Cafe Leila, Berkeley

[Charlotte L. Blackmer]

On my way home today, I decided to not feed myself at home, but keep on
driving until I got to Cafe Leila, which is on San Pablo Avenue at
Francisco (3 short blocks north of University). The lure of Garden
Seating was also strong on this sunny day ;).

The front room was invitingly decorated (you can see some photos with the
yelp reviews at http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-leila-berkeley). I ordered
the lamb burger special and coffee at the counter, recieved my number, and
headed out back with my mug.

The patio area is fairly spacious (for Berkeley) and has a fountain,
sunshades (which I took down near my table), and potted plants. From the
striping, it used to be a parking lot, so they are doing well in the
"urban rehab" area.

I sat and I waited, and waited, and waited. It was a full thirty minutes
before my food arrived. This seemed to be an anomaly - when it was
delivered, the cook apologized because he had burned the first one.

The lamb burger, when it arrived, was worth the wait. It was nicely
spiced, on a delicious fresh ciabatta roll, and garnished with goat
cheese, red pepper puree, marinated onions, and spinach. To sum up, it
was many mouthsfull of Mediterranean YUM. The french fries were
obviously house-made and were delicious. There was a small amount of baby
greens with a tasty viniagrette dressing served with this.

They comped me my refill and brought me some toll house cookies, so no
major complaints - from the other reviews on yelp there do seem to be
these occasional bumps so if I am COMPLETELY STARVING I might think twice
about going there. (Although the way I figure it was that I might have
waited a while to be seated at the Homemade, even though they are famously
efficient in getting you your food once you have ordered.)

I said I'd check out wheelchair suitability for Guy - it looks like
power-chair navigation would be pretty smooth because pathways are wide
and the site is almost completely flat, although the back door (accessible
through the tiny parking lot - yes! off-street parking in Berkeley!)
looks wider than the front door. I'd definitely choose an "outdoor
eating" day, as there is plenty of room to roam on the patio. (Well-
socialized dogs also seem to be welcome outside.)

All in all - I will be back. I ask if the gazebo is "reservable" for
group expeditions, and I will be keeping an eye on the time. I might try
it on a weekday as well.

Charlotte

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