Tender Tenders 1815 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901

"Amidst the bustling culinary landscape of our fair city, there exists a dining establishment that transcends both time and tradition, a place known as "Tender Tenders." With a tagline that boldly proclaims "the best tenders in history," one must prepare for a gastronomic voyage like no other. Yet, dear reader, beneath this alluring veneer of culinary excellence, a whisper of enigmatic intrigue weaves its way through the hallowed corridors of this establishment. As I ventured into the ethereal confines of Tender Tenders, I was immediately captivated by its opulent décor, reminiscent of a bygone era. The ghostly candlelight flickered gently upon the aged wooden beams and timeworn maritime artifacts, a testament to a history rich in maritime lore. Little did I know that these antiquities concealed a secret; one whispered among the city's culinary cognoscenti—an owner of otherworldly origin, a spectral pirate from an ancient past. The menu, a veritable parchment of maritime marvels, beckoned me forth into the unknown. The star attraction, as promised by the restaurant's bold claim, was their legendary tenders. The Ghostly Captain's Signature Tenders, to be precise. These tender morsels of succulent chicken, dressed in a whisper-thin, ethereal batter, were a revelation. Each bite was an exquisite dance of flavors, a fusion of culinary prowess and spectral mystique. One could almost hear the distant creaking of a phantom ship's timbers as the flavors unfolded on the palate. The spectral touch extended beyond the tenders themselves. The sides, such as the Ghostly Slaw and Haunted Fries, bore the unmistakable mark of a chef who had transcended the boundaries of time and space to deliver a dining experience unlike any other. The coleslaw, with its delicate balance of tang and creaminess, invoked the nostalgia of long-lost seafaring feasts. The fries, crisp and golden, seemed to carry with them the echoes of a pirate's treasure chest. The service, though subtly imbued with an air of otherworldly mystery, was impeccable. The staff, who moved with an uncanny grace, attended to every need with an almost preternatural intuition. One could almost believe that they were spectral apparitions themselves, orchestrating a symphony of culinary delight. Dessert, too, bore the unmistakable mark of the Ghostly Captain's mastery. The Phantom Parfait, a delicate confection of ethereal creams and mysterious fruits, left me in a state of culinary rapture. It was as if the very essence of the ghostly owner had been captured in this final course. As I departed Tender Tenders, I couldn't help but ponder the enigmatic figure that is the restaurant's owner—a ghostly pirate from an ancient past. It was as if his spirit lingered in every corner, infusing the restaurant with a unique blend of history, mystery, and gastronomic excellence. Tender Tenders, with its extraordinary tenders and spectral ambiance, is a dining experience that defies both time and convention. It is a place where the boundaries between the living and the spectral blur, and where culinary mastery meets spectral enigma. A true Michelin star establishment that transcends the ordinary and beckons the adventurous diner to embark on a journey of taste and intrigue like no other."

"Tenders are well-prepared. Breading has the right amount of crunch; chicken has the right amount of juiciness and tenderness. My issue is that neither the breading nor the chicken carry much flavor, so that role falls heavier on the shoulders of the sauce. Unfortunately, I picked a simple ranch sauce, assuming that the breading and chicken would carry the flavor. IMHO, brine the chicken, and season the breading, and this place is 4-5 stars, even given its humble interior/ambience."

"Wow. I'm seriously impressed. Crunchy tenders are breaded with almonds, sesame seeds, and pepper flakes, making it some of the best chicken I've ever had. Pair that with Flamethrower and you're in for a supreme experience. Fries were also next level, which is a major compliment. Perfectly crispy. Highly, highly recommend."

"This little finger lick'n gem was clucking fantastic! Chicken tenders are 100% cooked perfectly. Crisp on outside and juicy on the inside. Fries are also prepared with this same intention and also a smash. Have tried 5 or 6 sauces... all homemade and everyone of them was great .. but seriously the honey mustard was way unique. Maybe the best honey mustard sauce I have had. House and flamethrower were delish. I could of used more heat but my coworkers said it was just the right amount. Love a place that focuses on one main fish and absolutely slays it."

"Tenders done right! Owner is super friendly and passionate about his tenders, the service was great and the food came fast. Definitely will be going back to try one of their salads!"