Jeff’s Bay Area Tips I feel sorry for the lonely business traveler who’s assigned to the “Bay Area”. No one says Bay Area, when they mean San Francisco. For those of us assigned to the wrong side of the bay, here’s the few places to eat I’ve uncovered. Note *s are the best of the best. Don’t miss these
San Ramon: For those of you stuck with me at Chevron, here’s the best I’ve uncovered over the past few months: *Mudds Restaurant – the best the town has to offer. Great specials, wine, service and atmosphere – at a reasonably (still high) price. Wonderful outdoor seating off the herb garden if you’re fortunate enough to be there in the right climate. A bit tricky to find. 10 Boardwalk, San Ramon. 925 837 9387. Bighorn Grill – the best steak place in town. Lively crowd and great service. Nice chef side bar for single diners. Packed in the middle of a strip mall of tacky places (like TGI Fridays). 2410 San Ramon Valley Blvd. 925 838 5678. *Café Esin – Here’s a nice neighborhood gourmet type of place. Small, quaint, friendly, with a knowing local following. The beet salad is divine. A real find! 2416 San Ramon Valley Blvd. The Japanese/sushi place next door – Miraku - is also worth a visit….and you’re right across the street from the only local Theatre ( a six-plex). Giuseppes – This is basically in the same strip mall as Bighorn, Esin, Felts and TGIs – just across from the Crow Canyon Theatre. The place is nothing fancy, and looks a bit like a converted Sambos – but you’ll find great Italian food and surprising value. Likely your best choice for Italian in the area. 2540 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon. 925 820 8866 Bollinger Bar and Grill – Wins the award for the best view – if you can get there before sunset. Up on the hilltop looking down on San Ramon. Entrees run the gamut from there special meatloaf, to top of the line gourmet specials. The main dining room can be a bit formal and romantic for the single diner. 680 Bollinger Canyon Way. 925 968 1500. Blackhawk Grill – You’ll likely want to make the trek up to trendy and expensive Black Hawk, which has a small mall, antique car museum, and movie theatre. Everything seems to close early, and most will head to the Black Hawk Grill to see and be seen. Blackhawk Plaza, Danville 925 736 4295. For my money though, I prefer the casual and quiet Italian place at the opposite end of the mall, just across from the Theatre. Great individual size gourmet pizza – and with $2 cocktails, this place might not last long. Follow Crow Canyon Rd East – it turns into Blackhawk road. Go left on Blackhawk drive. Pasta Primavera Café. Good value, simple family place. 3124 C Crow Canyon Place. 925 830 9500
Chada: Pretty good Thai food. Fast and cheap. Close to the movie theatre. 2475 San Ramon Valley Blvd. 925 362 8132 Hotels: The Marriott San Ramon is the best, but it’s still just a Marriott. Ask for the Chevron rate. The Hilton at the Club, in Dublin is connected to a fantastic health club and offers full privileges – but the rooms and the location are a bit dreary. Ask for the AAA rate. For Starwood folks, all you’ve got is the Pleasanton Four Points – which is nicer that most Four Points – but doesn’t offer free breakfast. Pleasanton: Just one short stroll down “Main” Street and you’ll understand why it’s called Pleasanton. Families and neighbors actually stroll the avenue at night, and linger at local coffee shops. Main Street is an old fashion western looking town, lined with shops (which close early) and about 10 reasonable places to eat. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk the length of town and pick your favorite. Take 680 south to Bernal Exit. Go right – crossing under the freeway, and in a few miles Left onto Main Street. The Wine Steward – not a restaurant, but if you are here on a Thurs-Fri-Sat, a tasting room upstairs will cheer you up in no time. This is a very nice large knowledgeable wine merchant who has wine and food classes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Call ahead for reservations and schedule. 641 Main Street. 925 600 wine. Stacey’s – Fine Californian Cuisine. A bit pricey, but the best quality in town. 310 Main Street, Pleasanton. 925 461 3113. Blue Agave – Interesting southwestern place. Attracts the tourist. Would be a great place to dine outside on a nice night. 625 Main Street. 925 417 1224 Gira’sole Grill –From the owners of the Bighorn Grill, this Italian relative is more casual and less expensive, and a bit less hip. Good quality food, some healthy items. 3180 Santa Rita Road (just north of 580 – near Hacienda) Take Owens Rd north cross Hacienda, go right on Santa Rita. Right there, just behind the gas station. 925 484 1001. *Fuzio – Universal Pasta – This is in the Hacienda shopping complex right in front of the 20 screen movie theatre. It’s a great place if you’re looking for healthy, hip and cheap. The place to go if you are doing a movie here. Unique pastas, salads, udon noodles, and fresh spring rolls. Walnut Creek: Just 16 miles north of San Ramon, you’ll find an upscale community of shops similar to Bellevue Square – complete with all you’re yuppie mall favorites: P.F. Changs, California Pizza Kitchen, Il Fornio. Take Olympic exit off of 680 and park when you see the mall. San Jose: Lots of places downtown, but few worth writing about. The Fairmont is the nicest hotel, but the Hyatt near the airport has the most charm and resort like feel. If you’re working in the Valley, my choice is the San Jose Sheraton in Milpitas (but only for the club floor
with free cocktails and breakfast). No charm, but great service and price coupled with Starwood points. A.P. Stumps is the nicest (and most expensive) place in town. Great beet salad. Wonderful wine list: Right downtown. 163 West Santa Clara. 408 292 9928 The San Jose Hyatt (near the airport) has a very nice Italian restaurant which is worth the visit on a nice night, to dine outside by the pool. Agenda – South of Market – just behind the city. Only feels like a rough neighborhood. Palo Alto Empire Grill & Tap Room. Nice place for a brew pub. Good food and out door seating