If it's authentic, they will come – and Banana Island knows that. Crowds regularly pack into Banana Island for lunch and dinner daily, happily waiting for top-notch food. With influences fromThailand, Malaysia and Singapore, Banana Island does not disappoint. Try the roti canal, a fried, flat-grilled flour pancake served with curry, and the pineapple fried rice and mango chicken are famous across the Tri-Valley area. Be sure not to miss the Sarang Chicken, the mango prawns, or the pad thai – all three dishes nail the difficult balance between tangy and spicy. The service is attentive, if a bit slow during the rush, and the faux-tropical motif is fun without being too tacky. Banana Island is a great place for a casual business meeting or date. Also, takeout is available, and parking is free. Check their website for hours and specials.
Banana Island
416 Westlake Ctr
Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 756-6868
www.bananaislanddalycity.com
Nation's Giant Hamburgers are truly jaw-dropping. And we mean it literally; they’re the biggest we’ve seen in California. Not only are these burgers gigantic, we don't think anyone serves up more tender or juicy patties. For six decades, Nation’s has been a Tri-Valley landmark. Perched atop a mountain of glorious (and cheap!) American comfort food, Nation's offers up fries, shakes, grilled chicken, French toast, omelettes, heaping strawberry tarts and pies like nobody's business. This historic gem is the taste of Golden State, made with love and open 24 hours a day!
Note: some locations do close, and all offer takeout. Check the website for details and specials.
Nation’s Giant Hamburger
301 S Mayfair Ave
Westlake Shopping Center
Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 755-8880
www.nationsrestaurants.com
San Jose’s E&O Trading Company uses inspiration from Asia's "spice route" to create a fusion restaurant that can stand up with just about any in the country. The innovative, delicious dishes have locals returning time and again. Keep in mind, these are not dishes for people with delicate palates—E&O Trading’s kitchen only puts out food that’s positively bursting with flavor. For a true taste sensation, try the spectacular Firecracker Chicken, which regulars rave over. The must-have small plate is the corn fritters, delicately fried and not too greasy, paired with a simply addictive dipping sauce. E & O's cocktails are also not to be missed. They're made with a crisp blend of Asian-inspired ingredients to perfectly complement your meal. The atmosphere is spacious and unpretentious and doesn’t fall prey to the cliché ultra-Asian style that sometimes plagues fusion joints.
E & O Trading Co.
314 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 693-0303
www.eotrading.com
