902 Masonic Avenue (just off Solano Avenue)
Albany, CA
Phone: 510-526-1109
Open Wednesday through Sunday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mike: One of the first things one notices when entering Jodie's Restaurant, a small diner-style eatery, is that the wall plastered with photos of past patrons and fliers for cleverly-named dishes not found in the menu. (see below) While there is not much seating room in the actual building (just 6 seats), the staff and other patrons were happy to help accomodate our group and eventually we got to sit down. During a second visit, during which I got a ticket for parking on a street duing the two hours a month it's scheduled for a sweepcleaning (what are the odds?!), both Jodie and the waitress remembered us from our first visit, adding a touch of familiarity that was nice to find.
Rita: "It's better to serve one person 10 times than to serve ten people 1 time." is seen handwritten on an endearing poster right when you walk in. This place follows this mantra to the letter from the way they practice customer service to the quality of food. In fact, we were so impressed by Jodie's that we came back a week later. Now, this restaurant technically doesn't reside on Solano Ave, but we've decided to add this gem onto the blog because of the way it made us so attached to it.
Sam: Because of the unique interior decoration, entering the restaurant (which is more like a diner) felt like intruding someone's private space. I spent some time trying to decide on what to get because the wall menu was not particularly descriptive. I decided to get a "Bird of Paradise" (see below). Jodie and his assistant cooked the food behind the counter, so we got to see all the action. For the rest of the afternoon, my clothes smelled like food. From my brief experience, I can see why a loyal customer would keep coming back while new customers might feel claustrophobic.
Food Pictures
Sam: The Bird of Paradise is a grilled chicken sandwich with special sauce (delicious) and spiced fries (yummy, not greasy). Different condiments are available on the counter (jam, ketchup, hot sauce...).
The Nothing With Something
Mike: Any restaurant that has the sense to put a mystery dish on the menu is alright in my book, especially an item that turns out to be so tasty. With only the knowledge that our orders would be either vegetarian or of the carnivore variety, Rita and I took the leap of faith and chose the mystery dish that Jodie guarantees is never the same twice. What we got this time around were hash browns and eggs covered in a mix of Pork, mushroom, bell pepper and other veggies in a homemade BBQ sauce. An English muffin came on the side as well. While not a fan of the mushrooms myself, they were large enough to pick out (yes, I do that) with no problem. The vegetables were all fresh, and you could tell that Jodie was proud of the meal, talking to us afterward about some of the various components. A truly enjoyable meal.
Rita: Nothing with Something sounded like a dare to me. Luckily for me, this dare turned out to have a happier ending than any of my previous dare taking in my dare career. I wiped this plate clean. If I didn't care so much about appearances, I would have asked Jodie if I could lick the pans he used to cook this dish so that he wouldn't have to wash them. (Hey, I'm being eco-conscience here! Save water!) Also, try the plum jam - it is superb. Anyone who walks into this place must try the nothing with something. I triple dog dare you.
Geromino
Amy: The Geromino was a delicious meal with a spicy hot dog cut length-wise covered in Jodie's homemade chili, topped with fresh onions, and various peppers. I also loved the different sauces and jams tha Jodie has out for your meal. This cozy hole in the wall is a great place to get homemade breakfast with friendly service. The countless pictures of family and friends that adorn the walls, give you plenty to look at while you wait for your meal. On my second return, I felt even more welcomed since the server and Jodie remembered us. I felt like taking a chance and ordered the Nothing with Something, of course it was delicious. I plan on making many more trips to this place not only for the great food but the very friendly service.