I got a bunch of restaurant reviews back from Mike (who edits them, he's so horrified at my grammar that doesn't let me post them otherwise). Here they are:
-Pleasanton Hotel Mystery Dinner, we loved the mystery, didn't enjoy the food.
-Casa Madrid in Pleasanton, poor tapas, good main dishes, great desserts and exemplary service.
-Pyzano's Pizzeria in Castro Valley, good pizza, nice atmosphere.
-Village Bistro in Castro Valley, good, homey continental cuisine, just like mom used to make if she was French.
-Cafe Colucci in Oakland, good Ethiopian food
-Ethiopia Restaurant in Berkeley, different Ethiopian food in not as cool surroundings
-Jardiniere, bad service and uninspired food at this San Francisco landmark
-Shish Kebab, etc., middle eastern delivery in San Leandro
-Taqueria Guadalajara, not the best taqueria in town (San Leandro)
-The Much Box, a burger stand in Chatsworth with a long history
-Cha Cha Cha, a colorful Encino restaurant.