OMG, WTF?

As if the restaurant I would like to review did not get my blood boiling enough, signing back into this blogger account after so long certainly did the trick. Luckily, the wine I had (which is the first red wine I've had in a while) got my blood thinned so it won't be such a scathing review. The restaurant is called Rendez Vous, and it exists in an up and coming (albeit somewhat isolated) area near the Berkeley-Albany border. For many, this is a neighborhood location and it certainly has that feel to it on the outside. Inside, one would wish one were transported away to distant France, where one can see the Eiffel Tower on a moonlit night. Alas, we can only see a gaudy painting of an Eiffel Tower on the wall, which is all too brightly colored and brightly lit. The painting aside, the rest of the decor is passable and feels more comfortable than most eating establishments, but not so comfortable anyone would be inclined to linger too long. I could go on about the environmental design of the place, but I proclaim to be a food critic, not a design critic.
Upon arrival, I found myself perplexed as to what to do, do I seat myself, am I seated, with no one to greet me, am I even welcome? Finally, a GORGEOUS server greeted me with a smile, and allowed me to pick where I sat. I chose a seat close to the window with a wonderful view of the somewhat quiet but quaint street. The server, whom I cannot emphasize how SMOKING HOT she is, gave a strong recommendation for the Corn Pudding. I wish I had listened, because despite my better judgment, I wanted to try a meatier dish- and since I don't eat pork or beef, left me the only choice of Coq Au Vin. The waitress assured me this is a signature dish, and many meat eating patrons have given rave reviews of it. I should have known that rarely can a vegetarian give any good advice about what meat to eat. The server, though beautiful, was not well informed.
The Coq Au Vin seemed like a well prepared French dish, and I will say, in my experience of eating genuine French meals, this tasted very similar. My problem with the dish, however, is my standards are those of a Californian, not of a rustic French man. The chicken, although tender, was DRENCHED in the sauce that tasted like it was meant for a microwave meal. The plate as a whole tasted much like many a Dinty Moore meal (actually, I think it tastes almost exactly like the chicken and mashed potatoes flavor of Dinty Moore) and looked nearly identical. The presentation was only marginally saved by the few fried vegetable bits (which were like putting canned fried onions on a Dinty Moore meal) thrown on top. I won't even mention the bits of bacon strewn throughout that were neither mentioned by the menu nor the waitress. The bacon isn't worth mentioning because even though I don't prefer to eat these things generally, when used well, bacon can be a marvelous thing. I would have overlooked it, if it didn't taste like it all came from a microwave.
On a positive note, the wine cheered me up, and the bread was fine. I've had better of both, but I'd prefer to end this entry with something positive about my experience. Oh yeah, and the waitress was hot.

Arizmendi

This week I visited Arizmendi Bakery on Lakeshore Ave. to get myself a fresh Baguette piece to accompany some homemade soup. As it was the day before Valentines day, I also happened to pick up a wonderful set of tasty goodies for my sweet valentine and lovely fiancee. The Valentines day special was a chocolate cupcake filled with a chocolate ganache, and a heart shaped cookie, filled with a raspberry jam. Both were exquisite and very romantic, according to my beautiful bride to be, and the baguette piece I had was a perfect companion for my homemade soup. The great thing about Arizmendi breads are many fold, no pun intended.
The first thing you need to know is that Arizimendi tends to make things as they feel like it. There are a few regular items in rotation, including my favorite baguettes in the area as well as some incredible breakfast pastries- the Sweet Sallie being my personal favorite. There are many breads offered on a seasonal basis, however, and often these are the best for those interested in something different. I have found that professionals that do what they love to do when they love to do it often produce the best results, and Arizmendi is no exception. When this group of people do something they want to do, they get it done just right.
Which leads me to the next thing you need to know about Arizmendi- it is a worker owned cooperative. You can learn more about their story, why they are named Arimendi and what a day in the life of a worker-owner looks like here at http://www.arizmendibakery.org/. I suppose the fact that they have ownership of the bakery allows them to do what they feel like and lets them do it as well as they do, or both. In either case, it is really great to support this kind of an organization in my book.
The third and most important thing you need to know about Arizmendi is that it is the home of the greatest pizza available in the East Bay. By this humble writers standards, and despite the overwhelming opinion that it is Zachary's Pizza, Arizmendi tops the charts because of the amazing sourdough crust and wonderful fresh (and often locally grown) toppings. Another reason Arizmendi pizza is so fantastic is the menu changes daily, allowing a diversity of adventures for the palette of all pizza aficionados. There are toppings that are in regular rotation, just like the breads available, however, Arizmendi refuses to put anything that is not fresh or fantastic on their pizzas, so what you get is simply the best. If you are looking for your favorite meat covered pizza, please look elsewhere, as the one pizza that is available that day will always be vegetarian.
I cannot say enough great things about Arizmendi's pizzas, and undoubtedly will show up in a later entry comparing pizza in the East Bay and around the world. For now, just go and try it for yourself, and enjoy the flavors at Arizmendi.