The Other Critics

Bauer Enjoys Jackson’s in Santa Rosa; Patti U. Sings the Praises of Sheba Piano Lounge

Michael Bauer shows the North Bay a little love this weekend, and he seems to like the “sophisticated all-American”-ness of Jackson’s Bar and Oven in Santa Rosa. He praises the wings, and the Caesar salad, and gives it an encouraging two and a half stars. [Chron]

Patricia Unterman says Ethiopian menu at Sheba Piano Lounge “speaks to me” and first praises the “exotic, perfectly balanced cocktails made with aromatic Ethiopian bitters.” She also recommends the vegetarian platter and the doro tibs, which she says create “a culinary tapestry as striking as the lush fabrics that surrounded us.” [Examiner]

In Thursday’s Datebook Bauer dropped in on the two-year-old La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, saying he couldn’t ever get a reservation any later than 6 p.m. He says the place “seems to be getting better” and recommends the ceviche tasting platter, which now runs $29, and the empanadas. But he seems to wish the waiters would stop eagerly trying to sell him on Peruvian cuisine; he’s already bought in. [Chron]

Also in the Chron, Carey Sweet writes of “a very good meal” at Sea Thai Bistro in Corte Madera, giving special mention to some very modern, neo-Thai crostini with pesto, peanut sauce, and prawns that “look like tiny ballet dancers, performing tight arabesques.” [Chron]

Bauer Enjoys Jackson’s in Santa Rosa; Patti U. Sings the Praises of Sheba