EATING:My Favorites on the Peninsula

 
Pizza
Cicero's Pizza
6138 Bollinger Road, San Jose, (kinda) near De Anza College
408.777.0690
I have taken over a dozen people there and they have all given it rave reviews. It has good crispy, thin crust (if you don’t get more than two toppings) and the sauce is extra special. My favorite is mushrooms and green peppers, but the italian sausage (which I don’t normally like) is a good second when I’m with omnivores.

"And if you grew up around here (or you're just a history dork like me), check out the historical photos all over the walls of Cicero's, from way back when Cupertino -- and really all of and Santa Clara County -- used to be nothing but orchards..." sez Mark, because Velma asked him to add something about Cicero's history. Oh, and because he's been going to Cicero's for over 20 years.

Indian
Amber India
2290 El Camino Real, Mountain View
650.968.7511
This is another restaurant where I have taken at least a dozen people, all who loved it. They have a very veggie-friendly lunch buffet for about $10. One of their best dishes is Butter Chicken, which is very much like Chicken Tikka Masala. If you’re in the mood for a nice place to treat yourself, this is it.

Thai
Bangkok Cuisine
407 Lytton Avenue, Palo Alto
650.322.6533
It’s a neighborhood restaurant just one block off of University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. They have an extensive, separate vegetarian menu. Everything I’ve ever had here, I’ve liked. Sizzling Tofu with Peanut Sauce is one of my favorites.

Fish and Chips
Chris's Fish & Chips
209 First St., Los Altos
650.948.6155
The only things on their menu are fried – fish, clams, fries. Their fries are the extra wide type – my favorite. Their fish is not Atlantic Cod. It is fresh Pollock fish from Alaska, which is only ranked as “Proceed With Caution” by the Monterey Bay Acquarium, instead of “Avoid” which includes all Atlantic and Icelandic Cods served by the vast majority of other fish and chips places. Lastly, the menu is printed in big, friendly blue letters and it’s very affordable.

Bagels
Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels
477 California Ave, Palo Alto
650.329.0799
This bagel shop is endorsed by many very picky bagel eaters, including several from the East Coast, who know good bagels. Having grown up in the Mid-West, I never liked bagels, mainly because no one knew how to make them. Frankly, Mid-west bagels suck (have bisquits instead). However, after visiting the grand City of New York with a native, I saw the light. Bagels can be beautiful things. Izzy’s bagels definitely fall into that category. Also check out their chocolate or peanut butter filled cookies – fabu! While you’re in the neighborhood, stroll down California Avenue and visit Know Knew Books, a great little used bookstore.