samarati
(443) reviews
10/17/2008
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Cuisine:
California Italian
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San Carlos |
| “ From the decor, employee behavior & food presentation it is obvious that Piacere tries valiantly to be a fine dining destination. I was impressed by the tall, luxurious & expensive flower arrangements that are displayed in key locations. Alas, the food did not send me to culinary heaven. All the food was too salty. Bambie & I were hungry. We ordered 3 courses each. We tasted each others selections. I ate everything on my plate. I liked it well enough, did not love any of it. We brought a small vineyard $80 bottle of wine with us. I doubt that the wine was sold on the extensive Piacere wine menu, but the print on the menu is so small and the dining room lights are so dim that I could not read the damn thing. Servers were professional if a little aloof and hard to summon on occasion. Maybe they could not see us well enough in our dark little table location. This place is a NO return for me. Next time I'm in San Carlos, I'll try TOWN (across the street). ”
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Angela Von Buelow
(227) reviews
6/16/2007
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Cuisine:
California Italian
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San Carlos |
| “ I've become a food snob, a San Francisco Foodist, our city offers such a wide variety of cuisines and has such a condensed pool of talented restaurateurs and chefs; it's difficult for smaller cities to compete for my pallet. Chef Hugene's menu stands up to the progressive SF restaurants while pleasing the local loyal San Carlos regulars. The decor is elegant and modern with an italian feel. I started my meal with the Iron Skillet Mussels, the skillet comes out sizzling and shells are charred and crumbly. A winner! Next I had the Crab Fennel Avocado and Grapefruit salad; it could have used more grapefruit and less dressing, however I like the concept and the flavor combination. Next Prawns with Lemon Risotto toped with Frizzled Lemons and Leeks, zesty and creamy risotto toped with perfectly cooked prawns, yum! Lastly I choose Pastry Chef Sharon's take on the traditional italian Zabaione,using Muscat wine and a top the mound of fresh berries sits a Lavender Madeleine. Enjoy! ”
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Wayne Lambright
(212) reviews
6/15/2007
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Cuisine:
California Italian
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San Carlos |
| “ Angela and I were invited to try the Piacere, what I really enjoy about this family run restaurant is the attention to quality, they serve only grass feed meats and organically grown produce. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ribeye Steak, pizza, Ahi Tuna, Caser salad and Coconut cream burlay dessert. Ohh.... That Ribeye, it had this Smokey flavor, I asked chef Hugene how he smoked the steak, and told me it was a rub that he created by smoking tomatoes and other herbs. I think the big takeaway for me, is that everything had expanded flavors; it really was a positively unique dining experience, if you're on the peninsula Piacere is definitly worth checking out. Friendly service and a gorgeous decor make this a fun dining experience.
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jillduffy
(180) reviews
6/10/2007
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Cuisine:
California Italian
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San Carlos |
| “ I can't review Piacere without noting that my meal was comped (journalistic integrity first). Located far far away in a land called San Carlos, I happily recommend P. to locals, but am not so enthusiastic as to persuade city folks to drive there. One of my favorite features is P's wine-by-the-glass list because it includes a short description - helpful to a person who knows a little about wine but can't judge by the name whether to expect vanilla or cherry or earthiness. Highlights: simple bruschetta for char flavor on the bread and deep red tomatoes. Veal and pork meatballs ($7.50 for 4) were gratifying, though a tad dry, and paired with a thankfully uncomplicated sauce. Braised short ribs and papardelle ($25) fell apart with my fork, but I couldn't eat 1/4 of it and was glad of it when I came down with a touch of illness later (it happens). Low points: bland calamari fritti ($11.50) and banana bread pudding blemished with chocolate sauce and gelato. ”
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tastebud
(88) reviews
3/10/2007
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Cuisine:
California Italian
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San Carlos |
| “ 3/07 Fri night. One has to go to San Carlos to get a complete value package. The street is lined with trees lit up by tiny white lights. At the door, one can hear the 3-men jazz band playing in the bar. We were seated near a warming fire place. Piacere's menu is updated daily, with 6-8 choices in each course. Nothing costs more than $26. Wow, they serve warm breads here (sliced focaccia & ciabatta)! I started with a bowl of fish chowder. Very refined, cream-based, and blended with shredded fish, potato & carrot pieces. Amazingly tasty. My braised short rib was on top of a mound of pappardelle pasta. The uncommon sauce is made with melted carrot, achote & coco bits, wine and beef stock. The lightly salted seasoning is most welcome. Her wild salmon was surrounded by several clams on a bed of black lentil (spiked with kelp bits). Without using cheese, heavy cream or butter, both dishes bring out the natural wonder of the food. This lovely place is worth a city folk's driving. 4.5 stars ”
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