Sol Food

I don't know what they do to their food.  It's unbelievable.  You really haven't lived until you've eaten here.  Sol Food has two locations in downtown San Rafael, one at Lincoln Ave. and 3rd St and the other on Lincoln right next door.

take-out brings SO MUCH joy to my life

This is the only place in San Rafael that's open past 10pm, not that that is the reason to go here.  Sol Food is a Puerto Rican place.  The entire restaurant (both of them) is colorfully decorated with bright doors, old photographs, long wooden tables and benches.  It's really a lot of fun.

The rice is delicious.  Order pretty much anything.  I recommend the shrimp, chicken, pollo sandwich, all of the plantains, the salad (they have the best salad dressing ever - it's like an oil-vinegar-lemon thing).  Also, try the limonada fresca, a really tart sparkling limeade.  Sadly, the prices aren't as low as they could be, a meal costs anywhere from $12-$18.

Take home message?  Go here.

Puentez Taqueria

I basically live at Puentez Taqueria for the week leading up to when I leave for school in the fall and after Winter Break.  This place is in Montecito Plaza in downtown San Rafael (what?  Is that a Trader Joe's three doors over?) off of 3rd St. and Union St. and they have pretty much ruined all other burritos for me.  It is a family-owned business and I have to wonder what they start to think of me during the week.

I am a food purist (why ruin something that is so pure and delicious even in its most simplest form), so I really really really enjoy a burrito with black beans, rice, and cheese.  Yep, that's it.  Sometimes though, when I'm feeling a bit adventurous, I'll throw caution to the wind and add a bunch of stuff.  This happens rarely.  But still, the grilled chicken, boiled chicken, guacamole, different salsas, and vegetable mix are all good.

HEAVEN

I would recommend a burrito and a cup of horchata, which is ridiculously cheap and ridiculously delicious (it is homemade).  Last time I think the whole meal cost me about $6.

horchata

If you're not in San Rafael, Gordo's (yes, this translates to "Fatty's") is somehow familially related to Puentez but they have more locations: three in San Francisco - Clement St., 9th Ave, Geary Blvd. - and three in the East Bay - Telegraph Ave., Solano Ave., College Ave.  All of these places are worth the effort and the prices are more or less the same.

Marin Greek Festival

the dancers
(particularly the astounding Alexis)

Go to the Greek Festival!  The music is fantastic, the people are wonderful, the dancing is splendid, and the food is to die for.  Seriously, this food is the food that I compare all other Greek food to (and everything else always falls short).  It ends tomorrow and won't be back until next year, so get on it!

Just to explain a little, the Marin Greek Festival is an annual event that the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church puts on every year.  This is actually the fortieth festival (since 1971).  Anyway, the festival takes place at the church.  The inside/rec room is full of food and various merchants selling everything from gorgeous earrings to ouzo candy (SO. GOOD.).  Outside they sell more food and there are tons of tables under the trees and live music.  The church also participates in many folk dance festivals throughout the year, so every hour or so one of their dance groups dances traditional Greek dances decked out in full, handmade, traditional Greek costumes.  This year their eldest group won second place at FDF (the folk dance festival) so they are clearly fantastic.  Make sure you go!

the desserts 

too many things to name
(including dolmathes and pilafi)

tiropita and souvlaki

the youngest dance group

galaktobouriko and baklava

Back Home!

Hey, folks.  I'm officially back at home now, so there should be tons more recipes as I rejoice in the presence of a fully stocked kitchen and the simple fact that there is not about 132 ft. between the kitchen and my cooking-ware and food (I did the math).  I'll also include good places to eat from around the San Francisco Bay Area.  (I am SO READY for Mexican food again.)  It's sad not to be in New York City and to have to experience actual darkness again, but I'll be back soon!