California

Two weeks ago Marilyn and I went for a week to Norther California. As usual we took a morning plane and arrived in SF around noon We spend the afternoon with Marilyn's brother, Berle, and his wife. We usually "carry in" Chinese, as Berle's wife, Adele, has problems with movement. Berle has his favorite Chinese but this time we overrode him and went by Ton Kiang at 5821 Geary, between 22nd and 23rd, near Golden gate Park, phone 415-387-8273. It is a very attractive restaurant with lots of seafood dishes and all the other standards. We found the food excellent, although I'm sure it would have been better eaten in, instead of delivered. The sauces are light and they were willing to to make several dishes we had had elsewhere.
The next day we stooped for lunch at Libby's, a family operated Mexican restaurant in Philo, CA. It is on route 128 in the heart of the Alexander Valley, wine and Redwood country. Try some of the specials or the "Super Nachos" with what ever meat you want.
Our first night in the Mendocino area, where we were for our granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah, we and the whole family had a private dinner at the "Little River Inn". I highly recommend eating in the Bar, with very good bar food, including "bay shrimp, fish platters and hot brie cheese. They pour a really decent drink.
Sunday night, on a recommendation of a man we meet in a Gallery, we had dinner at the Farm-house, Inn Restaurant. It is on River Road about 5 miles west of Hwy 101, on the North Side of Santa Rosa, 787-887-3308. This is the Russian River wine area. It is not cheap and reservations are recommended. It has 15 or 20 tables. The service is excellent and accommodating. The chiefs special was Walleyed Pike, about which the servers knew very little. The chef is from Wisconsin and Marilyn and I eat Walleye about twice a week in the summer, when we are in Northern Wisconsin. The fish and preparation were as good as we have ever had. To complete the incongruity, no Walleye in the Russian River, I ordered a French wine.
This is the kind of report I will try to give. Please, if you have any thoughts or ideas let me know.