Here are some restaurants that we recommend. We have had an enjoyable experience eating at each of them. Links to the restaurants' web sites are included wherever possible.
| CITY | RESTAURANT | PHONE | ADDRESS | COMMENTS |
| U.S. | ||||
| ARIZONA | ||||
| Cave Creek, Az. | Satisfied Frog Restaurant and Saloon | 480-488-3317 | Frontier Town | Ribs, large portions, informal |
| Grand Canyon, Az. | El Tovar Dining Room | Fabulous black bean soup! | ||
| Jerome, Az. | The Asylum | 928-639-3197 | Fun Fine Dining! | |
| Phoenix, Az. | Vincent on Camelback | 602-224-0225 | 3930 E. Camelback Rd. | One of my favorite restaurants! French/Southwest cuisine |
| Prescott, Az. | The Rose Restaurant | 928-777-8308 | 234 S. Cortez St. | |
| Sedona, Az. | Cowboy Club | 928-282-4200 | 241 N. Highway 89A | Southwest cuisine - Buffalo/Snake |
| Sedona, Az. | Heartline Cafe | 928-282-0785 | 1610 W. Highway 89A | I have their terrific cookbook. |
| Sedona, Az. | L'Auberge de Sedona | 928-204-4352 | 301 L'Auberge Lane | Wonderful food in a gorgeous location! |
| Sedona, Az. | Orchards Bar and Grill | 928-282-1661 | 254 Highway 89A | |
| Sedona, Az. | Rene at Tlaquepaque | 928-282-9225 | 336 Highway 179 | A lovely restaurant |
| Sedona, Az. | Shugrue's Hillside Grill | 928-282-5300 | 671 Hwy 179 | Especially nice for lunch on the patio, but also nice for dinner. |
| CALIFORNIA | ||||
| Aliso Viejo, Ca. | Opah | 949-360-8822 | 26851 Aliso Creek Rd, #C | Wonderful food. My scallops with risotto were divine! |
| Aptos, Ca. | Bittersweet Bistro | 408-662-9799 | at Rio Del Mar exit off Hwy. 1 | |
| Bakersfield, Ca. | Benji's | 661-328-0400 | 4001 Rosedale Hwy. | French/Basque Restaurant |
| Berkeley, Ca. | Chez Panisse | 510-548-5525 | 1517 Shattuck Ave. | World-renowned food. |
| Berkeley, Ca. | Lalime's | 510-527-9838 | 1329 Gilman St. | |
| Capitola, Ca. | Shadowbrook | 831-475-1511 | 1750 Wharf Road | Walk down steep hill to restaurant through lovely garden or take tram. |
| Capitola, Ca. | Zelda's | 831-475-4900 | 203 Esplanade | Right on the beach. We like their fish & chips. |
| Carmel, Ca. | Casanova ( The web site has neat music!) | 831-625-0501 | 5th Street between Mission and San Carlos | Friends have highly recommended this restaurant, especially for its decor. |
| Carmel, Ca. | The Grill on Ocean Avenue | 831-624-2569 | Ocean Avenue (between Dolores & Lincoln) | Good for lunch. Salads and sandwiches. |
| Carmel Valley, Ca. | Cafe Rustica | 831-659-4444 | 10 Delfino Place | Good salads and sandwiches for lunch. |
| Carmel Valley, Ca. | Los Laureles Lodge Restaurant | 831-659-2233 | 313 West Carmel Valley Road | We had a wonderful New Years Eve celebration there (2001 & 2002). Chef Lisa Magadini did a great job. Sonny G. on piano in the bar was terrific! |
| Carmel Valley, Ca. | Running Iron Restaurant & Saloon | 831-659-4633 | in the village | |
| Carmel Valley, Ca. | Solo Mio Trattoria | 831-659-9119 | 3 Del Fino Place | Italian cuisine. |
| Cupertino, Ca. | Alexander's Steakhouse | 408-446-2222 | 10330 No. Wolfe Road (at Highway 280) | at Vallco Fashion Plaza |
| Cupertino, Ca. | Azuma | 408-257-4057 | 19645 Stevens Creek Blvd. | Japanese cuisine |
| Cupertino, Ca. | BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse | 408-865-6970 | 10690 N. De Anza Blvd. | Terrific Sesame Chicken Salad |
| Cupertino, Ca. | Fontana's | 408-725-0188 | 20840 Stevens Creek Blvd. | Italian cuisine |
| Cupertino, Ca. | Fresh Choice | 408-253-1605 | 10123 N. Wolfe Rd. (next to Sears) | Serve-yourself salads and soups. Good for lunch. |
| Cupertino, Ca. | Hamasushi | 408-446-4262 | 20030 Stevens Creek Blvd. | Japanese cuisine. |
| Cupertino, Ca. | Helios | 408-873-1000 | 10030 S. DeAnza Blvd., cross street Stevens Creek, adjacent to Cypress Hotel | |
| Cupertino, Ca. | Hobee's | 408-255-6010 | 21267 Stevens Creek Blvd. | Good for breakfast or brunch |
| Cupertino, Ca. | Mandarin Gourmet | 408-725-8168 | 10145 N. DeAnza Blvd. | Chinese cuisine |
| Cupertino, Ca. | Miyake | DeAnza Blvd. | Japanese cuisine. Reasonably priced. | |
| Danville, Ca. | Marcello's | 925-838-8144 | 515 San Ramon Valley Blvd. | Traditional Northern Italian cuisine. |
| Death Valley, Ca. | 19th Hole Grill | in Furnace Creek Ranch | ||
| Death Valley, Ca. | Furnace Creek Inn Dining Room | in Furnace Creek Inn | Open mid-October through mid-May | |
| Death Valley, Ca. | The Wrangler Steakhouse | in Furnace Creek Ranch | ||
| Homewood, Ca. | West Shore Cafe | 530-525-5200 | 5160 W. Lake Boulevard | Beautiful place to eat outdoors on Lake Tahoe. |
| Laguna Beach, Ca. | C'est La Vie Restaurant & Bakery | 949-497-5100 | 373 So. Coast Hwy | Nice lunch on the patio with an ocean view |
| Laguna Beach, Ca | Opah Restaurant & Bar | 949-494-2545 | 230 Forest Avenue | |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Akane | 650-941-8150 | 250 3rd St. | Japanese cuisine |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Beausejour | 650-948-1382 | 170 State St. | French cuisine. Lovely dining room. |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Casa Lupe | 650-941-7390 | 185 Main St. | Mexican cuisine |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Chef Chu's | 650-948-2696 | 1067 N. San Antonio Rd. (at El Camino Real) | Distinctive cuisine of China |
| Los Altos, Ca. | I Fratelli | 650-941-9636 | 388 Main St. | Italian cuisine |
| Los Altos, Ca. | L'Acquolina | 650-948-4600 | 397 Main St. (at First St.) | Regional European Cuisine. Terrific food and service. |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Los Altos Grill | 650-948-3524 | 233 3rd St. | American Bistro, no reservations. Good spit-roasted chicken and cornbread. A wonderful salad with warm chicken. Used to be Bandera. |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Maltby's Restaurant | 650-917-8777 | 101 Plaza North (corner of State & 4th St.) | |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Oregano's | 650-941-3600 | 4546 El Camino Real (at San Antonio) | Wood-fired pizza |
| Los Altos, Ca. | La Gondola | 650-941-7702 | 242 State St. | Italian cuisine. Open 1130 - 230 and 5 to 930. |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Rick's Cafe | 650-559-1941 | 205 State St. | Open for breakfast and lunch only. Very good food. Generous portions. |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Ristorante Bella Vita | 650-917-0300 | 376 First Street | Northern Italian cuisine. Charming decorations. Outdoor patio. |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Susie's Sushi | 650-559-9218 | 4546 El Camino Real, A4 | Japanese cuisine. Sushi bar. Open every day, 1130 a.m. to 930 p.m. |
| Los Altos, Ca. | Zitune | 650-947-0247 | 325 Main St. | Mediterranean & Moroccan cuisine |
| Los Angeles, Ca. | Cafe Bel-Air | 310-476-6571 | 11461 Sunset Blvd. (in the Summit Hotel Bel-Air) | |
| Los Gatos, Ca. | Cafe Marcella | 408-354-8006 | 368 Village Lane | |
| Los Gatos, Ca. | California Cafe | 408-354-8118 | 50 University Ave. | |
| Los Gatos, Ca. | Kuleto's | 408-354-8290 | 210 East Main St. | Italian cuisine |
| Los Gatos, Ca. | Manresa | 408-354-4330 | 320 Village Lane | French and modern Catalan cooking. A 4-course meal for $88. The chocolate soufflé with butterscotch sauce was fantastic! |
| Los Gatos, Ca. | A Matter of Taste | 408-399-1599 | 35 East Main St. | Nice for lunch. Cute and tiny. Good salads. |
| Los Gatos, Ca. | Pigalle | 408-395-7924 | 27 N. Santa Cruz Ave. | French cuisine. Their back room is like a cave. Very cozy. |
| Los Gatos, Ca. | Steamer's Grillhouse | 408-395-2722 | 31 University Ave. | |
| Los Gatos, Ca. | Sweet Pea's | 408-354-3144 | 453 No. Santa Cruz Ave. | Very small. Nice for lunch. |
| Los Gatos, Ca. | Viva | 408-356-4902 | 15970 Los Gatos Blvd. | Los Gatos Neighborhood Eatery |
| Mammoth Lakes, Ca. | Alpenrose | 760-934-3077 | 343 Old Mammoth Rd. | Max, Hilde & Myriam will take good care of you! |
| Mammoth Lakes, Ca. | Cafe Vermeer | in Schott's Bakery on Main Street | Great sandwiches for lunch!! | |
| Mammoth Lakes, Ca. | Lakefront Restaurant | 760-934-2442 | in the Tamarack Lodge & Resort | A very highly-rated restaurant. Food was good - our service was not good at either dinner or breakfast. May be just us. |
| Mammoth Lakes, Ca. | Restaurant Skadi | 760-934-3902 | 587 Old Mammoth Rd. (at Chateau Road) | Chef is Ian T.N. Algeroen. The food is wonderful. Try the chocolate sampler plate for dessert. Skadi is the Viking God of Skiing and Hunting. |
| Mammoth Lakes, Ca. | Whiskey Creek | 760-934-2555 | ||
| Menlo Park, Ca. | The Duck Club | 650-322-1234 | 100 El Camino Real (in the Stanford Park Hotel) | |
| Menlo Park, Ca. | Flea Street Cafe | 650-854-1226 | 3607 Alameda De Las Pulgas | California bistro |
| Menlo Park, Ca. | Iberia | 650-854-1746 | 1026 Alma St. | Spanish cuisine |
| Menlo Park, Ca. | Le Pot Au Feu | 650-322-4343 | 1149 El Camino Real | French cuisine |
| Menlo Park, Ca. | The Left Bank | 650-473-6543 | Santa Cruz Ave. | French bistro |
| Menlo Park, Ca. | Mikasa | 650-322-8223 | 1010 El Camino Real (behind Kepler's Books) | Japanese cuisine |
| Menlo Park, Ca. | Oak City Bar & Grill | 650-321-6882 | 1029 El Camino Real (between Santa Cruz Ave. & Menlo Ave.) | Terrific 4-course prix fixe lunch for only $12.00. |
| Menlo Park, Ca. | The Red Currant | 650-322-2626 | 75 Arbor Road (in Allied Arts Guild) | Mediterranean Bistro. Open Mon - Sat. Breakfast 10 - 12, Lunch 12 - 4 |
| Menlo Park, Ca. | Trellis Restaurant | 650-326-9028 | 1077 El Camino Real | Open for lunch and dinner. Excellent food. |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Amber India Restaurant | 650-968-7511 | 2290 W. El Camino Real (near Rengstorff, across from Carl's, Jr.) | Wonderful Indian food, both lunch and dinner. Buffet at lunch. |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Austin's | 650-969-9191 | 1616 West El Camino Real | Texas-style barbeque |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Chez TJ | 650-964-7466 | 938 Villa St. | Gorgeous old victorian house. Fixed price meals. Modern French cuisine. |
| Mountain View, Ca. | El Calderon Restaurant | 650-940-9533 | 699 Calderon Ave. | We enjoyed sampling the Salvadorean food. |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Global Village Cafe | 650-965-4821 | 209 Castro St. | |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Mei Long | 650-961-4030 | 867 E. El Camino Real (next to Ethan Allen Carriage House south of Hwy. 85) | Fine Shanghai Cuisine |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Ristorante Don Giovanni | 650-961-9749 | 235 Castro Street | Italian cuisine |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Satsuma Restaurant | 650-966-1122 | 705 E. El Camino Real | Wonderful Japanese cuisine |
| Mountain View, Ca. | The Spice Islands Cafe | 650-961-0628 | 210 Hope St. (across from post office) | Malaysian food |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Vaso Azzurro | 650-940-1717 | 108 Castro St. | Italian food |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Vivaca Grill | 650-318-8010 | 800 California St. (at Castro) | |
| Mountain View, Ca. | Zucca Ristorante | 650-864-9940 | 186 Castro Street | A friend highly recommended this restaurant. |
| Oakland, Ca. | Oliveto | 510-547-5356 | 5655 College Ave. | Wonderful food |
| Oakland, Ca. | Soizic Bistro | 510-251-8100 | 300 Broadway (at 3rd) | Close to Oakland Metro for Oakland Opera Theater performances |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Basia Bistro | 650-322-4500 | 201 S. California Ave. | I had their delicious salmon for lunch. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Cafe Brioche | 650-326-8640 | 445 So. California Ave. | Nice little place for lunch. Some outdoor seating. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Cafe Pro Bono | 650-326-1626 | 2437 Birch (Just off California Ave.) | Italian cuisine. Nice for lunch or dinner. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | California Cafe | 650-325-2233 | 700 Welch Rd. | California cuisine, great location for shopping |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | California Pizza Kitchen | 650-325-2753 | 136 Stanford Shopping Center | I love the Thai Crunch Salad. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | CIBO Bar & Grill | 650-494-2426 | 3398 El Camino Real (just south of Page Mill Rd.) | Used to be Fresco and then Willow St. Cafe. Nice for lunch. Near HP Corporate. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | The Empire Tap Room | 650-321-3030 | 651 Emerson St. | Nice patio for dining. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Evvia | 650-326-0983 | 420 Emerson St. | Greek cuisine |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Fuki Sushi | 650-494-9383 | 4119 El Camino Real | Japanese cuisine. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Il Fornaio | 650-853-3888 | 520 Cowper (just south of University) | |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | L'Amie Donia | 650-323-7614 | 530 Bryant St. (between University & Hamilton Ave.) | Very small, French cuisine, our friends highly recommend it, open for dinner only |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | La Bodeguita Del Medio | 463 California Avenue (1/2 block from El Camino on the right) | 650-326-7762 | Cuban cuisine |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | MacArthur Park | 650-321-9990 | 27 University Ave. | Good ribs |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Maddalena's | 650-326-6082 | 544 Emerson (between University and Hamilton) | Traditional Continental food and service. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Max's Opera Cafe | 650-323-6297 | in Stanford Shopping Center | Good salads for lunch, great location for shopping |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Ming's | 650-856-7700 | 1700 Embarcadero Rd. | Chinese cuisine |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Mojo | 650-323-7700 | 543 Emerson St. | California-Creole cuisine. The crab cakes for lunch were wonderful. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Nola | 650-328-2722 | 535 Ramona St. | Cajun & Creole Fusion cuisine. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Olive Garden | 650-326-5673 | 2515 El Camino Real | |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Palo Alto Sol | 650-328-8840 | 408 California Ave. | Mexican cuisine. Reasonable prices. Their mole is wonderful! |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Piatti | 650-324-9733 | 2 Stanford Shopping Center | |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Pluto's | 650-853-1556 | 482 University Ave. (just south of Cowper) | Yummy sandwiches and salads for lunch or dinner. Cafeteria style. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Scott's Seafood of Palo Alto | 650-323-1555 | in Town and Country Village shopping center at El Camino Real & Embarcadero | |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Spago | 650-833-1000 | 265 Lytton Ave. | We've heard mixed reviews, but we had wonderful food and service. Expensive. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Spalti Ristorante | 650-327-9390 | 417 California Ave. | Italian cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | St. Michael's Alley | 650-326-2530 | 806 Emerson St. (at Homer) | Delicious food. Great service. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | STOA Restaurant & Wine Bar | 650-424-3900 | 3750 Fabian Way | Vegetarian fine dining and wine bar |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Straits Cafe | 650-494-7168 | 3295 El Camino Real (just south of Page Mill Road) | Southeast Asian cuisine, with emphasis on Singaporian food |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Taipan Chinese Cuisine | 560 Waverly St. | New in September, 2005. Hong-Kong style cuisine. | |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Tamarine Restaurant | 650-325-8500 | 546 University Ave. | Vietnamese cuisine. Small portions. Wonderful flavors. |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Zao Noodle Bar | 650-328-1988 | 261 University Ave. | Terrific salads and noodle dishes |
| Palo Alto, Ca. | Zibibbo | 650-328-6722 | 430 Kipling St. | Mediterranean cuisine |
| Pasadena, Ca. | Twin Palms | 626-57-PALMS | 101 W. Green St. | |
| Pebble Beach, Ca. | Stillwater Bar and Grill | 831-625-8519 | Pebble Beach Golf Course | |
| Portola Valley, Ca. | Bamboo | 650-851-1718 | 3130 Alpine Road (suite 300), south of 280 (in the Ladera Country Shopper) | Thai and Chinese cuisine. Small and informal place. Great food. |
| Redwood City, Ca. | John Bentley's | 650-365-7777 | 2915 El Camino Real | Wonderful food. Elegant dining. The "Pressed Duck" Napa Cabbage Salad, Mango Salsa, the Broiled Wild Salmon, The Fillet Mignon, the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake, and the Warm Flourless Chocolate Soufflé Cake were all outstanding! |
| Sacramento, Ca. | Biba's | 916-455-2422 | 2801 Capitol Ave. | Italian restaurant. Highly recommended by a friend. Need to make reservations well ahead. |
| Sacramento, Ca. | P. F. Chang's China Bistro | 916-288-0970 | 1530 J. Street | |
| Sacramento, Ca. | Elephant Bar Restaurant | 916-564-2526 | 1500 Arden Way | |
| Sacramento, Ca. | Fat City Bar & Cafe | 916-446-6768 | 1001 Front Street (in Old Sacramento) | |
| Sacramento, Ca. | The Firehouse Restaurant | 916-442-4772 | 1112 Second St. in Old Sacramento | Elegant dining. Expensive. |
| Sacramento, Ca. | Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant | 916-486-1944 | 1833 Fulton Ave. | Good food. Terrific belly dancers. |
| Sacramento, Ca. | Rusty Duck Restaurant | 916-441-1191 | 500 Bercut Dr. | |
| San Diego, Ca. | Baleen | 858-490-6363 | 1404 Vacation Road (Located in the San Diego Paradise Point Resort) | |
| San Diego, Ca. | The Belgian Lion | 619-223-2700 | 2265 Bacon St. (at W. Point Loma Blvd.) | Belgian and French cuisine. Has a terrific cassoulet. |
| San Diego Area, Ca. | Pamplemousse Grille | 858-792-9090 | 514 Via de la Valle #100, Solana Beach, CA | |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Absinthe Brasserie and Bar | 415-551-1590 | 398 Hayes St. (at Gough) | French bistro. Just 2 blocks from the S.F. Opera House. Has a huge international wine list. We had a fabulous confit of duck. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Bistro Clovis | 415-864-0231 | 1596 Market St. (at Franklin) | A real French bistro. A 5-10 minute walk from Davies Symphony Hall. I loved the duck and mango terrine and also the profiteroles with hazelnut ice cream. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Bonta Ristorante | 415-929-0407 | 2223 Union St. (between Fillmore & Steiner Sts.) | Charming and very small. Wonderful Italian food. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Boulevard Restaurant | 415-543-6084 | One Mission St. | We had dessert here in the bar area. Very nice. Our friends rave about it for dinner. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Chaya Brasserie | 415-777-8688 | 132 The Embarcadero (between Mission & Howard) | We had a very nice dinner here. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Elizabeth Daniel | 415-397-6129 | 550 Washington St. (between Sansome and Montgomery) (right across from the Transamerica building) | Contemporary French cuisine. Offers a 6-course fixed-price menu for $77. We particularly loved the ahi tuna, the lobster/scallops and the quail courses. Serves lunch weekdays and dinner Mon-Sat. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Farallon | 415-956-6969 | 450 Post St. (between Mason & Powell Sts.) | Interesting "underwater" decor. Expensive. Wonderful seafood. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Gary Danko | 415-749-2060 | 800 North Point at Hyde | Definitely one of the finest restaurants I've ever eaten at! |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Jardiniere | 415-861-5555 | 300 Grove St. (at Franklin St.) | Wonderful food! Expensive. Perfect location for performance at Symphony Hall or the Opera House. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | La Folie | 415-776-5577 | 2316 Polk St. | Roland Passot is the wonderful chef! |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Le Central | 415-391-2233 | 453 Bush Street (between Kearney & Grant) | French Bistro. Wonderful food. The best tira misu I've had. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Max's Opera Cafe | 415-771-7301 | 601 Van Ness Avenue (off Golden Gate Avenue, in Opera Plaza) | No reservations. Sometimes a long wait for a table. Food good. Open at 11am. Handy to the Opera House and Davies Symphony Hall. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Myth | 415-677-8986 | 490 Pacific Ave. | Highly recommended by friends. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Plouf | 415-986-6491 | 40 Belden Lane (between Bush and Pine streets) | French seafood |
| San Francisco, Ca. | South Park Cafe | 415-495-7275 | 108 South Park St. (at Jack London) | French Bistro. Our friends John & Sally eat there frequently. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Scala's Bistro | 415-395-8555 | 432 Powell St. (on the first floor of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel) | Handy to Saks at Union Square for a nice lunch. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | The Slanted Door | 415-861-8032 | 1 Ferry Building #3 | |
| San Francisco, Ca. | South Park Cafe | 415-495-7275 | 108 South Park (between Bryant & Brannan & 2nd & 3rd streets) | Wonderful little French bistro. Street parking usually available close to restaurant. |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Straits Restaurant | 415-668-1783 | San Francisco Centre, 845 Market St., Suite 597 | |
| San Francisco, Ca. | Zuni Cafe | 415-552-2522 | 1658 Market St. (between Franklin & Gough Sts. and between Rose & Haight Sts.) | 10-minute walk from Davies Symphony Hall |
| San Jose, Ca. | Agenda Restaurant | 408-287-3991 | 399 S. First St. | |
| San Jose, Ca. | Amber India Restaurant | 408-248-5400 | 377 Santana Row, Suite 1140 | Wonderful lunch buffet for $13.95 |
| San Jose, Ca. | Consuelo's | in Santana Row | ||
| San Jose, Ca. | E & O Trading Company | 408-938-4100 | 95 S. 1st Street (at San Fernando in the Old Security Building) | Tasty Southeast Asian food! |
| San Jose, Ca. | Emile's | 408-289-1960 | 545 S. 2nd | European cuisine. 4/2000 we had a wonderful dinner here. |
| San Jose, Ca. | Eulipia | 408-280-6161 | 374 So. 1st St.(near San Salvador St. and Market St.) | Close to Montgomery Theater for Opera San Jose performances |
| San Jose, Ca. | Fusion | 408-379-5095 | 1317 S. Winchester Blvd., near Payne in West Plaza Center near Safeway & Starbuck's (3 blocks from 280) | The chef used to be at the New Bamboo in Ladera and on Emerson in Palo Alto. |
| San Jose, Ca. | Hayes Mansion, Orlo's Restaurant | 408-226-3200 | 200 Edenvale Avenue | Hayes Mansion is now a conference center. |
| San Jose, Ca. | Hobee's | in Town & Country Village Shopping Center | Good for breakfast or brunch | |
| San Jose, Ca. | Krung Thai | 408-248-3435 | 580 N. Winchester Blvd. | Wonderful Thai food |
| San Jose, Ca. | Layang Layang | 408-777-8897 | 1480 S. De Anza Blvd. | Malaysian Cuisine |
| San Jose, Ca. | Le Papillon | 408-296-3730 | 410 Saratoga Ave. (at Kiely Blvd.,off Hwy. 280) | French cuisine. Excellent food, beautifully presented. Attentive service. |
| San Jose, Ca. | Left Bank | 408-984-3500 | in Santana Row | French bistro food. |
| San Jose, Ca. | Maggiano's Little Italy | 408-423-8973 | 3055 Olin Avenue, Suite 1000 (in Santana Row) | Italian Food. Family-style serving. |
| San Jose, Ca. | Mimi's | 408-378-0778 | 1200 El Paseo de Saratoga (at Saratoga and Prospect - across from Westgate Shopping Center) | Good food. Reasonable prices. |
| San Jose, Ca. | Scott's Seafood | 408-971-1700 | 185 Park Ave. (downtown) | |
| San Jose, Ca. | Straits Restaurant | 408-246-6320 | 333 Santana Row, Suite 1100 | |
| San Jose, Ca. | Tanglewood | 408-244-0464 | 334 Santana Row, Suite 1000 | I loved the pulled pork sandwiches here. The quail salad was not memorable. |
| San Jose, Ca. | Thea Mediteranean | in Santana Row | ||
| San Mateo, Ca. | Ristorante Capellini | 650-348-2296 | 310 Baldwin Ave. | Italian cuisine |
| Santa Barbara, Ca. | Bouchon | 805-730-1160 | 9 W. Victoria St. | Their hot chocolate cake dessert was outstanding! |
| Santa Barbara, Ca. | Cafe Buenos Aires | 805-963-0242 | 1316 State St. | I enjoyed the Brazilian fejouada. |
| Santa Barbara, Ca. | Santa Barbara Brewing Company | 805-730-1040 | 501 State St. | Their Santa Barbara Blonde ale is terrific! |
| Santa Clara, Ca. | Birk's | 408-980-6400 | 3955 Freedom Circle | |
| Santa Clara, Ca. | Brigitte's | 408-404-7043 | 351 Saratoga Ave. | French Mediterranean Gourmet & Healthy Cuisine |
| Santa Maria, Ca. | Central City Broiler | 805-922-3700 | Seafood & Steaks | |
| Saratoga, Ca. | Bella Saratoga | 408-741-5115 | 14503 Big Basin Way (at 3rd) (on right, next to Harmonie Day Spa) | Wonderful outdoor seating for lunch on a warm day. |
| Saratoga, Ca. | La Fondue | 408-867-3332 | 14510 Big Basin Way | Sean and Amber highly recommend this restaurant. |
| Saratoga, Ca. | La Mere Michelle | 408-867-5272 | 14467 Big Basin Way | |
| Saratoga, Ca. | Le Mouton Noir | 408-872-0691 | 14560 Big Basin Way | French cuisine |
| Saratoga, Ca. | The Plumed Horse | 408-867-4711 | 14555 Big Basin Way | Seasonal country fare. French cuisine |
| Saratoga, Ca. | Sent Sovi | 408-867-3110 | 14583 Big Basin Way | Small and charming. Excellent food & service. French cuisine. |
| Sonoma, Ca. | The Girl and the Fig | 707-938-3634 | 110 W. Spain St. | Country food with a French passion |
| Squaw Valley, Ca. | High Sierra Grille | 530-584-6100 | 1880 Village South Road, #31 | |
| Sunnyvale, Ca. | Armenian Gourmet | 408-732-3910 | 929 E. Duane Ave. | |
| Sunnyvale, Ca. | Country Gourmet | 408-733-9446 | 1314 S. Mary Ave. | Good lunch place. Yummy salads. |
| Sunnyvale, Ca. | Hardy's Bavaria | 408-720-1531 | 111 W. Evelyn Ave. | German cuisine. |
| Sunnyvale, Ca. | Kabul Afghan Cuisine | 408-245-4350 | 833 El Camino Real (between Hollenbeck & Mary) | |
| Sunnyvale, Ca. | Tao Tao | 408-736-3731 | 175 So. Murphy Ave. (between Washington & Evelyn) | Shredded Chicken Salad and Tao Tao Beef are outstanding. Orders to take out. |
| Tahoe City, Ca. | Cafe Cobblestone | 530-583-2111 | 475 N. Lake Blvd. | Good for breakfast. |
| Tahoe City, Ca. | Christy Hill Restaurant | 530-583-8551 | 115 Grove St. | Wonderful food! I loved the elk. |
| Tahoe City, Ca. | Truffula | 530-581-3362 | 550 N. Lake Blvd. | Wild food from land & sea. Our antelope from New Zealand was phenomenal. |
| Walnut Creek, Ca. | Lark Creek Walnut Creek | 925-256-1234 | 1360 Locust St. (near Mt. Diablo Blvd.) | Near the Center for the Performing Arts. Excellent food. |
| Woodside, Ca. | Bella Vista | 650-851-1229 | 13451 Skyline Blvd. | Wonderful views of the bay area. French and Italian cuisine |
| Woodside, Ca. | John Bentley's | 650-851-4988 | 2991 Woodside Road | |
| Woodside, Ca. | The Village Pub | 650-851-9888 | 2967 Woodside Road | Wonderful food. Lovely setting. |
| Yosemite National Park | Ahwahnee Dining Room | 209-372-1489 | In the Ahwahnee Hotel | One of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world! |
| Yosemite National Park | Mountain Room | 209-372-1000 | In Yosemite Lodge | Ask for Vince Lee, our favorite waiter! |
| COLORADO | ||||
| Denver, Co. | Cafe Berlin | 303-377-5896 | 2005 East 17th Avenue | German cuisine. |
| Durango, Co. | Ken & Sue's | 970-385-1810 | 636 Main Avenue | |
| Durango, Co. | Seasons of Durango | 970-382-9790 | 764 Main Avenue | Rotisserie & Grill |
| Vail, Co. | Lancelot | 970-476-5828 | Prime rib. | |
| Vail, Co. | Pepi's | 970-476-5626 | East Gore Creek Drive | We like the German dining room. |
| Vail, Co. | Sweet Basil | 970-476-0125 | 193 East Gore Creek Drive | My favorite restaurant in Vail! |
| Vail, Co. | Swiss Chalet | 970-476-5656 | in the Sonnanalp | All kinds of fondue. Great for a fun family meal. |
| Vail, Co. | Wildflower Inn | 970-476-5011 | in the Lodge at Vail | Elegant setting. Wonderful food. |
| GEORGIA | ||||
| Atlanta, Ga. | Brasserie Le Coze | 404-266-1440 | 3393 Peachtree Rd. (in Lenox Mall just off Lenox Rd.) | French brasserie, great hot chocolate pudding cake for dessert |
| Atlanta, Ga. | Horseradish Grill | |||
| Atlanta, Ga. | Mi Spia | 770-393-1333 | 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. | Italian Bistro |
| Atlanta, Ga. | Nava | 404-240-1984 | 3060 Peachtree Rd. | Southwestern cuisine, beautifully decorated dining room |
| Savannah, Ga. | Elizabeth's on 37th | 912-236-5547 | 105 East 37th St. | Charming old home, very gracious dining |
| Savannah, Ga. | The Lady and Sons | 912-233-2600 | 311 W. Congress St. | All-you-can-eat Southern fare |
| Savannah, Ga. | The Olde Pink House | 912-232-4286 | 23 Abercorn St. | Historical house, American cuisine |
| HAWAII | ||||
| Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii | Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid | Beautiful outdoor setting. | ||
| Hilo, Big Island, Hawaii | Cafe Pesto | 808-969-6640 | S. Hata Bldg., 308 Kamehameha Ave. | |
| Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii | Donatoni's at the Hilton Waikoloa Village | 808-886-1234 | 425 Waikoloa Beach Dr. | Elegant restaurant. Italian cuisine. Expensive. |
| Big Island, Hawaii | Kamuela Provision Company at the Hilton Waikoloa Village | 808-886-1234 | 425 Waikoloa Beach Dr. | |
| Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii | Kawaihae Harbor Grill and Seafood Bar | 808-880-9393 | on Highway 270 | Yummy pupus; no reservations |
| Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii | Merriman's Market Cafe | 808-886-1700 | King's Shops, Waikoloa Resort, 250 Waikoloa Beach Dr. | Nice outdoor seating. Small plates available. |
| Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii | Roy's Waikoloa Bar and Grill | 808-886-4321 | King's Shops, Waikoloa Resort, 250 Waikoloa Beach Dr. | My favorite restaurant on the big island! Wonderful food, energetic environment. Quite noisy. I loved the blackened tuna and the chocolate souffle. |
| Kauai, Hawaii (near Po'ipu) | Beach House Restaurant | 742-1424 | Fabulous sunset views. Get there early for a good seat by the window. | |
| Kauai, Hawaii (in Kapa'a) | A Pacific Cafe | 822-0013 | Wonderful food | |
| IDAHO | ||||
| Idaho Falls, ID | Brownstone | 208-535-0310 | 455 River Parkway | |
| INDIANA | ||||
| Indianapolis, In. | Puck's | 317-955-2315 | 4000 Michigan Road (at the Indianapolis Museum of Art) | |
| LOUISIANA | ||||
| New Orleans | Arnaud's | We ate in the jazz room and listened to a 3-piece combo during dinner. I had shrimp and rice in a fantastic cream sauce. | ||
| New Orleans | Bella Luna | (located upstairs in the French Market) | On the second floor with a nice view of the Mississippi river. | |
| New Orleans | The Bistro | (located in the Hotel Maison De Ville) | Outstanding food and service. A very small intimate restaurant. Patrick was a marvelous host. | |
| New Orleans | Brennan's | My brunch was probably the best meal of my trip: huge strawberries in heavy cream, salmon benedict, and Bananas Foster for dessert. (They invented it.) | ||
| New Orleans | Commander's Palace | For lunch, I had the trio of soups, their special salad, and a warm chocolate souffle. | ||
| New Orleans | The Gumbo Shop | For lunch, Bob liked the Gumbo, although I wasn't crazy about it. However, I loved my Praline Sundae. | ||
| New Orleans | Irene's | They don't take reservations, so we got there early. My salmon in pastry crust was yummy. We all split desserts: Baked Alaska and Bread Pudding. | ||
| New Orleans | Muriel's | A beautiful and elegant new restaurant. My Foie Gras Mousse in tiny cones was outstanding! | ||
| New Orleans | Royal Cafe | We enjoyed lunch on the balcony overlooking Royal Street. | ||
| St. Francisville | Ox Bow Restaurant | (in the Myrtles plantation house) | The corn and crab bisque was delicious, and we got hooked on hush puppies. An elegant dining room. | |
| MINNESOTA | ||||
| Minneapolis, Minn. | D'Amico Cucina | 612-338-2401 | 110 North 6th St. | Fine Italian cuisine |
| Minneapolis, Minn. | Christos | 612-871-2111 | 2632 Nicollet Avenue South | Greek cuisine |
| Minneapolis, Minn. | Napa Valley Grille | 952-858-9934 | in the Mall of America | American cuisine |
| Minneapolis, Minn. | Pierre's Bistro | French cuisine. Casual. Prize-winning Creme Brulee. | ||
| Minnetonka, Minn. | Sidney's | 952-933-1000 | 15600 West State Hwy. 7 | Healthy, gourmet cuisine |
| Minneapolis, Minn. | Zelo | 612-333-7000 | 831 Nicollet Mall | Italian cuisine |
| MONTANA | ||||
| Great Falls, MT | Dante's Creative Cuisine | 406-453-9599 | 1325 - 8th Avenue North | Try their Gorgonzola Caesar Salad. |
| NEVADA | ||||
| Incline Village, NV | Le Bistro Restaurant & Bar | 775-831-0800 | 120 Country Club Drive, #29 (across from the Hyatt) | Outstanding French cuisine |
| Las Vegas, NV | Caribe Cafe | in the Mirage | ||
| Las Vegas, NV | Ellis Island Casino & Brewery | 702-733-8901 | 4178 Koval Lane | Terrific and inexpensive steak dinners |
| Las Vegas, NV | Trattoria del Lupo Restaurant | 702-740-5522 | in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino | A Place for Steaks. A Wolfgang Puck restaurant. |
| Las Vegas, NV | Olives | 877-234-6358 | in Bellagio | A Todd English restaurant. |
| Las Vegas, NV | Primo's Steakhouse | 866-636-7111 | in Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive | |
| Las Vegas, NV | The Range Steakhouse | 1-800-392-9002 ext. 5084 | in Harrah's | Elegant dining |
| Las Vegas, NV | R.U.B. | in the Rio Hotel | Barbeque dishes | |
| Winnemucca, NV | Restaurante San Fermin | 702-625-2555 | 485 W. Winnemucca Blvd. | Basque cuisine. |
| NEW MEXICO | ||||
| Santa Fe, NM | Cafe Pasqual's | 505-983-9340 | 121 Don Gaspar | |
| NEW YORK | ||||
| Niagara Falls, NY | The Red Coach Inn | 716-282-1459 | Two Buffalo Avenue | A wonderful place to stay and a terrific restaurant. |
| NORTH CAROLINA | ||||
| Asheville, N. C. | Gabrielle's | 704-252-7313 | in the Richmond Hill Inn, 87 Richmond Hill Drive | |
| Asheville, N. C. | Horizons | 704-252-2711 | in the Grove Park Inn Resort, 290 Macon Ave. | One of our very favorite restaurants! Great view of the golf course. Terrific pianist. Wonderful food & service. |
| Blowing Rock, N. C. | Crippen's Restaurant | 704-295-3487 | ||
| Chapel Hill, N. C. | Fearrington House dining room | 919-542-2121 | 2000 Fearrington Village Center in Pittsboro | |
| Nags Head, N. C. | Windmill Point Restaurant | Great views of sailboarding | ||
| OREGON | ||||
| Bend, Or. | Anthony's | 541-389-8998 | 475 SW Powerhouse Dr. | In the Old Mill Area. 4-course Early Bird dinner from 4 to 6 is a great deal! |
| Bend, Or. | Ariana Restaurant | 541-330-5539 | 1304 Galveston | 1.11 miles from Phoenix Inn. Great service and ambiance. Wonderful food. One of my two favorites in Bend. |
| Bend, Or. | Blacksmith Restaurant | 541-318-0588 | 211 WN Greenwood (at Harriman) | Very good food. On our last visit the service was very slow. Bob loves their steak with onion rings. |
| Bend, Or. | Cafe Rosemary | 541-317-0276 | 1110 NW Newport Ave. | Recommended by friends. |
| Bend, Or. | Cork | 541-382-6881 | 150 NW Oregon Ave. | Creative food. We had a Hoisin Duck salad that was outstanding. |
| Bend, Or. | El Caporal | 541-322-8916 | 744 NW Bond St. (corner of Bond & Franklin) | Family Mexican Restaurant. Terrific fish tacos. |
| Bend, Or. | Greg's Grill | 541-382-2200 | In the Old Mill District, next to REI | Beautiful decor. Wonderful food. |
| Bend, Or. | High Tides Seafood Grill | 541-389-5244 | 1045 NW Bond | Excellent seafood. Both lunch and dinner. |
| Bend, Or. | McMenamins | 541-382-5174 | Old St. Francis School, 700 Bond St. | Wonderful salads for lunch! |
| Bend, Or. | Merenda Restaurant & Wine Bar | 541-330-2304 | 900 NW Wall St. | On Tuesdays, their specialty is Cassoulet. Wonderful! |
| Bend, Or. | Pine Tavern | 541-382-5581 | 967 NW Brooks St. | Beautiful river view. |
| Bend, Or. | Zydeco | 541-312-2899 | 1085 SE 3rd Street | Had wonderful Copper River salmon. |
| Eugene, Or. | Excelsior Inn & Restaurant | 541-342-6963 | 754 East 13th Avenue | Wonderful food and lovely place to stay! |
| Klamath Falls, Or. | Steak Country | 541-883-3910 | Bob likes their steaks. | |
| SOUTH CAROLINA | ||||
| Charleston, S. C. | Anson | 843-577-0551 | 12 Anson St. | |
| Charleston, S. C. | Louis' Charleston Grill | 843-577-4522 | in the Charleston Place Hotel, 130 Market St. | |
| Charleston, S. C. | Peninsula Grill | 843-723-0700 | in the Planter's Inn | |
| Pawley's Island, S. C. | Tyler's Cove | 803-237-4848 | Hammock Shops | Good seafood |
| TENNESSEE | ||||
| Chattanooga, Tenn. | Back Inn Cafe | In the Bluff View Inn's Martin House | ||
| UTAH | ||||
| Moab, Utah | Center Cafe | 435-259-4295 | 60 North 100 West | Wonderful creative food in a cozy restaurant. |
| Moab, Utah | Jailhouse Cafe | 435-259-3900 or 435-259-4100 | 101 North Main Street | Serving only breakfast |
| Moab, Utah | Sunset Grill | 435-259-7146 | 900 N. Hwy 191 | Great view from the terrace. |
| VIRGINIA | ||||
| Williamsburg, Va. | Shields Tavern (click here for selected recipes from Colonial Williamsburg) | 757-220-7677 | in Colonial Williamsburg | Historic setting. Early American entertainment & costumes. |
| WYOMING | ||||
| Cody, Wy. | La Comida | 307-587-9556 | 1385 Sheridan Avenue | Mexican-American cuisine |
| Cody, Wy. | Stefan's Restaurant | 307-587-8511 | 1367 Sheridan Avenue | |
| OTHER | COUNTRIES | |||
| BELGIUM | ||||
| Brugge, Belgium | Hotel Duc De Bourgogne dining room | Wonderful food, great view of the canal, simple but nice place to stay as well | ||
| Noirefontaine, Belgium | Auberge Du Moulin Hideux | Gorgeous and peaceful place to stay | ||
| CANADA | ||||
| Jasper, Alberta, Canada | Astoria Hotel Dining Room | 780-852-3351 | 404 Connaught Drive | |
| Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada | Ric's Grill | 250-377-3113 | in the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, 1175 Rogers Way | Steak, seafood & chop house |
| Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada | Post Hotel Dining Room | 403-522-3989 | Fabulous food!! Elegant hotel. | |
| Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada | The One Twelve Restaurant | 250-837-2107 | in The Regent Inn, 112 East First | |
| Victoria, British Columbia, Canada | The Aerie Resort | Fantastic views. 30-minute drive from Victoria up into the mountains. | ||
| Victoria, British Columbia, Canada | Camille's | 250-381-3433 | 45 Bastion Square | Great seafood bisque. They have wine and food events. |
| Victoria, British Columbia, Canada | Pablo's | 225 Quebec St. (near Belleville) | Spanish cuisine | |
| Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | Amici | 326 Broadway (at Hargrave St.) | ||
| Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | Hy's Steak Loft | 216 Kennedy St. | ||
| FRANCE | ||||
| Chagny, France | Lameloise | Michelin 3-star, very expensive, wonderful food | ||
| Chartres, France | Le Saint Hilaire | 02.37.30.97.57 | 11, rue du Pont St-Hillaire | |
| Compiegne, France | Bistrot Des Arts | Small and charming | ||
| Paris, France | Au Monde Des Chimeres | on the Ille St-Louis | Small and charming | |
| Paris, France | D'Arpage | Michelin 3-star, very expensive | ||
| Paris, France | D'Chez Eux | Country French cuisine, wonderful cassoulet | ||
| Paris, France | La Table de Michel | 01.44.07.17.57 | 13, Quai de la Tournelle | |
| LUXEMBOURG | ||||
| Luxembourg City | Breedewee | Fantastic view | ||
| Luxembourg City | Caves Groumandes | |||
| NORWAY | ||||
| Balestrand, Norway | Kvikne's Hotel Dining Room | |||
| Bergen, Norway | Bryggestuen | |||
| Bergen, Norway | Enhjorningen | |||
| Bergen, Norway | To Kokker | |||
| Geiranger, Norway | Union Hotel Dining Room | |||
| Loen, Norway | Alexandra Hotel Dining Room | |||
| Oslo, Norway | D'Artagnan | Charming restaurant | ||
| Utne, Norway | Utne Hotel Dining Room |