Chow

When I heard that we were going to dine at "Chow" restaurant, my first thought was Chinese food. Turns out that I was not even close. Chow relies on fresh and locally produced organic ingredients, including free range chicken, all natural beef and fresh squeezed fruit juices.

Their menu was complete with an impressive amount of food selections. Even the pickiest of diners will find something to enjoy. Well known for their delicious pizza, they also offer fantastic salad choices as well as appetizers and small cheese and salami plates to whet your appetite.

Right away I was interested in either the Grilled Rare Ahi Tuna sandwich with ginger, or the Picante Fish Tacos. After speaking with our friendly and well informed server Kris, I chose the tacos.

Kris, doing a fine job of explaining my Picante fish tacos which
included a Deep Fried Mahi Mahi filet, avocado, cilantro, mango pico de
gallo salsa, dressed with cabbage and a chipotle cream sauce.

His description of the tacos made them sound muy deliciouso. However, with all those tasty ingredients the tacos were slightly dry, and personally I would have loved some fresh jalapenos on the side for a little spice. The fish had great flavor, very mild and perfectly cooked.

Today's lunch crowd from left to right, my wife Dawn, myself, and Barbara,
(our fourth luncher was Erin, she chose to take the picture instead of being in it).

Barbara, who always has a keen ability to pick out the best item on the menu selected the Nicoise Salad (pronounced Nee-Swah, glad I didn't order it I would have said Nee-Koi-Se). Only the experienced should order this salad, it comes complete with capers, ahi tuna, tomatoes, kalamata olives, anchovies, fresh greens, potatoes, tomatoes, string beans and fresh hard boiled eggs. Served with an amazing dressing called Green Goddess, it's as delicious as it is mysterious.


Dawn ordered the Fusilli pasta served with chicken, sausage, tomato and cream. This item sounded terrific from the menu, however I was very underwhelmed by it's flavor. The pasta was cooked perfectly but the JuJuBes sized sausage flecks were tasty but scarce.

Erin ordered the Cobb salad, after having them hold the onions and the eggs, she was left with fresh greens, chicken, bacon, avacado and blue cheese dressing. She said the pre-tossed dressing left the salad just a little soggy but not so much that she didn't finish every bite. Chow offers 3 salad sizes, Erin chose the medium and found it to be the perfect lunch sized portion.

The service at Chow restaurant is top notch, never will your glass be empty, your bread dish devoid of bread, nor will your finished plate stare back up at you wondering if you are going to lick it or not.

Offering a full bar and a brisk lunch crowd, Chow is a great place for a great meal at a modest price for Danville dining.

You can visit Chow online at:

http://www.chowfoodbar.com/index.html

Or in Danville at:

445 Railroad Ave
Danville, CA 94526

Thai House and Yogurt Shack

Today I had the pleasure of sharing my dining experience with Barbara and Rob. We met in Danville, and chose Thai House. Thai House is one of those restaurants that is located inside a converted house. These types of place always amuse me, I don't know why, easily amused I guess. I also like shiny objects. We decided to sit on the patio, the weather was just warm enough, with a slight breeze and lots of shade.

Thai food was my first foray into ethnic cuisine way back in 2000. I've been really bad about eating just a couple of Thai dishes, either the Pad Thai, or the Spicy Basil Noodles with chicken. However, as I've been writing this blog, it's becoming more important for me to keep trying new flavors and new experiences. I've never had Thai curry, Rob and Barbara are seasoned veterans and suggested I try the Red Curry. Most Thai restaurants offer Red, Green, Yellow, and even Orange curry selections, each with a different flavor and spice level.

From left to right Pumpkin Curry, Yellow Curry, Red Curry.

When you are ready to order be prepared for the quiz. Our waiter asked us, what we wanted, with what meat, and on a scale of 1-4, how spicy would you like it. Barbara went with a 2, which was medium, Rob selected a 1 for mild, and I wasn't sure how hot the 4 would be so I settled with a 3.

They were out of "Sippy" cups, poor Rob.

Barbara enjoying her fantastic Thai Iced Tea.

We decided we would all sample a little bit of each curry. My red curry was only a number 3 but it packed some heat. Flavored with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, zucchini, green peas, and fresh basil. It was odd, it didn't burn my tongue, instead the spice hit me right in the back of the throat. After I took a bite I would cough, yes it was strange. The pumpkin curry had large chunks of fresh pumpkin (where do you get that this time of year anyways), shrimp, zucchini, and red bell peppers. The spice of the pumpkin curry was warm, it was like sitting in a spa that is set at 98 degrees. Rob's yellow curry was excellent as well, including potatoes, onions, and carrots in addition to the coconut milk and curry base.

Easy to find, fantastic service, reasonable prices and great food can be found at Thai House in Danville. You can find them online at:

http://www.thaihousedanville.net

Or in person at:

254 Rose Avenue
Danville, CA 94526

So after lunch Rob and I were still a little hungry. We were craving something sweet. I enlisted the help of my trusty iPhone. A quick map search later and we found out that we had to walk around the corner 364 feet to arrive at The Yogurt Shack.

If you have a pulse you probably know that frozen yogurt is gaining a lot of popularity these days. I've been to a few places now, and I've learned, grab the smallest cup and try not to fill it up. They charge by the ounce and it's very easy to over indulge without even trying.

Looks like a laundrymat!! There were a total of 10 flavors, I went with the Original Tart (my favorite), Golden Gate Chocolate (more brown then golden), and "Cake Batter".


These are all the toppings available. I usually stay away from the toppings. Aren't there enough calories in the yogurt? Ok, I will indulge in the Mochi (a soft Japanese rice cake) if they have it, this place didn't. Their yogurt was good, not the best I've had but I'd go back again. Friendly service and a great location.

You can visit them in Danville at:
290 Hartz Ave.