My best meals at PJ's have been those served at the counter. I don't know if it's the wine or the fun of watching the chef at work on the grill but if you go with a pal, skip the tables and head for the stools. The oysters have consistently been fresh. Usually there's a selection of three kinds available. The Caesar is crisp, with a decent mix of anchovies and garlic. Just enough to flavor the pallette without being so strong you can stand to sit with yourself. Pasta dishes are huge and usually heavy. Lots of cream here. Skip the scampi--it was mediocre at best. Make reservations and arrive a few minutes early. PJ's gets packed quickly. It's loud, fun. Great for people watching.

One of the best Pho around. Atmosphere in the back room is like a bizarre metro. Quick service, budget dining. Chicken and shrimp pho is great. Mixed vegetables and rice, shrimp and noodles are awesome.

By far the best sushi around. The tuna melts in your mouth. I don't usually go for the entrees, which usually look very hit or miss. If you go, sit at the sushi bar, the owner and his staff are friendly and offer suggestions if you're stuck. I'm not much of a salmon fan, but the Higashi West special roll has been a favorite of friends I've taken there. Make reservations as it can get crowded.

I have eaten here four times, always disappointed and promising myself never to come back. (Unfortunately, it's a block away from home and the lure of sushi can be overwhelming.) Not only are the entrees overcooked--mushy vegetables are so unappetizing--but I have always left sushi on my plate and a couple of times spit it into a napkin. The fish isn't the freshest around, or it's not the best cut of the catch. If you're on Piedmont Ave., and starving, go to Kato's for a burger instead.

When my mother was a teenager, Fenton's was THE place for dates. These days there's probably too much ice cream spilled on the floor and on the booths for an impressive first date but if you've got an ice cream lover in the family (or on your mind) this is the joint. Portions are huge. Do not underestimate that word. I mean HUGE. My personal favorite is the Black and Tan (hot fudge and caramel over your choice of ice cream) or a milkshake. The sandwiches are big, grilled and served with chips and pickles. Do not go here if you are on diet or wearing fancy clothes. Great spot if you've got kids cause no one seems to care if they make a mess.

I'd give it three stars, but it's not consistent. Generally the food and the service is good. The fish is fresh, though giant clams can be chewy sometimes--a common occurence, I've found with giant clam sushi and squid (ika). The people who own it/work there are nice, friendly and generally attentive. I'm always surprised at how much everything costs, though.

This Cole Valley gem just opened three weeks ago (mid-December). It seats 50 people in a pseudo-industrial setting. Great service, very friendly and helpful. The food presentation was artwork. Beautiful. People looked like they were truly enjoying the meal, the setting, everything. Our starters were delightful--a creamy polenta graced by Maytag blue cheese and a carmalized onion. I chose the duck for my entree and loved it. The flavors aren't over whelming but the sauces were divine. The lemongrass creme brulee was not firm enough for my liking, but the lemongrass gave it a light, refreshing edge. Bring your own wine, or buy it from the market across the street. Eos only offers soda and San Pelligrino right now.