Readers’ Choice 2014 Restaurants American Restaurant, Place For A Date It’s not easy to label the Bay Area fresh, seasonal, sustainably grown food movement with a single word. American? “The more I thought about it, the more I liked (the designation),” says Jesse Cool, owner of Flea Street Cafe, which won awards in two categories. If patrons think of Flea Street’s food as “American,” why not? The menu features “whatever was produced by local farmers, old-fashioned simple recipes, with a modern twist and some slight ethnic influences,” she says. Flea Street is entering its 35th year, and Ms. Cool and chef Carlos Canada continue their work with “respect for the old and the new ... and the integrity of the ingredient, (and) the people who raise or harvest it for us.” Half Moon Bay grilled sardines, Pacific Coast oysters, sweet corn agnolotti, and chicken, beef and lamb raised humanely and sustainably are examples of items on a recent menu. Ms. Cool says she’s seeing a trend in young people dining at Flea Street “because they want to know where their food comes from.” 3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park | 854-1226
Casual Dining, Independent Coffee/Tea House, Outdoor Dining, Place To Meet People, Live Music Cafe Borrone once again sweeps five categories, all signifying its place at the heart of downtown Menlo Park’s social life for the past 25 years. Opened by Roy and Rose Borrone, the restaurant is now under the guidance of their daughter, Marina, and her husband, Chef Josh Pebbles. “It has become an institution,” Ms. Borrone said. “It holds a dear spot in many hearts and it is such a part of the community. We take serving the community of guests and our staff seriously and have worked hard to continue to keep it fresh with new offerings while keeping the cafe favorites. It’s a wonderful place.” Looks like Almanac readers agree. Hot chocolate with real whipped cream and scones are breakfast staples, while soups, salads and Italian entrees round out lunch and dinner. And when not on tour, the All-Stars jazz band can often be found playing at the cafe on Friday nights. 1010 El Camino Real, #110, Menlo Park, (650) 327-0830
Take-Out, Chinese Restaurant Su Hong To-Go is the Readers’ Choice winner for both favorite takeout and Chinese restaurant.
The Su Hong business, including the former restaurant on El Camino Real, has been around for 37 years and has held the title of favorite Chinese restaurant with Almanac readers for two decades now. Owner Bee King said that diners enjoy the quality food and reasonable prices. “We use quality ingredients and make our items fresh every day,” she said. Among some of the most popular items on the menu are the Chinese chicken salad, pot stickers, orange chicken and Mongolian beef. 630 Menlo Ave., Menlo Park | 322-4631
Dine With Kids Almanac readers have voted Jeffrey’s Hamburgers, Menlo Park’s comfort-food diner, their favorite place to go for a meal with kids. Manager Stephen Friebel said the restaurant appeals to a range of customers. “Not only do we have traditional hamburgers that customers can order off the menu, we have a burger bar, where people are able to make their burger just the way they like it,” he said. Jeffrey’s also offers a wide selection of milkshakes. “The lively atmosphere of Jeffrey’s is the perfect place for families and kids alike to munch on their homemade burger, or sip on a vanilla shake,” Mr. Friebel said. “You really don’t see many places like Jeffrey’s anymore.” 888 El
Photo by Ciera Pasturel
Carlos Canada, executive chef of Flea Street Cafe in Menlo Park, and Julianna Forneris, manager. Camino Real, Menlo Park | 3221959
French Restaurant Left Bank prides itself on its Mediterranean cuisine served in
the atmosphere of a true French brasserie. Local diners appreciate its authentic cuisine, lively happy hour, handsome interior, and outdoor sidewalk seating. Chef
Ladera Garden and Gifts would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for voting us the
Ladera Garden and
Gifts 3130 Alpine Road Portola Valley 650.854.3850 22 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N July 23, 2014
Best Nursery and Best Gift & Novelty 2014