Fajitas in Livermore, Burgers in Lafayette, Steak & Potatoes in Danville, and Mango Buddha in Dublin

Here are some suggestions that offer great food at even better prices
Janet Fazio
Fajitas

Cholula’s Cuisine Chicken Fajitas / Photo: Janet Fazio

Bistro Burger

LAFAYETTE – Another San Francisco based restaurant chain has discovered that Contra Costans have developed a love affair with the all-beef patty. Bistro Burgers is now open in Lafayette. Unlike other burger joints, Bistro Burgers has table service, and the ambiance is warm and inviting.

Since I was in Lafayette, I decided to try the Lafayette burger, a Niman Ranch all natural beef patty topped with pepper jack, avocado and sprouts. It was just the right amount of juicy without being messy.

Although a yummy assortment of specialty fries and onion rings are on the menu, I opted to pair my burger with a side salad with house made dressing. Topped with crushed pumpkin seeds, even the salad joined the ranks of gourmet items available on the menu.

Burgers start at $6. Beer and wine. Open Mon-Fri, 10-9pm and Sat-Sun, 9-9pm. BistroBurgerLafayette.com or 925.403.1164 

Harvest Prep Kitchen

DANVILLE – For such a small space, there is a lot going on at Danville’s Harvest Prep Kitchen, and it all seems good.

The menu is filled with comfort food selections prepared with fresh ingredients, like grilled salmon with artichoke and potato hash and grilled white fish tacos. I enjoyed tender slices of fork-tender steak marinated in red wine. It was served with roasted potatoes and brussels sprouts and finished perfectly with a savory caramelized onion sauce.

Diners can also design a market salad to their liking.

Family take-out meals serve four and include a salad, protein, starch, vegetable and sauce.

Entrées start at $11. No bar. Open Tue-Sat, 11:30-2:30pm and 5-8pm. HarvestPrepKitchen.com or 925.208.1403.

Banana Garden

DUBLIN – If your taste buds are longing for something out of the ordinary, head to Banana Garden in Dublin where your palate will be treated to all sorts of Malaysian delights.

The udang roll appetizer, rice paper filled with steamed shrimp, bean sprouts and basil, is a great way to start. Be sure to get an order of roti prathra,  This paper thin bread looks like it’s hand spun. If you like some heat, try the higau basil chicken. It contains fresh Thai chili, snap peas,  and red onion. Mango buddha is as beautiful as it is delicious. The vegetable dish features fresh shredded mango, bell peppers, onion, broccoli and cauliflower bathed in a sweet mango sauce. 

Dishes start at $8.50. No bar. Open for lunch Tues-Sun, 11am-3pm; dinner served Mon-Thurs, 5-9:30pm and Fri-Sat, 5-10pm.

TheBananaGarden.com or 925.248.2854.

Cholula’s Cuisine 

LIVERMORE – Mexican with a fresh and lighter flair is on the menu at Livermore’s Cholula’s Cuisine.

Their fajitas are a favorite and come three ways. Have the traditional sizzling plate of chicken or steak with fresh crispy veggies, including red and green bell pepper, onion and zucchini. Go low carb and get the fajita bowl with all the good stuff on a bed of lettuce, or go all out and order the fajita burrito topped with enchilada sauce, melted cheese and served with a side of lettuce, sour cream and a tomato slice.

Dishes start at $7. A kids menu is available. Beer and wine. Open Mon-Fri, 11am-8pm; Saturday, 11am-6pm. CholulaCusine.com or 925.294.9005.

Janet Fazio writes ‘Tastes of Your Town’, a monthly feature in the print edition of Your Town Monthly. This article was originally published in the April  2016 issues.