By Danielle Schubert-
New ideas for fusion food are great. I love the pan-Asian cuisine that California has developed, and I'm also a big fan of Latin-American and Caribbean food that most of us, living in the Bay Area culinary mecca, have grown to adore.
Whipper Snapper, in my opinion, has tried and failed in their fusion version. "Cal-Caribe Vibrating Vittles" is what they call it. I found it much less than vibrating, and it was a shame considering we came with voracious appetites. We had been so excited to have lunch at the whimsically colorful San Rafael restaurant. Bright tablecloths and eye-popping eclectic art decor pack a visual punch, but the bar set-up in the front of the restaurant wasn't inviting as it sits right next to the front door.
First off, the chips seemed stale, and the salsa lacked spiciness, depth and texture. The Cuban cigar rolls were too greasy, lacked flavor and were completely overwhelmed by the chipotle ketchup. And one of my favorites, fried sweet plantains, were an odd combination of too greasy exterior and too dry interior.
In the interest of staying healthy, salads are an integral part of our diet, and my girl and I order them nearly every time we go out to eat. What we got instead of a warm spinach salad with mushrooms, bacon and greens was something more resembling stroganoff. Although the flavors were tasty, it was way too heavy. It was the reason I hit the gym like my life depended on it the next day.
The Israeli couscous salad was colorful but this too, was heavy and overdressed. The butternut squash soup, however, was a hit with my girl. I thought it as just OK. The fish with tropical salsa was delicious, light and not dried out and we ate that up, but we left most of everything else on our plates. No request for a doggy-bag either.
The crowning glory here in my opinion, was actually the sangria. Light and refreshing, it packed a punch and I do like myself a good pitcher (not glass) of sangria. The wine list was short, but featured some reasonably priced wines by the glass, that would work with this type of food. The wait-staff was kind but forgetful, and they didn't get our order right twice. I had to ask a few times for my girl's lemonade. One of my pet peeves is receiving my beverages after the food comes.
With live music on Friday nights, I would drop by for the great sangria, but Whipper Snapper needs to work out the kinks in the culinary department.
This review is written by a guest contributor to MoreMarin, and is
not an employee.
Whipper Snapper
1613 - 4th Street, San Rafael
415.256.1818
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