Had dinner the other night at César during Dining Out For Life. As always, the food was amazing. We started out with some excellent chorizo, and the tocino de pato, smoked duck breast that we affectionately re-named "duck bacon." We also had a wonderful cheese plate, bocadillos of manchego cheese and greens, salt cod & crab canalones, aparagus salad and patatas bravas, fried potato wedges with a delicious spicy sauce that reminded me of harissa and amazing sauteed mushrooms redolent with garlic and guindilla peppers. Mexican chocolate sundaes and orange-caramel bread puddings rounded out the meal.
My only quibble was that the waitstaff were tossing down plates at our table without so much as eye contact, much less explanations of the dishes. Admittedly the place was crowded, but it's always crowded, and with tapas-style service where the plates are coming out in random order, it's even more important to help people understand what's what; especially since the menu includes many Spanish words that even experienced diners are bound to be unfamiliar with. The cheese plate we ordered had two cheeses I was particularly fond of, but my chances of enjoying them again are slim since I have no idea what any of them were, besides tasty.
I've been going to Cesar for years, since stumbling upon it while waiting for my table next-door at Chez Panisse. Thankfully, the larger second location on Piedmont Avenue maintains the upbeat casual vibe of the original, and if anything the food has improved over time. The new store also houses the Cesar Mercado, with a selection of wines, specialty products and even tapas to go. The mercado also features Black Maple Hill bourbon.
