11/17/06

Weekend breakfast is great!

by gourmetgirl5

When you can't be bothered with the hideous line outside the Los Gatos Cafe for breakfast on the weekend, Andale is a low key alternative (although they don't open until 9 a.m.). Try the Machaca Nortena breakfast plate or breakfast burrito. Quite delicious.

• Pros: Solid weekend breakfast choice if you want something a little different
• Cons: Service is a little slow

09/10/06

Want to love it, but have serious issues with them

by bun1

I have been to both the little Andale's and the larger one across N. Santa Cruz Ave. many times over the years. They're usually quick, with good, simple meals. Although the food isn't spectacular, I always returned for my burrio fix. Three weeks ago I ordered the Maya(n) Chicken Burrito which also has a little salad on the side. My husband had a shrimp burrito which he liked a lot. However, later that evening (and through the night, into the next day...) I experienced a terrible "food borne illness" as the County and my doctor called it. I washed my hands before I ate (but still didn't use my fingers to eat this), so nothing came from me. I am very clear this is the source - there is zero doubt in my mind about this. This messed up my digestive system for days. I want to add that my husband felt great - but he also did not eat anything from my plate. I realize these things *can* happen, even in wonderful fine dining restaurants. Something can be off - perhaps there was something in the salad greens and they weren't washed well, maybe something in the meat, or a worker's hands weren't clean (ew), but I felt the need to inform others. I did not give them the lowest rating 'cause of past positive experiences, AND, I may even return in a year or so when I'm no longer afraid to eat there. Meanwhile, they need to review sanitation and food preparation procedures with their staff.

On another note, I'm leary of bathrooms in restaurants with black toilets and dark walls with somewhat dim lighting. Are they trying to hide something? And, I entered the restroom right after an employee left it only to find several paper towels on the floor. I'm assuming he didn't make the mess, but I would expect an employee to pick up a mess if he sees it.

08/12/06

Lousy breakfast avoid at all costs

by imasflady

I've eaten there many times for lunch because I was in the area at the time and felt like eating a light mexican style meal. No complaints about the food then.

However once is enough for breakfast. They had the sorryiest excuse for chicquillas I have ever had. They were absolutely the worst.

Would go back for lunch but never for breakfast.

• Pros: clean and cheerful ambience
• Cons: not consistant