food for thought 1010 and 2009

Ruddell's Smokehouse, at 101 D Street in Cayucos, is our subject for this month's column. Voted by Coastal Living Magazine as having the best fish sandwich on the coast, Jim has earned boasting rights to his fish, pork, and chicken "smoked to perfection." Call during the hours of 11:00 am until 6:00 pm. You won't get a surf report, but they can tell you if they will be serving "the ultimate tuna sandwich," which wasn't available either of the two days we visited. No worries—the tacos more than made up for the missing sandwiches.

July, 2010 Giancarlo’s

Walk into Giancarlo’s and you’re likely to be treated as if you are a family member. Cordial greetings come from several directions as you enter, everyone eager to make your dining experience a treat. It’s a classic Italian restaurant with linen tablecloths and dark wood. A floor to ceiling window forms one wall of the dining room, through which you can see their vast wine selection. Physically beautiful, this ristorante is well-lighted by the barrel vaulted window above during the day and warm lights at night.

Jan, 2011 The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar

"The quote above has very little to do with our current review, but it was too funny not to share, as we all look back at our holiday feasts with satisfaction. Our own table featured prime rib, au jus, horseradish sauce, mashed potatoes, spinach salad, Chardonnay-braised carrots, and Fausto's obligatory pumpkin pie. We eat well, even when not dining out, but for a wonderful treat, try The Galley at 899 Embarcadero in Morro Bay. The restaurant is open daily with lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner starting at 5 p.m.

December, 2009 3rd Street Bakery Artisian Breads and Pastries

Eureka, we've found it! After two tries, 3rd Street Bakery is a reality, not just some fantastic bread place that everyone is raving about - open sometimes, closed sometimes, but well worth the search or the wait. Yes, this hot spot is the main reason some folks come to Los Osos. Located at 1229 3rd Street in the Village of Baywood Park, the artisan breads are available most Saturdays from 9am to 1pm and selected other days prior to some holidays as a favor to customers. If in doubt, call (805) 704–1496.

November, 2009 Medusa's Sunshine Taqueria

On the Wednesday night that we visited Medusa’s Taqueria at 1053 Main Street in Cambria, we were hungry. There were plenty of booths available (on weekends this it not always true). This popular, cozy place does not have a lot of room. On occasions with pleasant Cambria weather, the outside seating is appealing. The riotous colors of the Mexican flag are evident, but it’s the mural of Mayan ruins with semi-tropical vegetation that will capture your attention.

October, 2009 Jasmine Thai Cuisine

Jasmine Thai Cuisine, at 355 Morro Bay Boulevard, is just as attractive from the outside as from the inside, with its purple window dressings loosely draped from one end of the restaurant to the other. The slate tile floors, and wood tables and chairs are appealing. Daytime dining is a particular pleasure because of the natural light; the lights are low at night. Fausto and I say dim the lights and don the reading glasses; we prefer the ambiance of low lumens. Whether you are dining alone or have twelve in your party, the Jasmine Thai Cuisine owners will accommodate you comfortably.

September, 2009 Frankie & Lola's Front Street Café

Welcome to our first column. We hope that, by visiting and reviewing local restaurants, we can give you recommendations about where and what to eat here on the Central Coast. Fausto and I dine together, swapping tastes, talk, and notes, and then I, Julia, write the review. We try to visit an establishment twice to get a good sample of the menu, personnel, and action at different times of the day and week. We happen to agree on our assessment of this month's relatively new café, Frankie & Lola's Front Street Café, at 1154 Front Street in Morro Bay.