Lunch at The Slanted Door

We met up with my old high school buddy Linda at the Ferry Building in the city. After a long wait, we had lunch at The Slanted Door. It was nearly worth the wait: the restaurant's new location is sleek and airy, the service is friendly, and the food was fresh, presented well, and tasty.

Having said all that, I have to agree with those who feel the restaurant doesn't live up to its hype. Like an outstanding university orchestra that people occasionally compare to a professional orchestra: you go with high expectations and come away just a little disappointed -- and feel somewhat guilty for your own disappointment.

Maybe our tastebuds are too informed by the working-class Vietnamese restaurants out there that don't serve the pretentious $5 teas. :-)

Little Saigon in San Mateo

We had a fun, casual dinner at the new Little Saigon next to the Marina in San Mateo. In my opinion, the food was better than at Saigon City (San Mateo) though not as good as some places in South Bay. Decor is typical cafeteria-style Vietnamese, but service is prompt.

However, Colin declared it to be on of this top three favorite restaurants -- right up there with Fresh Choice and the "Yellow Dude Restaurant". He has the BBQ boneless chicken over rice. A big hit with both kids.

Other folks have visited as well:
http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/sanfrancisco/messages/105096.html
http://www.killerrobot.com/wes/eats_vietnamese.html

"Breaking the Money Gate"

We walked down to the nearby school's playground. Both kids enjoyed swinging on the swings, and Colin invented a new game which he found hilarous: he insisted that I use my arm as a "gate" halfway down the slide. He'd slide down and "break the gate" -- then shout "again, again, again!" to repeat the fun.

He found it esp. hilarious by calling it the "money gate" -- i.e., a tollbooth where you're supposed to pay money. Looks like we have a little outlaw on our hands. :-)

Walking back from the park 

Bambi and Friends visit our next door neighbor

We saw Bambi and friends as we left our house last Sunday. This family of deer have visited before, but this is the closest we've seen them so far. They must be used to people, as when I got out of the car to take the picture, they wandered over to check me out...