Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
Every time I walk past the Giants gem of a ballpark, Pacific...err SBC Park, I always pass Amici's. Every time I pass it, its always filled to the brim with baseball fans – but most importantly, Pizza fans. Yes, Amici's Pizza is to pizza what SBC Park is to ballparks--its trendy, makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and is filled with amazing food. For those who don't feel like being surrounded by baseball (like one of the reviewers of this site), Amici's has several locations including a very popular one on Castro Street in Mountain View.
Like SBC, Amici puts an old fashioned product in a very modern, appealing setting. The decor is nothing fancy, but is similar to a place you would find in a mall. Everything looks new, is clean and is appealing to the eye. Nothing is spectacular, but there is really nothing to complain about either. I sat at the counter where I could watch the artists craft my pizza. The ambiance is nice and relaxing and makes you feel comfortable as you sip your drink and wait for the food to come.
The service is nice and too. The food gets to you right out of the oven. The waiters are happy to make recommendations for you. The place does get a little crowded, but unless you have a huge party, you will probably be able to get a table. Amici's is probably best as a lunch spot because of its ambiance and style of food.
Speaking of food, let me just give a brief word about pizza before I dig into Amici's food. To me, there is standard pizza (Round Table, Pizza Hut, etc) and there is specialty pizza. Specialty pizza is divided into two categories: deep dish or thin crust. Thin crust originates out of Italy and is highly popular in New York. However, in Chicago, pizza chefs boldly mastered the deep dish pizza, which is my personal favorite. Amici's pizza falls under the traditional New Yorker style pizza. However, the crust is cooked in such a way that it really cannot be considered a traditional Italian or European pizza. So it is unique in its own way.
If you visit Amici's with a crowd of people, I would recommend ordering an appetizer since there will be a mad grab to the pizza which will possibly leave several people hungry. The Garlic Breadsticks are the way to go. However, if you're in a smaller party, I would suggest trying one of their extremely fresh salads. Or you could Minestrone if you're the soup type. While not amazing (and really how amazing can a salad be?), the appetizers are fresh and tasty and will hold you over until the pizza comes. Amici's has typical soft drinks plus a killer lemonade. For those over 21, Amici's does sell wine and nice beers as well.
Now, the pizza is something else. The crust is extremely thin but is not too crispy like many other "thin crust pizzas." The texture is also smooth and the tomato sauce is clearly fresh. The pizza is so inviting that once you take one bite you'll finish the rest in record time. At Amici's, you have the option of creating your own pizza with your toppings or ordering one of their specials. Unless you are particular about what goes on your pizza, I would recommend the specials because the ingredients compliment each other giving each pizza a truly unique taste. Most of the specials are named after a particular region (Boston, New Haven, Philly) or based off of the ingredients (pollo, Veggie). The Philly pizza is pretty special with excellent Italian Sausage mixed with Caramelized onions. However, if you're like me and you like the kitchen sink on your pizza with that traditional pizza taste (no pesto, Thai flavors, sour cream, nothing crazy), then the Amici's Combo is for you. It’s got the meats (pepperoni, meatballs, bacon) and the token veggies (olives, mushrooms) to make a really excellent pizza. Of course, you should order according to your taste and I'm sure Amici's will make it just right.
If you don't order a Pizza and really if you go to Amici's this part of the review ain't for you, you can order a sandwich or pasta. The pasta's are relatively standard--they're fresh and tasty but honestly nothing amazing or worth skipping to the pizza for. The sandwiches are a different matter. A bit overpriced, but the Italian and Meatball sandwiches are well worth it. I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but I've heard good things about their eggplant sandwich as well. Still, if you want pasta, go somewhere else. The desserts are limited (Chocolate Cake or Cheesecake) but are pretty solid. Nothing spectacular, but will satisfy your sweet tooth. If you go to the Castro street or SF location, you might be better off finding dessert somewhere else.
Recommendations:
All in all, Amici's is pretty solid all around. There is nothing you will not like about the place. However, the only part of the cuisine that is spectacular is the pizza which is one of the best thin crusts I have had. The food is reasonably priced for a pizza place and the portions are pretty nice. I would recommend going in a party so you can try multiple types of pizza. Comparing it to other Bay Area pizza joint, I prefer it to Pizza Antica, but enjoy Cicero's more, even though Amici's has a better atmosphere. It's no surprise that this San Francisco favorite (constantly ranked as one of the top pizza places in the city) is constantly packed by people.
Rating 3.5/5
Health: Ingredients are fresh and pizza is not especially greasy. Also depends on how you order.
Cost: $$ (not too pricey)
amici's
Amber India
Buried underneath the drudgery of a plain strip mall in Mountain View lays a golden jewel often overlooked by the ordinary observer. However, those seeking the rich delicacies of fine Indian food need to look no further than this traditional North Indian restaurant to satisfy their appetites. I have had Indian food in New Delhi, New York, London and San Francisco and few places are comparable to Amber India. While most Indian restaurants produce food indistinguishable from one another, Amber takes North Indian cuisine to the next level.
When you enter this restaurant, you forget for a moment that you are at a strip mall. Rather, the intricate decorations of the cozy Amber has an authentic Indian feel. Everything from the walls to the plates to even the forks bear an Indian design. The curry dishes come to you in brass vessles while the tandoori dishes will come to you steaming and smothered with lemons and onions on a skillet dish. To complement the meal, a soft bhajan or ghazal music can be heard in the background. The only drawback to Amber’s ambiance is that the restaurant is a bit small, making it difficult to get a table without reservations. In fact, I have been there on many a Friday night when the line is actually out the door. My advice: make reservations.
Amber’s service is above average. All the waiter’s are friendly and accommodating. They are generally very responsive, although occasionally this critic has had a tough time ordering more naan when his table’s little breadbasket is filled only with crumbs. They offer excellent recommendations and the menu has certain set dinners to ensure you receive an authentic Indian experience.
Now, we get to the food. Yes, the food, the part I know all have been salivating for. Let me tell you, the myths about Amber are true. The food is so good it makes people capable of eating more than you thought was physically possible for them. Even the skinniest of Indian kid will find himself setting personal eating records.
You may find yourself starting off your meal with a traditional mango or sweet lassi, which is the equivalent of a milkshake or smoothie. The taste of a lassi will complement the taste of the rest of the meal. Amber also has a wide variety of soft drinks and for those over 21, an excellent beer and wine menu.
With your drinks, you can choose from a wide variety of delicious appetizers. If you feel like a light snack, I recommend either the Reshmi Kababs (minced tender Chicken kababs) or the nice and spicy Aloo Tikki’s. If you want a more varied meaty taste, the Assorted Tandoori dish is excellent (although you might want to save the Chicken Tikkas for the main course). If you have had some experience with Indian food and like Samosas or Pakoras, Amber has excellent Chicken Samosas and Chicken Pakoras. I prefer the Samosas which are light and crispy, filled with spices and not too greasy. If you feel on munching on something in anticipation for the assortment of foods to come, the crunchy and spicy Papadum is plentiful and tastes great with Amber’s homemade Chutney’s.
Once finished with the appetizers, the food does take a bit of time. It can be a wait that feels an eternity (especially for your stomach). However, when the tray filled with hot Naan baskets and the smell of the Tandoor hits you, you will be forgiven by your stomach.
The sizzling Tandoori dishes, cooked from an authentic Tandoor oven, are a must have at this restraunt. For the vegetarians, the Paneer Tikka’s are the way to go. They are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside and filled with herbs and spices to make your taste buds tingle. For the meat eaters, the question is: What’re your favorite type of meat? For those who like it all, the Tandoori mixed grill gives you some chicken, fish, lamb and shrimp. Chicken lovers will delight over the tender, juicy boneless Chicken Tikka’s grilled to perfection. The Seekh Kebab’s, ground lamb mixed with spices, are delectable and one of my personal favorite dishes. One of the more pricier dishes, the Frontier Kebab (pictured), is rack of lamb served as good as it gets. The lamb literally melts in your mouth.
The elegant curries provide a nice contrast to the grilled meats or vegetables. An Amber fan favorite is Butter Chicken, boneless chicken cooked in a tomato/butter sauce that is rich, creamy and exceptionally flavorful. The Rogan Gosh is a lamb dish in a more tangy, textured sauce. For vegetarians, the Malai Kofta, deep fried cheese and potato dumplings mixed in the Butter Chicken curry, and the Bindi, a seasonal specialty of spiced Okra, are the way to go.
The Naan’s are excellent. They are nice and puffy, but not too soft or flaky either. Their texture enhances the taste of the meats and vegetables. I recommend going for a Garlic Naan, a traditional Naan smothered in garlic and butter.
So now that you’ve ravaged through basket after basket of naan and left many bronze vessels and skillets on the table, you probably have no room for dessert. Good thing too. One of Amber’s drawbacks is the lack of quality desserts it has. If you are tempted, I would go for an Indian specialty like the Galub Jaman or Moong Dal Halwa.
One thing to note before I leave you. Amber has an excellent buffet. For $11.95 a person on weekdays, you get an excellent buffet of about 10 dishes with unlimited naan and rice. Usually, the dishes include Tandoori Chicken, the famous Butter Chicken, Palak Paneer, Pakoras and more. But if you have an extra two dollars and a free Saturday, the weekend buffet is even better as it offers traditional Chaat items like Papri Chaat and Pani Puri.
A quick disclaimer: The food is a bit more expensive than the typical Indian place. However, the food quality is noticeably better. Go right now, eat, drink, be merry and
then worry about the bill. Just don't get too merry or you may be doing dishes for the remainder of the night.
OVERALL RATING
Overall-
4.5/5
Health: Depends really on what you order. You can go healthy or go totally unhealthy. The quality of meat and vegetables though are impeccable.
Price: $$$ (yeah, save it for special occasions)
QUICKLINKS
Amber's Webpage
Mountain View
Santana Row
Das Prakash- Authentic South Indian Cuisine
The first time I went to the restaurant I was amazed by the exquisite South Indian palate. Upon opening the door, I was welcomed by the incredible aroma of chilies, exotic peppers, and mustard seeds. Wonderful hues of orange, light green, and yellow danced in my midst. I was assisted to a table by a humble and warm host that asked whether I would like something to drink. Looking through the menu, I was astonished by the variety and detail of of the menu's items. Das Prakash has everything from delicious appetizers to full fledged meals; I chose the thali (complete meal).
I got my food within a short amount of time and was truly satiated by the mind-blowing taste of each and every item I received. Das Prakash undoubtedly offers one of the best South Indian cuisines in the area. The meticulous decision to include each of the ingredients used in each item is remarkable and the only other place where you can acquire such a high caliber dish is in India. The care and perfection placed on each meal provides you with an accurate representation of the quality of South Indian food. As I finished my meal I realized that I got substantially more than what I paid for. More than that, however, it was as if I took a visit to India and ate my Grandma's cooking.
However, my experience didn't end there. I asked the waiter for something called pan, which is a delicacy in India. It consists largely of crushed red roses dyed and dipped in pure sugar with an edible leaf covering. Not only is it refreshing after a good meal but it greatly aids in digestion. Das Prakash is a place that espouses the concepts of quality, quantity, and generosity.
Recommendations:
The "South Indian Thali" is something that must be experienced. You get a complete meal along with dessert and complementary appetizer. I would also recommend ordering some mango lassi to cool your stomach and accompany your food.
Overall rating
Overall-four/5
Heath meter-It's Indian food made with quality ingredients. Depending on what you order, your health factor will vary. The thali is an overall healthy meal, with a moderate amount of calorie and fat intake.
Price: $$ (a good place to go with friends or family for no particular reason)
Information
www.dasprakash.com
map
Contributed by Pradeep Hothur, newest member of bayareabite
Submit your review TODAY!!
Chaat Cafe - Bay Area
Indian fast food is something that has become somewhat of an oxymoron. With the high influx of Asian fast food chains ranging from Mr. Chau's to Pick up Sticks and P.F. Chang's, one can only dream of an Indian Restaurant which combines both speed with quality. Well if you're like me, looking for that quick Indian taste at a reasonable cost, Chaat Cafe is your answer.
Combining traditional Indian cuisine with a touch of Mexican influence has people raving over their "tandoori wraps." Using the traditional Indian tandoor oven, Chaat cafe blends numerous spices into its meats creating a savory taste that will melt right into your mouth. Surrounding the meat with the traditional Indian flatbread, naan, each dish comes with cucumber salad and meats can be varied between chicken tikka, lamb, and vegeterian cheese (paneer).
I've been to chaat cafe many times due to its ease in location. It seems as though they have begun to change their name to "Tandoori Oven," rightfully so. Simply put, Chaat cafe's chaat is not up to par with its tandoor wraps. The Bhel puri is a bit dry and lacks the chutney necessary to really, as Emeril would say, "kick it up another notch." The Papri chaat, though nice on a summer day, lacks flavor.
Recommendations
When going to Chaat Cafe, make sure to get the wraps. Try the Chicken Sheek Kabob wrap which is a mere 3.99 and can be made almost in the time it would take you to wait in line for Burger King. If you are looking for the real Indian touch, try the Spicy Lamb Sheek Kabob which is awesome. I also love getting a naan on the side, specifically a garlic naan and dipping it in the yogurt sauce to give the cool but spicy taste.
I would also recommending an Indian drink like thumbs up or mango lassi as that really tastes great on a summer day. However, the lassi can be heavy so make sure you have some room
OVERALL RATING
overall - four/5
health meter- your call---many dishes are healthy but the butter on the naan definitely is not
price- $ (cheap and quality)
Information:
http://www.chaatcafes.com
Location: Fremont, SF, Los Gatos (tandoori oven), Stevens creek, Berkeley
coming soon in ALMADEN (next to Johnny rockets on main street across Oakridge)
Reviews to look forward to:
Ciceros
Amber Indian Cuisine
suchit
Oakland Coliseum--A day at the park
Summertime can always be associated with no school, warm weather, and also the plethora of baseball games. In the spirit of summertime, many of my friends and I attended a game at Oakland Coliseum against the Chicago White Sox. The stadium was crowded and as soon as I entered I could smell the familiar smell of hotdogs and beer mixed into one big melting pot, symbolizing one thing to my mind. "Here goes my workout in the morning...."
The one thing you have to remember is that in any sporting event you will be doing two things.
1. Gaining at least 2 pounds while you're there....healthy baseball food is an oxymoron
2. You will be paying more than you can imagine for items that generally cost pennies at grocery stores.
Therefore...I did a most sensible thing in attempting to take four cans of coke in so that I would be able to refill my cokes rather than spending an extra five dollars. However, security seemed to catch on to my scheme and confiscated my four stolen cans of coke from work.
The cool air was refreshing in the 8 dollar seats that we purchased in the third deck. By the third inning...we were beginning to hear our stomachs growl over the sounds of the loud spectator yelling "25! You suck!" My friend and I decided to make the run to get a Saags sausage, a signature item at the Coliseum. The line was long but we knew that it would be worth the wait. After getting to the front of the line and missing 2 innings, I proceeded to order one italian sausage with peppers. However, they seemed to run out of onions and peppers which completely defeats the purpose of saags signature dish. I figured at least I would be able to put my own condiments on it to make it a worthy meal. Each $5.50 sausage and $3.75 coke really did not make it a cheap meal.
Topped wtih onions, relish, mustard and catsup (i like using catsup), I knew that it would taste pretty good. I enjoyed the sausage as it was a little spicy but before I knew it, I had finished it. As much as I enjoyed my 6 dollar sausage, I didn't savor it enough to get the value of it.
I also had an opportunity to taste garlic fries that my friend got and was not impressed. Generally, garlic fries are doused with garlic and everytime you take one you just dip yourself in that stuff. Lightly salted, the garlic fries lacked the garlic and became ordinary fries.
Recommendations
If you eat beef...go on a Wednesday and go for $1 hot dogs. Get four. That makes it quality. If not, stick with the sausage and get the italian sausage. Definitely better than any of the other ones that I have tried on previous experiences. And for those who don't eat pork or beef, get the chicken parmesian...Anjali can tell you about that, she had one.
For Dessert I would get one of those cookie ice cream bars. Two cookies with vanilla ice cream in the middle...quite tasty. It's $3.75 but its worth it there.
Also bring snacks with you and buy one thing if you want to save money. It works really well.
Overall Rating
STARS- three/5
HEALTH- fat galore
Price- $$ ( its a baseball game c'mon)
GO OAKLAND A's THO.....awesome team..
suchit
Bay Area Bites---Rating system
Hello everyone,
We decided to make this site to all the hungry folks out there that sit at work and visualize food and subsequently, plan their upcoming meals. Anjali Grover and I, Suchit Dash, enjoy the art of eating at a wide variety of places and analyzing how they rank in relation to the quality of their food, ambiance, cost, and healthiness. Now granted wide variety is a bit relative...meaning that I'll be analyzing most asian restaurants with the exception of banana leaf and she'll be analyzing most all pizza places.
In order for you all to get a good idea of how this site will work, we will begin by giving a little description of our adventures there...granted we're probably not going to be eating together all the time but sometimes we will. Each of the entries (not to be confused with entrees) will have a five star rating system, a price range which is as follows:
$-cheap, college kids love it ($0-5) an entree
$$- moderate, you can go with your family and your dad will be happy ($5-15) entree
$$$-pricey, a nice night, special date, good occasion ($15-20) entree
$$$$-expensive, you better have won the lottery ($20-above) entree
and... since both of us like to be healthy, a health meter as to how nutritious some of the dishes are, ranging from fat galore to lean mean fighting machine.
Finally we'll tell you some of the recommended dishes that we liked....i.e. our favorites and if we feel like it....a price breakdown.
We made this site simply for our own pleasure but if you went to a good resturaunt and want to post your experience FEEL FREE TO DO SO. Just add a comment beneath the most recent post, let us know you want to share, and we'll add you to the writer group!
Reviews to come in the future:
Oakland Coliseum--a day in the park
Pizza Antica--Santana Row
Suchit
