We just got back a week ago from touring the Bay area and visiting friends for my husband’s 50th birthday. We had some great food and lots of fun in his old stomping grounds. We started our visit on the Peninsula and for our first night we dined at Amber India in Mountain View.
Amber India has expanded a great deal since we lived there and with that, some of the food was not as we remembered. However, one of our favorites still stands out — the Butter Chicken. This dish hasn’t changed a bit and the sauce is rich with spice, but not hot.
The birthday cake that our friend brought was fun as well, not to mention the silly greeting on top
The next evening we headed to Birch Street which is run by the folks that used to own Bistro Elan. The food is California French with a touch of Scandinavia due to the chefs background. The most delicious thing on the menu is the Duck Confit – the meat was fall off the bone fabulous and the Asparagus Risotto was creamy and comforting. The Swedish meatballs were quite decadent as well.
We had such a great time catching up with our friends, it was a night to remember!
The next day we hit the city of San Francisco and headed to a new burger concept my uncle told me about, Roam Artisan Burgers. These burgers are so fresh and unique– they blew me away — watch out Umami here they come!
For starters you choose your meat – beef, turkey, bison, veggie and elk that day. Next, you choose the style of burger i.e. Classic – with lettuce, tomato, onions – French and Fries – with truffle parmesan fries, avocado, Gruyere cheese – Tejano – with pepper jack, jalapeno relish, avocado, white corn tortilla strips and several others — too long to mention. We ordered the Tejano and wow, it was good. The side salad with watermelon radishes and pomegranate seeds was exceptional too.
That evening we went to Rich Table on Gough Street in San Francisco. We met some friends that just got married, so we were celebrating both my husband’s birthday and their new marriage. At Rich Table one of the highlights were the Sardine Chips with horseradish creme fraiche. Imagine (or you can look below) a sliced potatoes with a sardine woven through it and then fried, so brilliant.
The housemade Bucatini with Braised Pork, Mustard and Fennel was quite nice too
Another great dish was the Scallion Pancake with pearl onions sesame and black garlic
We sang Happy Birthday and they delivered a Butterscotch Creme de Caramel 
Such a nice touch to end a perfect evening!
The next day we finally got back to our favorite place in the city, Restaurant Gary Danko. I know Gary Danko has a lot of press for his outstanding food and it is still as delicious as when they first opened. The entire meal was perfect as always and one of our favorites was the Seared Scallop with Shitake Mushrooms. I recommend splitting this dish because it is so rich, all you need in one.
The Duck was another delight, not too pink, but perfect and the flavors divine
And for dessert the Chocolate Souffle of course!
The next day we were off to Boulder, CO for the second half of my husband’s 50th birthday celebration! Thanks to all of our Bay area friends.
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