Fine Dining with Kids? Faz is your Answer
April 15, 2008
My wife and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary. We were able to go out just the two of us over a weekend, but on the actual date we brought our kids to dinner. We found such a terrific Tri-Valley restaurant for just this type of occasion that I felt like I should pass it on to my readers. In my opinion, our dinner was so smooth, easy and delicious because of the restaurant we chose.
Did you know there is a Faz in the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Hopyard Road in Pleasanton? Just minutes from the 580/680 interchange, this gem of a restaurant shines in an understated way. This is where we brought the kids for dinner on our anniversary.
First off, the restaurant’s interior is quite nice with new décor. We have gone several times and every time we go there is no wait, and our dinner is enjoyed in peace and quiet. The host and waitstaff are very professional and kind to our children. This particular dinner, Read more
Restaurant Review: Itto Sushi
January 24, 2008
Did someone say sushi? I became a sushi fanatic about 7 years ago when I had my first experience at a small sushi place located in downtown Walnut Creek. Since t
hen, I have tried numerous sushi establishments in the greater Bay Area. In my opinion, one of the best happens to be a 5 minute drive from my home in San Ramon. Itto Sushi opened about a year ago and has garnered quite a following in the last 12 months. It has quickly become a favorite judging from the busy dining room and bustling servers.
Every time I have been, the sushi, the traditional Japanese dishes, and the experience in general has been excellent. The staff is friendly and try their best to please. The menu is stacked with options. Over twenty popular rolls are offered and there must be half a dozen combinations and categories not including the section on tempura, teriyaki and udon. Our kids also love the place, with their noodles, chicken teriyaki, miso soup and the ultimate fun- hot towels! I have even been able to convince my 6 year old son to down some Unagi. My recommendation is the “Girly Man” roll. Itto Sushi is located in San Ramon at 2551 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Reservations recommended at 925.838.4848.
Itto Sushi gets 4 out of 5 corks
Restaurant Review: Simply Fondue
January 14, 2008
Amid the newest stretch of architecture, shops and restaurants in downtown Livermore, Simply Fondue offers diners a truly unique experience. Recently, I went to Simply Fondue to celebrate my friend’s birthday. She wanted something different for her birthday, so she thought “fondue-ing” would fit the bill. The restaurant’s websit
e states, “It’s hip! It’s chic!” and that our dining party would be in for a “unique dipping experience.” So, we were prepared for a fun, interesting eating adventure, on par with a night out at a teppanyaki restaurant. If you aren’t familiar, when you go to a fondue restaurant, you are able to choose a variety of dipping cheeses/sauces and then dunk an assortment of foods into a pot called a “caquelon” right at your table.We were not disappointed in our expectations. The restaurant is more modern than you would expect. The atmosphere immediately hits all your senses. The furniture, lighting, and vibe are upscale and a bit swanky. The lights are slightly turned down, the smell of cheese and exotic spices circulate through the building, and the sound of the bar resonates through the restaurant. We got there a few minutes early for our 7:30 reservation, so we had a drink at the bar. This is a good spot to mention…
