Sabor of Spain, San Rafael, California

Relatively new - one year- restaurant in my "home town" of San Rafael. Had an intense massage in the afternoon where Olga manipulated my internal organs, so decided to treat myself with a nice dinner. Nicky, my faux brother, and I stopped in the wine store attached to the restaurant the other night and met the owner. He said he lived in Spain, his wife is Spanish, he looks Indian or something, and wanted to bring the taste of Spain to the area. I commented how the space looked like it could be in New York City and he was happy about that. His manager was around who was a nice guy who seemed to take alot of pride in his job and the place. Nicky and I told them we'd be back soon.

So, I decided to walk on down there last night. It too about 20 minutes but having the ability to walk to a restaurant felt so lovely. Why didn't I do it more when I lived here? Was lazy and would drive the short distance. Maybe that's why I was fatter when I lived here. Anyway... I strolled in and the lovely manager escorted me outside to my table and was very attentive the rest of the night. The owner was off this evening.

What a lovely wine by the glass menu they have. Aside from a huge variety of single glasses available, they also have flight of wine. I opted for the flight which included a Rioja, one of the few Spanish wines with which I am familiar. Three glasses came to my outside table, by the way, which is a darling little seating area with three tables on the main drag, which were very generously filled. I was impressed. Of the three, I liked the Rioja the best, wish I could remember the other ones, but it was only today I decided to keep track of my dining escapades. Next time, I will order the Rioja by the glass.

I started with a cheese plate sans the stinky cheese and the only one I remember was Manchego. They were all delicious and I gobbled that up fast while talking on the phone to Brigid about our inability to have casual sex. Both wish we could, but because of our understanding of energy, find it difficult. I then ordered a Caesar salad with Manchego which was a disappointment. The dressing was bland, the 2 odd little tomatoes weird and the Romaine lettuce itself a bitch to cut. Before I was done, the potato omelet arrive, which was the size of an ordinary tapa, ie., rather small. The omelet itself was tasty but the dipping sauces odd - one being glorified ketchup and the other being glorified mayonnaise. I was still hungry so asked the waitress what she recommended for dessert. She said the daily special was a bread pudding that was incredible. So, I placed my order and took a quick stroll over to Open Secret, one of my favorite books stores. (www.opensecretbookstore.com) When I returned, my lovely little bread pudding arrived. Absolutely delicious - the bread was soft and moist, the warm caramel sauce just the right consistency and the strawberries around the plate a perfect accompaniment to the ensemble.

Over all, an excellent choice with a good selection of vegetarian items. For the main course, they had a couple eggplant selections and a portabello mushroom dinner. 7.11.6

1301 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA (415-457-VINO) www.saborofspain.com