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Finally, Bar-B-Que In Marin!

Its southern-fried roots beckon eager gourmands to a world of bluegrass and blues culture and to become familiar with hickory rub and smoked concoctions, all the while hoping those indulgent snacks you ate an hour ago won't interfere with your appetite for barbecue.  If you thought dining out here was going to be a walk in the park, think again.

Pardon this reviewers electrified emotion, but we may have found the answer to Marin County's reputation for lacking legitimate BBQ culture.  Be prepared to compromise if you aren't an Atkins Diet adherent.

Which brings me to the main point; if you are a vegetarian, or strongly against the devouring of meat, then this is not your place.  Franks' menu is unapologetically carnivorous.  I ordered- and when the food arrived- my field of vision was dominated by such delectables as tri-tip beef, pork tenderloin, fried chicken and other stables of a true BBQ meal.  The sides were excellent; I had potato salad and baked  beans.  The potato salad tasted similar to others of its ilk, but the baked beans were truly original.  Somewhere along the line they must've been given a kick of hickory and molasses.  I didn't have room for dessert, but others in my party who did, seemed to validate the positive vibe that I was already experiencing.

Frank's Bar-B-Que has easy access parking, as well as comfortable seating in a vibrantly, colorful interior that is paired with an open chrome kitchen vaguely reminiscent of a fifties-era diner.  A collection of old blues memorabilia interspersed with jars of BBQ sauce is showcased in the dining area, lending an authentic note.

If you enjoy the succulent flavor of meat, meat, meat then make haste to Frank's Bar-B-Que in Novato.  If you are devoted to broccoli and hummus, then go somewhere else.

Frank's Bar-B-Que has sit-down, take-out and catering. 
459 Entrada Avenue
Novato
415 382- 0104

   

Bobby's Cafe Celebrates Its Sweet Sixteen

I learned of Bobby's Cafe through admittedly unusual conduits. Often, you read about a new listing in a newspaper or local magazine, where the food critics either applaud or abhor their experience. It is not an overstatement to say that entire reputations can be built on first impressions in this business, and why the vast majority of startup eateries go bankrupt. I did not come to know Bobby's Cafe through a critic, but rather through the news generated by its reopening. Bobby's Fo'c's'le Cafe, as it was originally titled, burned down in San Rafael, last November, leaving the owners Bobby and Helen Boyett few options. Fortunately the Boyetts reopened on Fourth St. and rested on their laurels of being in the restaurant business for sixteen years. It has proven to be a local favorite for its attention to friendly service and providing a non-stressful atmosphere.  Indeed, its Hawaiian interior decor meshed with laid back sports bar area provide a recipe for relaxation.

The food reflects its Americana roots. Various breakfast and lunch items can be found on the menu. Lucky for you, breakfast items can be ordered whenever so desired. Word on the grapevine is to try the french toast, but it's a safe bet that you won't be disappointed regardless of your order. Or the price. Bobby's Cafe provides generous portions without breaking the bank. The chicken strip sandwich was richly prepared and was generously proportioned, with a large side of potato salad. 

Bobby's Cafe truly operates in accordance with what Americans love best: paying small prices for big portions, and sticking with a winning team. The Boyetts have been in business for over sixteen years; many of their patrons are friends and have come to rely on their service. Their recovery from personal tragedy is inspirational and a true testament to their abilities. If you're hungry for more, head on down to Bobby's Cafe.

Bobby's Cafe
1617 Fourth St.
San Rafael
415 454-4444

   

Arigato, Umi Sushi!

Let me first say that I love sushi.

Long before I developed consistent memories, I was eating sushi with great gusto. Perhaps it was the presentation of brightly colored morsels served on delicious sticky rice that attracted me. Or the unbelievable sensation of wasabi and soy sauce mixed together. I guess it doesn't matter; today I'll eat almost anything. But I still turn to Japanese food when I need a great meal. And a great meal is what I got at Umi Sushi.

Opened in January in central San Rafael, Umi Sushi is a perfect example of quality sushi housed in unassuming environs. By that I mean they focus on the food and not on ambient accoutrement. The restaurant has a sharp, clean look to it. Inconspicuous artwork tastefully adorn the walls, and the background music was, oddly enough, classic rock. I can't decide if this was a cultural adaptation of Marin or if the chef just really liked Grand Funk Railroad. It certainly didn't seem to hinder his ability to slice sushi.

I ordered the chirashi sushi - chef's choice of fish. Tender cuts of mackerel, tuna, octopus, eel, squid and salmon were promptly prepared and served with a confident smile - something always appreciated when eating uncooked food. When I finished my meal, I quietly reflected on the service, which by the way, was impeccable. My green tea arrived very quickly, as did the staple of any sushi lunch - miso soup and vegetables with peanut sauce. Modesty seems to be the key to this establishment, and I think it works very well in a neighborhood that simultaneously values affordable food without ostentatious frills. If you're looking for good food and great service, take a drive to Fourth Street and try Umi.

Umi Sushi
819- 4th St.
San Rafael
415 457-3992

   

Catching the Wave at Wipeout!

When you step through the doors of Wipeout Bar & Grill, you are immediately hit with the recognizable sights and sounds of a coastal summer. Surfboards, beach signs and other classic kitsch adorn the walls, not to mention the expansive set of projection TV's dotting the restaurant's interior. Merging the old with the new, the bygone era of the Beach Boys with today's technological marvels, Wipeout Bar & Grill goes above and beyond the typical dining experience.

The attentive waiters are no stranger to small talk, and despite the size of the place, they are quick to take your order and serve your food.  And speaking of the food, the Wipeout serves up plates of classic Americana fused with a culinary twist. The specials are most certainly that – special. Seared ahi tuna with fresh vegetables and tangy sauce wrapped in a flour tortilla, Chipotle chicken Penne pasta, and my favorite classic fare – the cheeseburger served with the Californian staple known as avocado, are just  some of the great items on their menu. And even if you just settle for the nostalgic burger and fries, you won't be disappointed.

However, the onslaught of surfing videos and NASCAR racing can be tiresome, if you prefer to eat in sensory silence. Then again, this is not the place for cantankerous geriatrics. Wipeout Bar & Grill was created for the purpose of entertaining the young, as well as the young-at-heart. If you plan your next meal at the Wipeout, you are bound to have a great experience. Just remember that, unlike the boardwalk food stands, no shirt and no shoes means no service. Surf's up!

Wipeout Bar & Grill
302 Bon Air Shopping Center
Greenbrae
415 461-8822

       

Introducing Nick's Picks!

Nick Gould is a twenty-something college student, which means he can really put it away.  But more importantly, he knows a good meal when he eats one.  Nick began his gourmand adventure when he was a young lad, actually developing a taste for sushi at an age when other kids were screaming for Spaghetti-O's.  Since then, he's sampled cuisines ranging from Afghani to Ethiopian, and foods like alligator gumbo and abalone steaks.   He will try just about anything, and he pretty much likes everything, except blue cheese.

Nick will try out new places and re-visit some old ones, and he'll bring us the scoop as Nick's Picks, here in MoreEats.  Check it out, and bon appetit, everyone!