Spicing Up the Peninsula

There is, in my opinion, one restaurant on the San Francisco Peninsula that can hold its own against any Michelin-starred hot spot in the entire Bay Area. That's not to say there's not a bevy of great places to eat south of the city; but most of them don't have the artistry and the creativity to match the quality of a place like State Bird Provisions. Where is this magical place, you ask? It's about a ten minute walk from my house and, if you feel like treating yourself or doing something special for your significant other, then this is where you go: All Spice on El Camino Real in San Mateo. I went with my wife on Tuesday. It was our third visit, but it was just as invigorating and inspiring as our first.

I'm going to let my series of simple iPhone photos speak for itself, but let me at least say that the food is Indian-themed and the menu is seasonal. I can honestly say that I've rarely had vegetables that taste as fresh and as vibrant as I have in this little house near Highway 92.

Corkage is ridiculously reasonable at $15. We brought a bottle of Riesling and threw it in the ice bucket while we sipped on a glass of Crement d'Alsace. You're gonna blow about $150 for two people, which you'll be begging to pay again and again as you plot your next visit.