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Park & Howard Bistro – Good Food, Good Wine

Posted on July 3, 2025 Written by Joe

Restaurant review for Park & Howard Bistro

Restaurant Review: Park & Howard Bistro
Location: Corner of Park & Howard, Burlingame, CA
Meal Reviewed: Lunch
Date of Visit: July 2, 2025

On the corner of Park and Howard in downtown Burlingame sits a hidden gem: Park & Howard Bistro. Open for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant leans more casual than formal, yet still feels upscale with its warm and inviting atmosphere. The noise level is moderate—ideal for conversation without having to raise your voice.

The biggest draw here is the consistently excellent food and a thoughtfully curated wine list. On our most recent visit, we were a party of six, and every one of us agreed: the food was absolutely delicious. Service was prompt, friendly, and attentive—flawless from start to finish.

I ordered the Living Butter Lettuce Salad with grilled salmon ($26), while Janelle opted for the same salad topped with grilled chicken. Others in our group enjoyed the Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Harris Ranch Burger—both well-executed and satisfying. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability, sourcing from local farmers and using naturally fed beef and organic chicken.

Wine lovers will appreciate the well-stocked list of wines by the glass and, unusually, a solid selection of half-bottles—a rare but welcome feature.

Whether you come for lunch or dinner, Park & Howard Bistro consistently delivers a first-rate dining experience.

Check Total for Two: $143
1 Living Butter Lettuce Salad with Grilled Chicken
1 Living Butter Lettuce Salad with Grilled Salmon
2 Glasses of Wine
1 Latte
1 Cappuccino

Original Joes Westlake Loves Seniors

Posted on June 10, 2025 Written by Joe

Restaurant Review: Joe’s Westlake

Bay Shrimp Salad Sandwich at Joe's Westlake — Bay Shrimp & Avocado Salad Sandwich at Joe’s Westlake

Location: 11 Glenwood Avenue, Daly City, CA
Meal Reviewed: Lunch
Date of Visit: June 5.2025

My first visit to Joe’s Westlake was in 1964, and we’ve been going back ever since. The restaurant originally opened in 1956 and quickly became a popular spot for residents of the Westlake community. Its reputation for traditional Italian food soon attracted diners from San Francisco and up and down the Peninsula.

In 2014, the Duggan family—owners of the iconic Original Joe’s in North Beach—bought the restaurant from its previous owners. At the time, the place was in serious need of remodeling, and the Duggans took on the task with care and respect for its history. After being closed for two years, Original Joe’s Westlake reopened in 2016, refreshed and ready for a new generation of fans.

Since then, it’s become more popular than ever. On a recent lunch visit, the dining room was filled with families and friends gathered from all over. One of the most loyal groups of patrons is the senior crowd—they tend to arrive early for lunch and dinner. If you’re in your eighties, you might even feel like part of the younger set!

The restaurant also has a terrific bar, which draws a lively crowd, including many San Franciscans who attended City schools like St. Ignatious and Mercy High School. The vibe is always warm, bustling, and friendly.

The Food is Always Good, Portions Substantial

Food portions are generous—most diners leave with a paper bag full of leftovers. For lunch, I ordered the Bay Shrimp and Avocado Salad Sandwich with a side salad. Janelle had the Cobb Salad. Both were flavorful and reasonably priced. Every meal comes with a basket of excellent sourdough bread—some of the best you’ll find anywhere.

As for wine, we enjoy the Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc or La Crema Chardonnay with lighter dishes. For reds, the Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon is a favorite.

Check Total for Two: $109

1 Bay Shrimp & Avocado Sandwich
1 Cobb Salad
2 Glasses of wine
One Latte
One Capachino

Sourdough at Westlake Joes — Delicious Sourdough at Westlake Joe’s

2020 Vaquerizas Garnacha Red Wine – Best Buy

Posted on June 7, 2025 Written by Joe

2020 Vaquerizas Garnacha - Old Vine — 2020 Vaquerizas Garnacha – Old Vine

2020 Vaquerizas Garnacha – A Rich and Rewarding Spanish Find

Price: $8.90 at Lunardi Stores
Region: Cariñena Region of Aragon, Spain
My Rating: 89 points

If you’re looking for an expressive and affordable Spanish red, the 2020 Vaquerizas Garnacha from Tierra de Cubas is a gem worth seeking out. Made from 50-year-old Garnacha vines, this wine shows the depth and character that only mature vines can deliver.

92 points – James Suckling

Lunardi’s isn’t known for wine bargains, so I was surprised—and delighted—to spot this bottle for just $8.80. For under $10, this is hands-down the best wine value in the store. If your local Lunardi’s still has it, do yourself a favor and pick up a few bottles.

About Tierra de Cubas

Tierra de Cubas is part of the historic Bodegas San Valero group, one of the pioneering cooperatives in the Cariñena D.O.P. (Denominación de Origen Protegida). Located at an elevation of 662 meters, the winery enjoys a unique microclimate that contributes to the structure and freshness of its wines. The Cariñena region, in Spain’s northeastern Aragón province, is one of the oldest winegrowing areas in the country—often underrated, but increasingly recognized for producing outstanding value wines, especially from Garnacha.

Tasting Notes
This Garnacha is full-bodied and richly textured—far from the lighter styles sometimes associated with the region. On the nose and palate, it offers an elegant mix of ripe red and dark fruit, with subtle savory notes adding complexity. There’s a nice backbone of acidity that keeps the wine lively and food-friendly, though the finish is relatively short. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in balance and charm.

This is a versatile red for the table. Try it with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a roast beef sandwich. It would also work beautifully with herb-crusted lamb.

I’m a big fan of the Garnacha grape. In France the grape is Grenache but it is entirely the same grape, just a different spelling and prononication. The Garnacha/Grenache grape is usually blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre. Related review: Gerard Bertrand Corbières

Lunch at Los Altos Grill

Posted on June 3, 2025 Written by Joe

Why we like the Los Altos Grill – Review

Location: 233 Third Street, Los Altos, CA
Meal Reviewed: Lunch
Date of Visit: June 2, 2025

The Los Altos Grill is a lively and inviting spot for meeting up with friends, especially if you’re coming from different parts of the Bay Area. For us, it served as an ideal halfway point between our Peninsula home and friends that live in San Jose and Morgan Hill — a convenient and relaxed setting to enjoy lunch and good conversation.

The menu might strike some as limited at first glance, but give it a chance. There are a few standout dishes that will keep you coming back. I’m partial to the Macho Salad, a satisfying and flavorful choice. And when I feel like indulging, the cheeseburger is my go-to. It’s enormous — easily two meals in one — so I often eat half and save the rest for dinner or the next day.

The wine list is another highlight, particularly the selections by the glass. My favorite is the Three Valleys red blendfrom Ridge Vineyards. It’s a robust wine led by Zinfandel (71%), rounded out with a unique mix of complementary varietals — perfect for pairing with the burger or richer menu items.

The bar is the social hub of the restaurant, taking center stage and drawing a crowd, especially in the evenings. It’s also a great spot for solo diners. While the lunch crowd is quieter, the evening scene is energetic and full of buzz.

After lunch, take a stroll through downtown Los Altos. The charming shops and boutiques make for a pleasant afternoon of exploring.

Check total for three: $140

2 Cheeseburgers
1 Macho Salad
2 Glasses of wine
1 Sparkling water