one inch shower head, rough toilet paper and tissue, the toilet refused
to flush on several occasions, the elevator is slower than a snail, the furniture
is the barest minimum and we should have reserved the room through Orbitz
who promises to let you know if your hotel is under going contruction, or
painting in the room next door. The promise of a price reduction to make
up for the broken heater did not apply to both nights, I guess, and we left
the hotel quite put out and disappointed. We even asked a passing guest how
their stay was, and the response was "very bad." What a shame.
Never have we given any establishment such a low rating.
| Room |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Amenities |
|
|
| Shower |
|
-1 |
| Details |
|
-1 |
| Heater |
|
-1 |
| Ants |
|
-1 |
| Price |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
-5 |
Cafe de Paris, Union Street, San Francisco
- Very white tableloth
Very wonderful old style place, the flavor and the food is fantastic. Definitely
our favorite place to go. Bring at least a hundred dollars. We go for the
ginger saki salmon and the steak covered in their famous garlic sauce. Complete
with piano bar, singer, romance, class and a style rarely found.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#6 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
+3 |
2005 note: we planned an entire weekend around this place only to find it
closed, can't BELIEVE this place closed!!
The Carousel, Woodland, CA - Casual white
tablecoth
Very enchanting place with a wide menu, superb food and good, home style,
comfy service. Comfortable booths, pretty decor without being cutesy, and
a full bar. The bathroom isn't bad, either.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#4 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
+2 |
This is now closed. What a disappointment!
Cafe Deva, Modesto, CA - Very casual
Cold toast and heavy coffee was a disappointment but the eggs and potatoes
were good. The price was a tiny bit steep, but the liquids menu was excellent.
David assured us this was not up to their usual standard, so we left them
with a zero score, but a willingness to return another time.
| Food |
|
0 |
| Atmosphere |
|
0 |
| Service |
|
0 |
| Prices |
|
0 |
| Total |
|
0 |
Castagnolas, The Wharf, San Francisco -
Very white tablecloth
Very exclusive place, usually very good food, service can vary. A large room
with windows overlooking the ocean, white tablecloths, elegant waiters, some
of which have attitudes, a full bar. Pricing is a bit steep till you
realize where you are.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#3 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
+2 |
Cattlemen's Restaurant, 2882 Kitty Hawk Road,
Livermore, CA
Good old standby steak house, lots of wood, large booths, good atmosphere.
The salad dressings are sepctacular, service is cheerful, friendly and sincere,
(thank you, Dave) and made our weekend.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
|
| Food |
|
+1 |
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
|
Cinema Cafe, 661 West Main (17th) Street, Merced,
CA 209.722.2811 - Casual
Open for breakfast and lunch every day, dinner during the summer.
Another of our favorite Saturday morning breakfast stops, a tiny place, most
always heavily occupied. Tables inside are slightly cramped, but the outside
tables are delightful, even when a motorcycle roars by. The food is basic,
reliable and always delicious. David varies between a sausage omelet and
sandwiches, I have a standard breakfast with the best patty sausage this
side of Texas. The biscuits are home made, hot and almost as good as mine.
Gerry, the owner, and all the girls are delightful. We will miss Sarah. She
moved away.
| Visit |
#1 |
#26 |
|
| Food |
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Atmosphere |
+1/2 |
+1/2 |
|
| Service |
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Prices |
+1/2 |
+1/2 |
|
| Total |
+3 |
+3 |
|
Cool Hand Lukes, 475 W. Olive Ave, Merced, CA
209.383.3038
Relatively new in town, wooden wall steak house atmosphere. Good menu variety,
reasonable prices. We were warned to service can be very slow. The first
trip was on a Sunday night, not bad. The bean appetizer is delicious, the
gumbo was very good and the blue cheese got a smile. The quantity of
food was plentiful, the rolls were worth noting. The second trip was the
first time we have ever not eaten a meal and complained about such a poor,
cold meal and horrific service, and we were pleased they released us from
the bill. In all fairness, we need to go back a third time.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#2 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
-1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
-1 |
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
-2 |
Courtyard Cafe, 516 18th Street, Merced, CA
209.384.2580 - Fancy casual
One of our favorite Saturday morning breakfast stops, another tiny place,
and most always heavily occupied. Includes a lovely fenced garden courtyard
with a fountain, tables with umbrellas, great friendly staff and excellent
food, all of which have a special flavour to them. Not your run of the mill
cafe food. Breakfast and lunch. Thank you, Toni, Joseph, Sadie and Ignacio!
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#10 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
+3 |
Curly's, Powell St., San Francisco - Casual
Very busy place but good, home made food at a very reasonable price. Cafeteria
atmosphere, nothing spectacular.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
-1 |
| Prices |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
D'Angelo's, Merced, CA - White tablecloth
Reservations generally needed. Dark, quiet, elegant dining, basically Italian,
a full bar, the place is always bustling. We don not go as much since our
favorite waitresses left, service became mediocre but food was always dependable.
| Visit |
#1 |
#9 |
| Food |
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
+1 |
|
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
+3 |
+2 |
Days Inn, Cortez, CO
Basic, nothing special, large, comfy, nice room
| Room |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Amenities |
|
|
| Shower |
|
|
| Price |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Diamond Jim's, Highway 108, Mi Wuk Village,
CA 209.586.3561 - Casual white tablecloth, heavy tourist and local
destination
Knotty pine interior, plenty of space, lovely atmosphere, complete separate
bar, bizzare bathrooms that get a point for quaintness and design in a cramped
space, but loose a point due to the size. Excellent menu selection, especially
for such an isolated location, including the 'Feathered Flock' chicken dinners,
ribs, prime rib and seafood galore. Friday night Buffet is famous.
A long wait but well worth the effort. Besides, you can have a drink and
a cigarette on their deck while you wait. Incredible buffet, always busy!
Our third visit was a Sunday at 4 pm, we were the first diners, seated
immediately, scallone (served with a caper sauce to die for) was on the menu!!
Thanks to Lauren (who would not let us lick all the spoons) and the chef,
the visit was fantastic and became one of our few three pointers. No useless
vegies, either!
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#3 |
|
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
|
| Bathrooms |
|
|
|
|
| Wait |
|
-1 |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
+3 |
|
El Serape, Pixley, CA - Casual
The best Mexican food ever. Distinct homestyle atmosphere, service, attitude,
good prices, and a huge menu. The original ratings was: [Food +1, food
+1, location (as in not near home) -1, food +1 = 2] but we since have realized
we plan trips in order to eat here.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#2 |
#3 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
|
|
| Service |
|
|
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
|
| Menu |
|
+1 |
+1 |
+1 |
| Food (it was that good) |
|
+1 |
+1 |
+1 |
| Total |
|
+3 |
+3 |
+3 |
Eritrean Ethiopian Restaurant, Irvine and Twelfth,
San Francisco - Casual white tablecloth
Our first try here, we might go again.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| No Drambuie in a full service bar |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
Fajardo's, 609 Seventh Street, Modesto, CA
209.523.4847 - Casual festive neigborhood Mexican
A secret hideaway in a scary looking part of town. An odd winding path leads
you to large dining area with booths and tables, gaily painted walls, large
wood beams ceilings that are finally painted all one color. An intriquiing
painting of Villa and Zapata adorn the walls of our booth. The five
page menu sports a variation from crab legs, shrimp, ribeyes and fajitas,
salads, horchata, ham and flan to classic dinners. Prices range from $9 to
$18. The food is close to authentic and delicious. We had chili relleno and
chili verde tapatia. Service is fast, and mostly in Spanish. The bar, sadly,
does not include Drambuie. David has been coming here for more than 40 years.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere (loud classic music) |
|
-1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Bar but no Drambuie |
|
0 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
Feed and Fuel, 18938 East Highway
88 Clements, California 95227 209.759.3100
Website
Casual to semi elegant white (green) tablecloth
Excellent service, food and menu, from nachos to escargot.
Slightly higher prices, up to $20 a person.
The trip in detail is mentioned here.
| Food |
|
+.75 |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
|
|
| Service |
|
+.75 |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
|
| Bad Drambuie |
|
-1 |
|
|
| Wonderful people |
|
+1 |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1.5 |
|
|
Fisherman's
Grotto, The Wharf, San Francisco, CA - Touristy white tablecloth
This rating is for the Santa's Village side, we must go again but sit in
the adult section - SCALLONI!!!
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#2 |
|
| Food (Scalloni!!) |
|
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
|
|
| Service |
|
|
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
|
| Waiter with stick in the wrong spot |
|
-1 |
|
|
| Total |
|
0 |
+1 |
|
Gaspare's, Geary, San Francisco - Casual
Simply one of the best Italian food places in the city. Dark, quiet homey
atmosphere, typical Italian tablecloths, wine and vine decors. Poor service
was most likely due to the lateness of the evening?
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
-1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
Gilbert's, The Wharf, Santa Cruz - Fancy
casual
Shrimp Louie, Clam Chowder, Shrimp cakes and an excellent rice pilaf
| Food |
|
0 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Out of Drambuie |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
The salad plates were teensy but I will remember that rice.
Goldies, Williams, AZ - Casual homey
A three star stop. Decoration is true fifties, the prices are too! You almost
expect to see the Fonz at the counter sipping a shake. The people (owners
and clientele) were fantastic. The food was just as good. We shall return!
We couldn't rate it as a three star because we can't exactly plan a trip
around this distance. Well....hmmm......maybe....
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+.5 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
+.5 |
| So far away |
|
-.25 |
| Total |
|
+2.75 |
Gold Spike, North Beach, San Francisco -
Casual
A three plus star stop we have visited on several occasions and plan trips
around in order to return. The minestrone is to die for, contested only to
Reinero's in Merced. We keep thinking we should go up to SF, bring home their
minestrone, get a bowl from Reinero's and have a taste test. The atmosphere
is incredible, service is grand, always impeccable. The bar is a flashback
to the past, complete with a reliable and personable bartender, Paul, and
an ancient cash register. Dollar bills and business cards coat the ceiling
and the walls, reminiscent of sadly long gone Mountain View's St James Infirmary.
Red and white checkered tables scattered in every nook and cranny along a
delightful maze, and the bathroom is simply hilarious.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
0 |
| Bathroom |
|
+ 1/2 |
| Total |
|
+3 1/2 |
We are stunned. The Gold Spike closed.
Grand Canyon Caverns Cafe - Traveling casual
A nice little place at the caverns, nothing terribly remarkable about the
food, service or atmosphere, but it was handy.
| Food |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
0 |
Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, ???, CA
A neat old hotel with serious character, wonderful garden areas. White wash
brick hotel room walls. Deputy Dawg will live in legend forever.
| Room |
|
-1 |
| Amenities |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Shower |
|
|
| Price |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
Happy Days Cafe, Boulder, NV - Casual
The Fonz should have been here. Super food, old fashioned hamburgers to die
for, not to mention the authentic shakes. Beware, you will waddle out.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
+3 |
Hungry Hunter, Bakersfield, CA - Casual
white tablecloth
Standard nice faire, but really tremendous food
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
India Curry House, 1040 Columbus between
Chestnut and Francisco, San Francisco, CA - Casual
Rather dark, quiet, large building with a fabric canopy roof. Perhaps an
old steak house revamped? The buffet had a variety of delights and we left
as full as can be of delicious food.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
0 |
| Prices |
|
0 |
| Total |
|
+2 |
Ione Cafe, 15 Preston Street, Ione,
CA 95640 209.274.6820
Casual cafe, fifties bus stop table style, bright and cheery. Tireless, efficient
waitresses. Bustling business.
Standard breakfasts, many different omelets, sandwiches and hamburgers, pork
chops and spaghetti.
Reasonable prices, and the best hash browns we have ever had. Only open until
4 pm.
| Food |
|
+1 |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
|
|
| Service |
|
+.5 |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
|
| Cleanliness |
|
+.5 |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
|
|
Ione Hotel, 25 West Main, Ione,
CA 95640 209.274.6082
Old western style, large false front, easily spotted when in town. Lovely
wood lobby, attached saloon and restaurant, the Twisted Fork. Fourteen painfully
small but quaint rooms with private baths, usually the sink is in the room
itself. Original pull chain tank toilets and other lovely details. Clean
rooms, pleasant, helpful , personable staff. Delighful historical verandas.
A bit of a steep price for the room, or lack there of, especially without
ice, phones, coffee or any other standard amenities.
See the detailed visit, including the definition of 'entertainment'
here.
| Room |
|
-1 |
|
|
| Amenities |
|
-1 |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
|
|
| Shower |
|
+1 |
|
|
| Prices |
|
-1 |
|
|
| Entertainment |
|
+1 |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
|
|
JA Steakhouse, Kingman, CA - Traveling casual
Smoking Section!! Standard woodsy steak house atmosphere, extensive menu,
great burgers and ice tea.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
Jedro's Steakhouse, Needles, CA - Traveling
casual
A bit funky Wagon wheel decor, great atmosphere. They had a chart of cities
and the distance to each one. Merced wasn't in the main section. Bummer.
Then we noticed another column labeled "Other Important Places" and there
we were!!
| Food for the price and proportions |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere and decor |
|
0 |
| Service |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Joe and Aggie's, Route 66, Holbrook, AZ - Casual
A Mom and Pop place, advertised as the oldest still existing and it's obvious
why. Really good home cooked food. Great couple, Joe and Aggie.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
| General Principal |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
+2 |
Jones Sports Bar, 2400 Lombard St, San Francisco
Great if you are into this sort of place, but the food was a disappointment.
The prices fair, service questionable, odd attitude if you ask for a beer
glass, waiting to be served after ordering was very long, salad was pathetic
but artsy, salmon was large and good, shrimp linguine was borderline too
spicy to enjoy.
| Food |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
| Everything else |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
-1 |
Just Breakfast, Monterey Road, San Jose - Cowboy
casual
I miss this place. Fresh squeezed orange juice and food beyond compare. They
are only open until 2 pm, and the long line is always worth the wait. Definitely
a must if you are in the area. Bustling all the time. Their menu is up on
our kitchen wall, framed.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
Kate's Cafe, Tuba City, AZ - Casual casual, pj's
prolly ok
Oh, this is not a good memory. I think we were the joke of the place because
we were served dog burgers, and every one but us knew it.
| Food when served |
|
+1 |
| Food an hour later |
|
- 1 |
| Food that evening |
|
-1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
-1 |
King George Hotel, Mason, San Francisco
A neat old hotel with serious character, tiny elevator, great skinny spiral
staircase that goes the entire 9 stories.
There wasn't enough space in the room or bath to sneeze, we were promised
coffee pots and there were none.
If we could have larger rooms, we would consider returning.
| Room size |
|
-1 |
| Amenities |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Shower & Bath |
|
-1 |
| Price |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
0 |
La Hacienda 2 - 3355 North G St, Merced
209.723.7890 - Casual
When La Hacienda's traffic increased, La Hacienda 2 opened in a new location.
In a large new developement center, the decor is new, classic adobe, walls
painted with typical patio scenes, booths and tables surrounding a large
fountain, and collections of crosses and sun plaques we drool over. The food
is the same reliable, Americanized Mexican classics that drew us to Hacienda
1. The bar bustles at any hour, the service is friendly and fast whether
you are a newbie or regular customer. We are so regular that we know all
the girls' names, seat ourselves and no longer need menus. I do a chili relleno
(the girls don't ask me anymore) and David will waver between meatball soup
and everything else except fish tacos.
| Visit (Hacienda #2 |
#1 |
#30 |
|
A cute side story: One Friday night, the restaurant
was so crowded we had to wait for a table, and chose to mingle in the ear
splitting bar.
When we orderd our drinks, the bartender laughed and said , "That's weird.
Every Friday night, I have a customer that orders a Drambuie
with a soda side." We laughed and held up our hands with "Guilty!" I am the
only person on Merced who drinks Drambuie, David always
has a club soda with a twist. |
| Food |
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
|
| Service |
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
+2 |
+2 |
|
La Morenita's - Cold Springs, CA - Casual
Much better than I expected, just as good as David remembered. Small, local
place with excellent Chili Relleno and Chicken Mole'. Fair service, beer
and sodas. Comfy wood, fireplace atmosphere.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Lighthouse Lodge - Monterey, CA
This hotel came under heavy scrutiny right from the start, and we truly tried
to be fair.
We even searched for positive points because of all the negative points.
Maybe it was a bad weekend for them?
| Room ceiling |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Pillows/Bed |
|
+1 |
| Towels and robes |
|
+1 |
| Shower shelf |
|
+1 |
| Shower curtain |
|
-1 |
| No Heater (it was winter) |
|
-1 |
| No hot water AT ALL |
|
-1 |
| No ashtrays |
|
-1 |
| Price |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
0 |
Magpie's Coffeehouse, Cortez, CO - Casual, pajamas
ok
Great CA funky style coffee house with a wide selection of coffee, comfy
bar seating and a bathroom worth visiting. Wish she had smiled a bit!
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
-1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Massawa, Haight Street, San Francisco - Casual
My first willing "funny food" experience, but not my last. Zigni, Tsebhi,
Alicha, Injera. Fantastic stuff eaten by scooping up the piles of food with
a thin bread that also doubles as the plate. Really.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
Mesa Verde Cafe, Mesa Verde, CO - Casual
The only place to eat or we would not have. Tourist trap USA, prices and
food wise.
| Food |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
-1 |
Mike's Roadhouse Cafe, Mojave, CA - Traveling
casual
This is one of the few places in town to eat, but it is decent, reliable
and has a fun atmosphere. The entire place is decorated in pink, and about
a hundred vintage pedal cars and pedal airplanes cover the high shelves around
the rooms. The food is also reliable, good cafeteria style classic
entrees.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#3 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
|
|
| Price |
|
|
|
| Only place in town |
|
11 |
-1 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
+1 |
Mimi's Cafe, 3401 Dale Rd, near the Modesto Mall,
Modesto, CA - Casual Tablecloth
I thought, hmm, ok, standard upgraded Denny's you can find just about
everywhere in a larger town now. The decoration is truly comfy/elegant French
Cottage, a massive place once you get to look around. Good service, attention
right off the bat, but the killer was yet to come. We have been back since,
and so far, we have not managed to order anything that was not to die for.
We are planning to return this weekend, and I can't dceide if I want the
right side of the menu or the left side. We chatted with the neighborly
manager (thank you, Joe!) who brought us a packet of four giant homemade
muffins for being first time visitors. If you have to decide which
soup you want, good luck. They are all simply superb. The meatloaf and garlic
mayo? Heaven. I predict this will become a standard (it made our highest
grade and we will make every effort to return when we go north) in our eating
habits. Crossing our fingers for one in Merced, soon, too. Their website
is www.mimiscafe.com.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#2 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
+3 |
Mo's, 1322 Grant Avenue, San Francisco - Casual
Very busy place, fun to watch the cooks within close proximity
The owner, cooks and waiters look like they belong on the docks unloading
200 pound crates or in a Mafia family. They do a smash up job, quick, efficient,
extremely delightful to watch. The food all has a special touch and flavour.
No wonder they are so busy. Whimsical decoration, a bustling joint with 9
tabels and 8 bar stools. I hope they never move or close. There is no skimping
on the food quantity, and you have to actually wait for your food to cool
down enough to eat.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#2 |
#3 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Service |
|
-1 |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
+2 |
+2 |
Motel 6, Barstow, CA
Given the horrible circumstances, we did ok. (Our car died a violent death
umpteen miles from home)
| Room |
|
|
| Amenities |
|
-1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Shower |
|
+1 |
| Price |
|
+1 |
| The bed |
|
-1 |
| The fact we made it at all |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
Mother Lode Coffee Shop - Main Street, Jamestown,
CA 209-984-3386
Wonderful little place with old fashioned napkin dispensers. Felt like we
went back in time.
| Food |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Nicely's, Lee Vining, CA - Cafeteria style
Strictly cafeteria food. Eat there, if you must. We tried it twice just to
be fair.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#2 |
| Food |
|
-1 |
-1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
|
| Service |
|
|
|
| Prices |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Total |
|
0 |
0 |
Navajoland Days Inn, St Michael's, AZ
At least there was coffee in the room. Are all Indians this unfriendly towards
Hoalie's?
| Room |
|
|
| Amenities |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Shower |
|
-1 |
| Price |
|
|
| Total |
|
0 |
Potsticker, 150 Waverly Place, Chinatown,
San Francisco - Casual
Absolutely our favorite Chinese place in the city. A tiny place full of tables
and happy eaters. Quiet, sincere, proper service, delightful food.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
-1 |
| Prices |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
+2 |
Original Joe's, San Francisco - Casual white
tablecloth
Having spent many a dinner at the San Jose version, we had to try this one.
The waiter's are experienced and older, elegant in tuxedos, with equally
delightful old style manners. Scampi, veal parmesan and lasagne were all
delicious, the garlic bread was saturated with garlic as ordered. An old
tradition that might need to remember stuffy is out of style.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
Paul's, Merced, CA - Casual home style
This used to be one of our favorite places, reliable food, fair prices,
reasonable service. Family atmosphere, always open, a decent variety on the
menu, the owners are usually milling about, repeat locals are greeted cordially.
We keep going back because the other choice for a standard meal in town is
Denny's, but after six years, and possibly the last meal there, we are going
to Denny's or cook at home. We waited for a half hour this morning
for our breakfast, watched others seated after us finish their meal before
we got ours, overdone, inedible, and cold. Never once, if our food is openly
uneaten when we pay for the meal, does anyone ask why. Very sad.
| Food |
|
0 |
| Atmosphere |
|
0 |
| Service |
|
-1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
-1 |
Queen Anne Hotel, San Francisco
A four star hotel, period. The service can be a bit slow, but everything
else is stunning.
For more, please go here
The Ramp, China Basin, 855 China Basin St, San
Francisco - 415.621.2378 - Casual
Kitchen: Mon-Fri 11:00am-3:00pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm
A must for breakfast or brunch. Amidst sail boats galore, immediately next
to the water is this huge, wandering patio full of uneven ground, levels,
surrounded by balconies, planters overflowing with flowers, railings, tables,
people, friendly waiters, a generally wonderful mood to be had by all. Full
service bar (try the Bloody Mary!) and a deligthful menu. Wish we could start
one in Merced!! We decided this is a well known secret.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#6 |
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
+3 |
The Ranch, 16th Street, Merced, CA - Casual white
tablecloth
Privately and locally owned, this is a main stay for the old Mercedians.
A good variety on the menu, personal and attentive service, a classic that
never goes out of style. Booths and tables, full service bar. We eat here
several times a month if we can. I go for the Bunkhouse special, salmon
or fish and chips, David does the left side of the menu and Jena is stuck
on the frizzled ham. Thank you, Kim, Kim, Jeanine and Sarah.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#26 |
| Food |
|
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
+2 |
Rappa's, The Wharf, Monterey, CA - Fancy casual
David had Shrimp Louie and Clam Chowder, Anne had Salmon and Clam Chowder
| Food |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
|
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Red Lobster, 3000 Sisk Road, Modesto, CA
209.529.3033
Nice to fancy steak house, standard Red Lobster faire, laquered wood tables,
lovely worn plank wood walls, sectional, cozy booths. Thank goodness the
biscuits are still served. The bleu cheese salad dressing rates the best
we have had with the exception of perhaps the Branding Iron. Prices range
from $9.99 to a whopping $35.50. Any kind of seafood your heart would desire
except scallone. Steaks, stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, taste bud fantasies.
Full bar and you automatically get a glass with your beer!
A visit in August 2008 included one of the best waitresses we have had the
pleasure of meeting, Brandi. Cheerful, very quick and efficient, (it was
6:30 pm on Friday, and VERY busy) and she checked on us regularly without
being a pain. We were in Modesto under very painful circumstances and she
made our evening a delight. Our full dinner s(salmon, shrimp, salads and
drinks) ran only $43? Wow.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
+1/2 |
| Total |
|
+2 1/2 |
Red Lobster, Flagstaff, AZ - Fancy casual
Standard Red Lobster faire, but it was a welcome to weary travelers
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
-1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Red Pearl, Boulder Creek, CA - Cafe casual
13151 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006 831.338.9800
www.redpearlonline.com
Open 7 days a week, 11 am to 9 pm
Tiny, cozy main street Chinese cuisine run by Jenny Wu. Recommended to us
by the locals and well worth it. We had the egg foo yung, mu shu vegies,
fish with bean sauce, kung pao calamari, and vegie fried rice. We overate
and loved every minute of it. If this place was in Merced, it would be a
standard stop.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
0 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
Reinero's, Merced, CA - Casual
Good Italian food, one of the best minestrone ever. Red table cloths, standard
Italian decor, lots and lots of noise, excellent garlic bread, hustle and
bustle and always a wait. No reservations accepted. You can wait in the bar
with bra covered moose heads and the owner in his inevitable white togs,
however, the owner has some attitude problems. Rarely open with any regularity.
We have been kicked out of there for getting inside when he felt 50% of the
tables was full enough and locked the doors on a Friday night. Our favorite
waitress let us in and got yelled at quite loudly in front of everyone for
doing it. Such a shame. She works somewhere else now. We eat elsewhere now.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Owner |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
+2 |
Rosemary's Cafe - Country cowboy casual
3rd Avenue and Fourth Street, Gustine, CA
Cheery little place with a sign that says:
"Make sure you have the cow manure wiped off your boots."
French toast & eggs, Beef dip and mac salad
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
0 |
| Service |
|
0 |
| Prices |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Royal Pacific Hotel, Broadway, Chinatown, San
Francisco
Standard faire, neat 50's atmosphere. We were leaving the rating at a zero
until we checked out and dealt with a serious attitude.
| Room |
|
+1 |
| Amenities |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Shower |
|
|
| Price |
|
-1 |
| Bad clerk attitude |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
-1 |
Serrano Hotel, Taylor at O'Farrell, San Francisco,
room 1404
Very exclusive place. I felt out of place with mismatching hangers peeking
out of my clothers carrier. The room was luxurious but decorated rather like
a circus tent. With normal pricing, I don't believe we would return.
| Room |
|
+1 |
| Room decor |
|
-1 |
| Amenities (robes) |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Shower |
|
|
| Price |
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
Sierra Retreat, Highway 395, Walker/Coleville,
CA 888-743-7728
Very comfortable bungalows, clean, neat, cozy. Complete kitchens, simply
wonderful.exclusive place.
http://www.sierraretreatresort.com/
| Room |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Shower |
|
|
| Price |
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
Sir James, Motel Drive, Merced, CA -
White tablecloth
Two years ago, partially due to Shelby, who we miss tremendously, this was
our favorite place. Salmon, shrimp, even the vegetables were simply delicious.
A complete bar and dance floor done in the typical 70's black walls and glittered
ceiling style provided a subdued, secluded atmosphere. We gave it a three
star rating and brought out of town visitor here. Our last visit was just
that, our last. Hamburgers at salmon prices seems to be the focus on their
new menu.
| Food |
|
0 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
0 |
| Prices |
|
-1 |
| Menu |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
-1 |
Star Lake Motel, Vegas
Old style cottages, quaint as they come with a fantastic couple running the
place who loaned me their hair dryer.
| Room |
|
+1 |
| Amenities |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Shower |
|
-1 |
| Price |
|
|
| Great couple |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
+2 |
Steam Donkey, Pinecrest, CA - Fancy casual
in tourist area
Lovely , quiet grey wood and artful atmosphere, disappointing menu and food
| Food |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
-1 |
| Menu |
|
-1 |
| Price |
|
|
| Total |
|
-1 |
Strawberry Inn, Strawberry, CA - Casual
camping
Lovely setting, lovely building, a wood covered deck out in the trees over
a roaring river. The sway of the deck can be a bit disconcerting. Good menu
selection.
| Visit |
|
#1 |
#3 |
| Food |
|
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
+1 |
| Service |
|
|
-1 |
| Price |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+1 |
0 |
Strings, Merced, CA - white table casual
731 E Yosemite Ave Merced, CA 95340 209.383.9777
This was actually our third visit in two years, but the first time we
rated the restaurant. Our first visits had some flaws we do not remember,
yet we were not disappointed this time, at all.
Whenever there is outside dining, we sit outside. I smoke and generally love
the peace and quiet. The previous weeks were 100 plus temperatures, so the
90 degree (at 7 pm on a Saturday night) with a breeze was a welcome, along
with the surprising absense of other diners who apparently preferred the
very loud inner dining rooms.
I ordered minestrone, crab in a chili, a cream dill and caper sauce, pasta
with creamy alfredo and pesto. Hurrah and two solid points for all. David
had salad (killer house dressing you can buy, sunflower seeds, raisins, onion,
crutons and a tomato) veal marsala, new potatoes with pesto. The pesto was
"for the masses" but that aspect was overlooked in light he received a bowl
of extra pesto, easily, no questions asked. Two points again.
Other items worth mentioning: Atmosphere, a stark, plain but elegant courtyard,
had the restaurant had the option, they would have been better off placing
the area out of the winds. Overflowing cozy plants would have resulted in
a point.
They serve wine and beer, but there is no bar. However, they have delightful
Italian sodas. If you dont drink wine, soft drinks and it's evening, you
are generally left with water, tea, milk or apple juice.
We were spared useless, slightly cooked, almost raw vegies. The pre-dinner
garlic bread is delicious and soft.
Our waiter, Paul Luis, was incredibly pleasant, fun, and very attentive,
very elegant.
August 2008, a few months later we return to the patio where Paul remembers
our last visit and selection details! The only reason Strings does not get
a higher rating is because there is no bar for such a nicer dinner
place. Paula takes care us on another visit, and she is another gem!
| Visit |
|
#3 |
#4 |
|
| Food |
|
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
|
|
| Service |
|
+1 |
+1 |
|
| Price |
|
|
|
|
| Total |
|
+2 |
+2 |
|
Travel Lodge, Flagstaff, AZ
A scenic, tropical hot tub and pool, a good sized room with a sliding glass
door to our car, what more could you ask for?
Ok, besides the really weird noises coming from the hallway all night that
kept us awake, this was fantastic.
Even our jeep mascot, Rocky the Raccoon, liked this one!
| Room |
|
|
| Amenities |
|
-1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Shower |
|
|
| Price |
|
+1 |
| Weird noises all night |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
1 |
Travel Lodge, Tehachapi, CA, Room 123 $79
Standard faire with a kitchen, no hair dryer and the pillows were like rocks.The
room had a horrid yellow desert carpet.
| Room |
|
|
| Amenities |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Shower |
|
|
| Price |
|
+1 |
| Pillows |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
0 |
Traveler's Inn, Needles, CA
Standard faire, we just picked a busy weekend with hundreds of other families
using up all the ice and thousands of screaming kids.
| Room |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Amenities |
|
|
| Shower |
|
-1 |
| Price |
|
-1 |
| The fact we could get a room |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
-1 |
Tuck Box, Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel,
CA - Casual white tablecloth
Much smaller and more crowded than it was thirty odd years ago, but still
quaint, delightful and a joy to visit.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
|
| Price |
|
|
| Menu |
|
-1 |
| General |
|
+1 |
| Total |
|
+2 |
Victorian Corner, Pacific Grove, CA - Casual
| Food |
|
|
| Atmosphere |
|
|
| Service |
|
|
| Price |
|
|
| Total |
|
? |
My notes look like this:
David had:
Split Pea Soup A = : ) D = : (
Hot Pastrami Bleu Cheese D = : )
Anne had:
Quiche : (
Salad : (
GREAT one piece S & P shakers
Westerner, Williams, CO
Strange room decor and atmosphere. We are getting spoiled, expecting coffee
pots and hair dryers in all our rooms. Great shower, hard bed. Outdoor
atmosphere.
| Room |
|
-1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Amenities |
|
|
| Shower |
|
+1 |
| Price |
|
+1 |
| Hard bed |
|
-1 |
| Total |
|
+1 |
Wool Grower's Inn, Los Banos, CA - Family casual
As with every Basque restaurant we have been to, it's impossible to stop
eating the incredible food.
| Food |
|
+1 |
| Atmosphere |
|
+1 |
| Service |
|
+1 |
| Price |
|
|
| Total |
|
+3 |
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