Here’s another reason to wake up a wee bit earlier on Wednesdays. Jamba Juice is offering their scrumptious, slow-cooked, steel-cut organic oatmeal for just a buck. Yep. That’s a dollah and maybe a bit ‘o’ change. Not bad for a healthier option. Especially since this weekly deal will carry you through the rest of March Madness.
QUALITY vs. QUANTITY. Definitely try their potstickers. I was skeptical when the owner kept pushing us to go for it, thinking that maybe she was pressuring us to do so because one of us wasn’t Asian.
NOPE. Not the case.
SHE WAS ABSOFREAKINGLUTELY RIGHT ON. Those gosh darn potstickers are the reason why we went back to the restaurant less than 48 hours from our initial visit. Seriously. They’re probably THE BEST potstickers I’ve EVER had. EVER. Think XIAO LONG BAO (soup dumplings), but lightly fried to crisp the bottom. UBER JUICY. I’m NOT kidding.
There’s tons of other reasons to go. The dishes are relatively inexpensive, and the portions are just right, so that you definitely have the opportunity to order a bunch of different dishes to sample from.
This Shanghainese cuisine tastes “homemade” and is light, subtle yet flavorful and NOT salty (No MSG!!! YAY!!!).
None of that oily, greasiness you get from your run-of-the-mill Chinese food.
Service is superbly personalized and very attentive. GOTTA love that! Happy Cafe is a family-run business that’s been open for over 15 years with recipes that stay true to their origins.
The Shanghai noodles are delicious as well as their delectable wonton soups. Sounds generic, but the quality and technique of this place will prove otherwise.
Hours are RANDOM. So plan accordingly before you head out. These folks only serve dinner on Wednesdays through Fridays from 5:30 p.m. til 9:30pm. It’s an odd time frame, but after chatting it up with the owner, it’s a brilliant plan. These folks are open for lunch during the week (except Tuesdays, they’re CLOSED) from 11a.m. til 2:30 p.m. Weekends doors are open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.
Parking can be spotty right around their street, so it’s worth circling a bit, or going to the parking structure nearby.
For two years, WSG’s kept harping for a CHUG (chihuahua-pug mix). We finally inherited/adopted Churro from a childhood buddy of mine who was fostering him via the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. I was a little wary at first, since my most recent round with caring for a pooch (a very naughty Jack Russel Terrier) didn’t exactly have me screaming for joy.
We’ve had Churro for about two years now and he’s been making himself at home in more ways than one. Since Churro loves to burrow, he’s claimed a stitchless fleece throw a gal pal of mine put together for me. We weren’t sure that it was the most comfortable of places for him to sleep, so thanks to another good friend of the family, Churro now has two comfy places to curl and ball up.
His favorite of the two is the Mr. Roboto doggie duvet we’ve stuffed with old feather-down pillows that were getting pretty yellowed with age. The duvets came with a stuff sack that we also stuffed with old clothes and throws for good measure. It’s an excellent AND cost-effective way of recycling old garb and rags while keeping Churro clean, comfortable and clear from couches and other beds. Pricing for the Molly Mutt duvets are not too shabby, and ranging from your dog’s size, they’re quite affordable in comparison to the paltry options at your local pet stores.
Know what a Kathi roll is? Ever experience a deconstructed samosa? Does a saag paneer + tikka masala burrito sound like it will hit the spot? If you haven’t made your way over to downtown San Mateo, then you’re missing out on what’s worth keeping tabs on B street. Just a couple doors down from another favorite of ours (Osteria Coppa) and a block or so from both Yakitori Kokko and Happy Cafe — Curry Up Now has set up permanent shops all over the Bay Area. HALLELUJAH!!!
Meet Rana and Akash — the hearts and souls (literally) of their mini-empire that has foodies around the Bay clamoring for Curry Up Now’s innovative perspective on creating and delivering South Asian cuisine. From four food trucks, an ingenious iPhone application to a brand, spanking new restaurant location in the heart of downtown San Mateo — the Curry Up Now folks have lots to be excited about. All that in a span of, give or take, two years. O-mazing!!!
The restaurant space is very kid and eco-friendly and y’all should bring both your appetite for entrepreneurship and fantastic Indian fare. Figure out the flavors for yourself, or scan their website for some quick insights as to the inspirations behind Rana’s ode to South Asian street food. According to their site, Curry Up Now will be popping up all around the Bay Area. Enjoy!!!
