We have been trying out some of the restaurants around Palo Alto and Menlo Park. So far, Flea Street Cafe left the biggest impression. Chef and owner Jesse Cool’s approach to ‘simply organic food’ results in pure, delicious dishes that don’t disappoint. I had a seasonal marinated baby beet salad, followed by cast iron roasted King Salmon – both absolutely great.
Marinated Baby Beet Salad – Source: Flea Street
I am a bit of a sparkling water aficionado, and the Seltzer Sisters water they offer at the restaurant is definitely worth a try – spring water in old-fashioned chiffon bottles adds to the natural charm of the meal. Don’t skip the cocktails either, they are absolutely worth exploring! I tried the Lavender Lemon Drop – different and amazing!
Flea Street Cafe
Alameda De Las Pulgas
Menlo Park, CA-94025 (650) 854-1226
Ever since moving to the US from Belgium, I have craved Belgian bread. Funny how you take things for granted all your life and only realize that they are special when you no longer have them. The Wonder bread invention skipped our tiny country, we just stuck with old fashioned bakeries where the baker slaves through the night to present us with our fresh loaf in the morning.
I have experimented with my own bread machine and I tried the ‘no knead bread‘ – yummy, but still not quite what I was looking for. I have saved a long list of bakeries on Favrit, my local bookmarking app, and I have quizzed fellow Belgians… I found some substitutes, but not the real thing. Until today!!!
Alexander’s Patisserie
I was walking in downtown Mountain View in search for a place to have coffee, when I came across Alexander’s Patisserie. The inviting white and airy design of the store/cafe compelled me inside. There, a world of fine patisserie, exquisite chocolates and macarons opened. There were several delicious croissants and danish to choose from to accompany my Intelligentsia coffee. But above all, there was that Belgian bread I had been looking for for years. I bought my whole grain loaf, sliced and wrapped in a paper bag (the only way to keep bread crusts crusty!). Yes, it is the real deal!
One of the many delicious treats – Alexander’s Patisserie
I plan many returns. I want to try more of the artful creations by Belgian Pastry Chef Dries Delanghe. And it is great place to quietly enjoy a coffee, read and write or to take some friends.
I have always loved running, and while in LA, I added some swimming and Pilates to my fitness routine. Well, it looks like I am going to have to take it up a notch. People in the Bay Area are fit. Running and road biking seem to be second nature for my neighbors…grandmas will daintily pass me on my run, without breaking a sweat.
Time to give them a workout!
I was far from a lone runner in LA, but something seems to be different here. While running is engrained in LA’s culture, people in the Bay Area seem to be motivated by the beauty that surrounds them rather then reaching some beauty ideal or standard that our environment holds us to. It results in happier runners, broader smiles and louder ‘hello’s’ from the people that cross your path. And it is contagious… I am looking forward to giving those running sneakers more of a workout.
silicon and coffee 