Wow, this post was total nostalgia for me! I've lived in NYC for 28 years and the restaurants you mentioned in your review were some of my absolute favorites.
A few years after I moved to Berkeley from Chicago, the woman who owned the flower stand at the Berkeley Bowl {I worked my way through school in the bulk foods section in the late 80's when it was still on Shattuck} took me to dinner at the Fourth Street Grill. I ordered pasta with mussels, not that I knew anything about mussels, but they sounded intriguing. It was one of those life changing moments. The bowl of plain looking pasta with a ring of mussels in their shells surrounding the perimeter had more flavor than anything I had ever eaten before.
I lived within walking distance of Augusta's and my friend Chris had a weekly gig playing guitar there, so I often went to hear him play. Bonnies' food was just delicious, and the wait staff knew to pile the anchovies high on my usual Caesar salad. I would love to recreate their bread pudding with whiskey caramel sauce.
Just last week a friend and I were reminiscing about the Homemade Cafe. He once arranged an entire day's worth of business meetings there, and had breakfast, lunch, and many cups of coffee as people came to pay him court at his table. I can still hear the ringing of the bell on the pass followed by a shouted "MELANIE!" and I can still taste the cinnamon toast from Lake Merritt bakery you used to be able to ask for alongside it if you knew how to get around the owner. And I still make my home fries like they used to serve them, with plenty of onions and bell peppers fried alongside the potatoes, melted cheese, and sour cream on top.
Just listened to your most interesting interview on NPR with Scott Simon during which you noted your love of Pacific oysters. If ever you are near OC, MD feel free to contact me and I will show you the South Point Oyster Farm and serve you the finest oysters in the world.
Next time you are in Philly, head south! Ignore the cheese steaks and get Mexican. El Chingon and Tamalex are my two favorites right now. We have so many options that when you look up a menu for one place two blocks away, Google tries suggesting a closer place! And you can head up to the roof top bar at The Bok for a great view of everything north. Come back!
I really loved this post. One thing missing right now is just good food well done. A place you want to go frequently. Too much of the food today tries to find something new and I believe it misses the mark. There is no soul to it.
Berkeley guy since 1970 when all the local food action started. Still enjoying my foodie travels through the entire Bay area and beyond. I miss those summer parties at Chez Panisse with cajun music, food and good wine!
I really enjoyed your post today Ruth. BTW, years ago I interviewed you when I was working at the Palo Alto Weekly which is such a good memory for me. What I loved here was reading about Fourth Street Grill and simple food done well to the point it was slammed. I live in the East Bay and there is some good food but it gets out of reach for many due to cost. Did you ever read Mollie Katzen's The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without? I love the simplicity but amazing flavors which make home better than any local restaurant now.
Wow, this post was total nostalgia for me! I've lived in NYC for 28 years and the restaurants you mentioned in your review were some of my absolute favorites.
A few years after I moved to Berkeley from Chicago, the woman who owned the flower stand at the Berkeley Bowl {I worked my way through school in the bulk foods section in the late 80's when it was still on Shattuck} took me to dinner at the Fourth Street Grill. I ordered pasta with mussels, not that I knew anything about mussels, but they sounded intriguing. It was one of those life changing moments. The bowl of plain looking pasta with a ring of mussels in their shells surrounding the perimeter had more flavor than anything I had ever eaten before.
I lived within walking distance of Augusta's and my friend Chris had a weekly gig playing guitar there, so I often went to hear him play. Bonnies' food was just delicious, and the wait staff knew to pile the anchovies high on my usual Caesar salad. I would love to recreate their bread pudding with whiskey caramel sauce.
Just last week a friend and I were reminiscing about the Homemade Cafe. He once arranged an entire day's worth of business meetings there, and had breakfast, lunch, and many cups of coffee as people came to pay him court at his table. I can still hear the ringing of the bell on the pass followed by a shouted "MELANIE!" and I can still taste the cinnamon toast from Lake Merritt bakery you used to be able to ask for alongside it if you knew how to get around the owner. And I still make my home fries like they used to serve them, with plenty of onions and bell peppers fried alongside the potatoes, melted cheese, and sour cream on top.
I am so charmed by Phil Rosenthal. I've watched every episode of Somebody Feed Phil and not only does it make me happy, I always learn something!
Just listened to your most interesting interview on NPR with Scott Simon during which you noted your love of Pacific oysters. If ever you are near OC, MD feel free to contact me and I will show you the South Point Oyster Farm and serve you the finest oysters in the world.
Next time you are in Philly, head south! Ignore the cheese steaks and get Mexican. El Chingon and Tamalex are my two favorites right now. We have so many options that when you look up a menu for one place two blocks away, Google tries suggesting a closer place! And you can head up to the roof top bar at The Bok for a great view of everything north. Come back!
I really loved this post. One thing missing right now is just good food well done. A place you want to go frequently. Too much of the food today tries to find something new and I believe it misses the mark. There is no soul to it.
Berkeley guy since 1970 when all the local food action started. Still enjoying my foodie travels through the entire Bay area and beyond. I miss those summer parties at Chez Panisse with cajun music, food and good wine!
No Boston book visit? Bummer!
I lived in Berkeley from 1981 to 83 and worked near 4th Street in a small art company. This menu strikes me as very Southern Italian
I really enjoyed your post today Ruth. BTW, years ago I interviewed you when I was working at the Palo Alto Weekly which is such a good memory for me. What I loved here was reading about Fourth Street Grill and simple food done well to the point it was slammed. I live in the East Bay and there is some good food but it gets out of reach for many due to cost. Did you ever read Mollie Katzen's The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without? I love the simplicity but amazing flavors which make home better than any local restaurant now.
I love your writing! Pure inspiration.