October 29, 2011: My sister, Maret lives in Menlo Park, CA which is just an hour or so from Berkeley. So, when I flew out there a couple weeks ago to run a half-marathon with her, I made reservations at the famed Chez Panisse.
Here is a copy of the menu, which changes on a weekly basis.
Chez Panisse was started by Alice Waters who is known for her simplicity in preparation using the freshest ingredients and making very flavorful food with beautiful presentation.
Verdict: Was the food delicious? Yes. Is it something you have to do before you die? No. I didn't love Berkeley and the atmosphere of the restaurant was fine, but forgettable. We were there right when the sun was setting and the sun was right in my eyes and very distracting/uncomfortable. I didn't say anything, but the waiter must have observed me trying in vain to dodge the sun because he came up and asked me if I would like him to close the blinds. "That would be fabulous," I responded. Just as I was starting to enjoy the fact that I could see, another employee came over, pulled up the blinds and said something about Alice Waters calling and wanting the blind up. What? I was so confused and slightly annoyed. I'm paying how much for this meal? And it matters more to Ms. Waters about the position of her blinds for a period of 15 minutes than her patron being able to see the menu or her food?
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