Paul R.

Petty Janice K

If you've worked with many real estate agents, you may be a little jaded, as we were. It just seemed that there weren't any good ones.

That's why we were so happy to find Jan Petty. Jan helped us find a great house on the peninsula now almost 10 years ago. She listens. She does the research for you. And she does not waste your time. Those are 3 characteristics that I just hadn't seen displayed reliably in other realtors.

We're recommended her to many, many friends and colleagues. She's one of the top ranked agents anywhere. A truly great person.

Towles Cafe

Towles Cafe was once a breakfast place but has been reborn as a seafood cafe. The fish is fresh, cooked well and presented simply. If they've got gumbo on the menu, get it.

And while you're there, enjoy the live music. There's a constantly changing list of jazz and blues bands squeezed up against the front windows. Great music, loud enough to hear at the outdoor tables, but not too loud for inside.

Ajanta Restaurant

Ok, I haven't been to India, so maybe I don't really know. But, I have eaten pretty good (and pretty bad) Indian food in London. And in New York. And here in the Bay Area. And nothing compares to Ajanta.

The food is great. Much lighter and more flavorful than other Indian restaurants. Much less oil. Many more spices -- not just heat.

Next time you go, try Tandoori Asparagus and Badal Jaam. [That's slices of eggplant pan fried, brushed with home made tomato sauce, spiced with mango powder, black rock salt and served topped with thickened yogurt sauce (Lucknow)]

And there are good wines matched well with the food, including some from India.

Lakuni

You walk through a door on a side street in San Mateo and ... wait, is this Tokyo? You seem to have been transported.

The place is tiny. Just a counter, no tables. The owner and his wife are the cook, bottlewasher and server here. On the wall over your shoulder as you sit at the bar are 3 large images of a bamboo forest. But face forward. You're going to want to focus on the food and drink.

On your first visit, you'll be told that this isn't a sushi bar. And that's true. But there is a great raw tuna dish. Get it. And then let the owner recommend a few other things. And take his recommendation on sake too. They've got a bunch of great cold sake. You will be very happy.

And then you'll walk outside and suddenly be back in California and without any jet lag.

Pancho Villa Taqueria

Pancho Villa is our favorite local taqueria. And we must be in good company since it is always crowded.

There is wider than usual array of choices for fillings for tacos, burritos and more. Multi-time California State Fair award winning salsas on the help-yourself bar. The flavors are bright and fresh.

I'm partial to the grilled chicken tacos with black beans and hot salsa, but there's something for everyone here. Our daughter likes the pinto beans a lot.

Il Fornaio

This is the mid-peninsula outpost of the hugely successful Il Fornaio mini-chain. It has good food, great service and perfect atmosphere. It is without question our daughter's favorite restaurant. She enjoys the energy of the place, the fact that there are often other kids there and the bread sticks, of course.

We enjoy the Salad Del Fornaio, the grilled salmon and, of course, the Tiramisu.

It's busy, so reserve on Open Table.