Seeking good South Indian/Thai/Vietnamese restaurants and groceries

William C. wrote:
> Recommendations for a wine shop (esp. German wines) and other fine
> but inexpensive restaurants would be greatly appreciated too.

Beltramo's on El Camino Real in Menlo Park (almost Atherton) is said to be among the finest wine shops anywhere.

As far as Indian restaurants, it seems like there's a cluster in Mountain View on/near Castro (as you've discovered), and there's also a sprinking of them in the area around Lawrence Expressway and El Camino.  Palo Alto has a couple Thai and Indian places on University Ave (1 of each) and on Lytton (1 of each).  There are also a few Thai places on El Camino in Palo Alto, Redwood City and San Carlos.

The previous posts covered it pretty well, but...

The best biriyani I've had around here is at a Pakistani place called Mehran, in Fremont. Take Decoto Rd east from I-880, go about 2 miles and turn right on Alvarado.It's right there on your right after turning. (Blockbuster video in front.) (For East Bay people, there is also a branch in Pleasant Hill at the Contra Costa Blvd exit from I-680)

I went a couple of times to a good Thai place on El Camino a few blocks south of junction with Page Mill in Palo Alto. (Maybe 3 blocks south of the next intersection which is Hansen.) It is on the east side of the street. Lunch specials are tasty and large; in addition to your entree you get a chicken satay and a fish cake instead of the usual egg roll. And soup too. Need I say more?

                              Shaheen.