I feel I owe it to you, my friends, to fill you in on our eating adventures in California. We were able to cross off a few restaurants on our list that were new to us. La Note, in downtown Berkeley, has been on the list for a few years. It was time to check it out.
The day was California perfect. Sun dappled sidewalks. A slight warm breeze riffling leaves on trees. Brilliant orange, red and magenta bougainvillea draped over doorways and gateways. Colorful flowers cascaded from planters.
La Note is a bit of Provence deposited in an 1875 storefront in the heart of downtown Berkeley. One steps inside on well-worn hardwood floors. The front door was open and a cool breeze wafted through the room. Lovely aromas wafted from the kitchen.
We both started with a bowl of tomato soup. It was slightly garlicky and slightly creamy. The toasted crouton was topped with a generous portion of parmesan and sprinkled with chopped parsley. I have a goal to try and reproduce it for our table.
We shared a charcuterie and cheese platter that was pretty much perfection. The plate was filled with a creamy pate, garlicky sausage, French ham, cornichon, a lovely brie, St. Andre triple cream cheese, and two others I cannot name. A perfectly ripened pear and grapes were alongside. A crusty loaf and a jar of mustard made us happy munchers.
An open window to the street.
La Note will remain on our list of places to dine next time.
