Biba & Babies

Eight or nine years ago, my mom was a bone marrow donor for a complete stranger. She had put her name on a registry in the late 80's and was called to duty. It was a painful procedure (she says it wasn't bad but I cry at paper cuts) but I'll spare you the details since this isn't a medical blog! Anyway, she had the procedure done at Sutter Medical Center and once she was released my father took her, my grandmother and me to Biba for a celebratory dinner. To me it was a huge deal because I'd loved Biba Caggiano's cooking show and Biba herself is a cancer survivor. I remember the meal being delicious but mostly I remember Biba coming to our table to tell my mom she was proud of what she had done.

Almost a decade later, I recently went back to Biba. This time, instead of dinner it was six friends, a baby and lots of wine! It may come as a surprise to some, but Biba has a fabulous happy hour. You won't find shot specials and the decor is a bit... mature! But the specials are perfect for anyone's happy hour budget. The drink menu consists of $5 classy cocktails like Manhattans and half price wines. I had a Matchbook Temperanillo for $5 which was wonderful. We shared a bunch of $5 appetizers, including calamari, gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream sauce and bruschetta topped with seared tuna and pesto. Yum!

The bartender was really friendly and made delicious drinks. Our server was really accommodating even when the dining room got busy she was still back-and-forth to the lounge attending to our every need. There's a lot to be said for amazing service!

I think Baby Blake enjoyed happy hour too! While the girls were sipping red while, he had his own bottle of "house white!"

So, if dinner at Biba seems a little extravagant, head over for happy hour. You'll get a taste of the incredible food and service the restaurant is known for without breaking the bank!

Cin Cin!

Biba has started a weekday happy hour that looks like it's not to be missed!

Monday through Friday
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

$5 cocktails: Absolut Vodka Martini, Lemon Drop, Ruby Slipper, Makers Mark Manhattan
1/2 price glasses of Sauvignon Blanc,Pinot Grigio, Tempranillo, Merlot
$5 small plates: Calamari Fritti, Housemade Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce, Grilled Caggiano Italian Sausage on Soft Polenta, Bruschetta, Seafood Cakes

Prix Fixe

Everyone's getting into the prix fixe dinners these days! I was alerted to two more dinner specials today.

First up, Zocalo! The popular Mexican spot is offering "2 for $20 Tuesdays." That's one appetizer, two entrees and one dessert for $20. Not too shabby, considering the menu has many options including ceviche, nachos, tacos, enchiladas and, of course, flan. I don't understand how people enjoy that, but I like boxed macaroni and cheese. Moving on...

Biba is also offering a new $12 prix pixe lunch (Tuesday through Friday) and $28 prix fixe dinner menu (Monday through Thursday), which changes every day. There are a lot of delicious options on the menu, from seafood risotto to filet mignon, and may be my best chance of dining at Biba anytime soon!