Favorite Restaurants

Bay Area

• Fuki Sushi. Somewhat pricey and the service is slow (they expanded seating space but not their kitchen or sushi bar), but these factors are compensated adequately by the quality of the sushi.

• China Village Seafood Restaurant. 600 Ralston Ave., Belmont (take Ralston Ave. exit off 101) Dim Sum daily, fast and inexpensive. Tip: seafood rice porridge goes well with the dim sum dishes. If you like jellyfish and chicken feet, this is the place. The dessert tofu is not too sweet and sophisticated.

• Quoc Te Restaurant. 590 Old San Francisco Rd., Sunnyvale (408-739-8880) - Take Fair Oaks Ave. east from El Camino about 2 blocks, it is at the corner of Old San Francisco. Amazing menu that combines Vietnamese and Chinese items. Pho special is highly recommended, with roasted quail and imperial rolls for starters.

• Cafe Pro Bono My wife and I make this out default on Friday nights. She likes it more than I do. For appetizer, order Susan's Downfall (ravioli with a cheesy / nutty sauce and be sure to ask for a scampi on top). I like their lamb dishes, Nancy likes salmon. Their service is excellent.

• Evvia. Greek food, great meat dishes, romantic atmosphere but loud and trendy.

• Ringer Hut. Huh? No joke. A fast food ramen joint named to rhyme with Pizza Hut. This is not the quality of Tampopo, but is still the best you can find in the South Bay. Recommend: Shoyu ramen, with gyoza on the side.

• Amber India. Northern Indian cuisine. I especially like their fish curries and dal.

• Guaymas. In Tiburon, elegant Mexican food (hand-made tortillas) with an excellent view of San Francisco across the Bay. Homemade tortillas and salsa are hard to resist.

Washington

• Hotel George Bistro Bis.. Republican atmosphere is part of the spectacle. You will never be in the company of so many clean cut folks. Have a few extra drinks to numb the senses. Good grill.

• Spices 3333 Connecticut Ave, NW, 202-686-3833. Unusual combination of Thai and sushi. Suicide curry is worth a try.

• Les Halles Brasserie. Steak house. Onglet (hanger) steak rare, with salad and french fries and a glass of sturdy red wine -- unbeatable in cold weather.

Tokyo

• Sushi-zanmai. Superb sushi, open 24 hours in the heart of Tsukiji (Tokyo's central fish market). There are two locations very close to each other, and built almost in mirror images, there is no noticeable difference between them.