Narsai David Restaurant Review: Lalime's

BERKELEY (KCBS) - Lalime's restaurant has been a very important part of the dining scene in Berkeley for the past 27 years, and on a recent visit I found it just keeps on getting better.

People who insist they couldn't possibly eat Brussels sprouts were amazed when the crispy Brussels sprouts arrived at the table.

Fried just enough for the edges of the leaves to get crispy, the sprouts are served with a little bit of house cured bacon, some aioli and vin cotto, technically a boiled down wine, but really in this case a reduced balsamic vinegar with a sweet and sour happening at the same time.

KCBS Food and Wine Editor Narsai David:

The lobster carbonara is marvelous chunks of lobster served with squid ink pasta. Onglet bordelaise used to just be called a hanger steak. This delicious piece of meat is worthy of a fancy French name.

And every one of these main courses comes with intriguing vegetables.

The verre du vin cauliflower risotto is the most intriguing version of risotto you've ever seen, basically a very mild curry. There's no rice. The cauliflower is crumbled into small, granular bits, with red quinoa for the grain. Verre du vin is really how the French say curry.

Lalime's is in a residential area on Gilman Street and it's always busy. Be sure to make a reservation.

Narsai David is the KCBS Food and Wine Editor. He has been a successful restaurateur, chef, TV host, and columnist in the Bay Area spanning four decades. You can hear him Saturdays at 10:53 a.m., 12:53 p.m. and 4:53 p.m., and at 2:53 a.m. Sunday on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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