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| San
Francisco, When the Counterculture Goes Mainstream
by Tejal Rao
San Francisco has a history of cultural revolution. Teetering
on the Western edge of the continent, connected by suspended
bridges, two block wide microcosms of weather, and long, stretches
of cliff clinging highway, it was in these steep, misty hills
that the American countercultures thrived: the Beats, the
Hippies, the Rockers, and later, the Eaters committed to Berkeley's
delicious revolution that spread quickly into the city. Some
say nothing has done more to shape San Francisco's food scene,
and possibly America's.
Californians celebrate Alice Waters for giving
momentum to what was once trendily referred to as Californian
Cuisine, but which has developed into something else: a national
phenomenon. Today all responsible chefs – or those who
just want to keep afloat in the stormy sea of San Francisco's
social consciousness – shop seasonally and locally,
and choose organic when possible. This makes for menus that
sometimes read like theses on their commitment to the various
locations and names of farms, dairies, artisans, and orchards
from which restaurants source their products – some
going as far in their education as to give the first and last
name of the farmer. Why?
San Francisco chefs know how the relationship
between chef and producer can be a symbiotic one: small scale
growers that appear on established chef's menus, like Thomas
Keller's, are immediately in high demand among fine dining
and casual establishments all over the city. In return for
advertising and loyalty, some chefs gain access to the very
best of what's available. And San Franciscan diners are pleased
to frequent new restaurants that feature familiar products
from Keller's or Waters' menus, like Elysian Fields lamb,
Sacramento Delta Green Asparagus and the now booming Acme
Bread.
But there are always some difficulties adjusting
when a counterculture goes mainstream. And chefs who may want
to experiment with the disparate without committing to the
city's values feel restricted. Visitors to San Francisco from
more culinarily established cities often bring up the idea
of a tension between organic, local, sustainable values and
those of modern, scientifically experimentative chefs. One
wonders, at the recent closing of more daring restaurants
like Winterland and the departure of progressive chefs like
Daniel Humm to New York, if San Francisco's ironically and
uncharacteristically conservative dining scene is a real culinary
phenomenon or just another a press-fueled fancy.
Progressive chefs who spend months researching
new techniques and recipes will often still make small seasonal
changes to their menus but keep their signature dishes year
long—imagine going to El Bulli and finding
that Spherical Melon had vanished, or going to The Fat
Duck to find the Sardines on Toast replaced with a seasonal
medley of vegetables? Unthinkable. But the two ideas are not
counterproductive.
Untraditional San Francisco has a tradition
of making space for new ideas. Ask the Che Guevara t-shirt
wearing teenage runaways, gay couples pushing their children
in strollers, skinny jeaned hipsters and wrinkly hippies slumped
on the crusty corners of Haight Street; they all found a place
here.The city's emerging culinary identity is in the process
of negotiating its many influences, from the chefs that first
plotted the city on the culinary map, to those at the helm
of the avant garde movement. They are playing with the old
and new, safe and strange, political and personal. San Francisco's
real success stories do seem to follow a trend: high quality,
simple seasonal bistros or classic ingredient-focused fine
dining. The values that began as counterculture now dominate
and define the American culinary scene in a positive way.
But the cost of revolution is the occasional failure, and
for the more rebellious chefs of the next generation, it's
a tough crowd.
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Fine
Dining:
The Sushi Bar at Anzu
Hotel Nikko
222 Mason St
San Francisco, CA 94102
415 394 1111
Availability and hours change weekly, call in advance
Master Sushi Chef, Kazuhito Takahashi runs a traditional,
but relaxed sushi bar that seats no more than nine.
The hotel, once owned by Air Japan, still flies in
its scallops, top neck clams, kanpachi, taro and baby
snapper multiple times a week. The bar closes for
Chef Takahashi's days off, since he runs the show
without an assistant: grating wasabi roots to order,
making his own dashi, prepping his own fish, and using
his knife to unravel transparent sheets of daikon—an
impressive skill that once cost him 46 stitches in
his right hand. The monkfish liver, which comes at
the end of the fantastic sashimi round, is smooth,
buttery and still pink in the center. And for those
with the acquired taste for sea urchin, a melt-in-the-mouth
nori and rice preparation can be requested. It's best
to call a week or so in advance.
Dishes we recommend:
The Dashi Soaked Spinach with Bonito Shavings
The Hamachi Cheek with Caramelized Daikon
The Shiny Fish Platter
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Gary Danko
24 Willie Mays Plz
San Francisco, CA 94107
415 644 0240
Daily 5pm-10pm
Gary Danko's offers one of San Francisco's
most reliable fine dining experiences—always
elegant, with interesting, modern food rooted firmly
in classic techniques. A tea service is included with
the 3, 4, or 5 course prix-fixe menu, and a few hours
spent enjoying the classy service, stunning food,
and extensive cheese and wine list is an ideal way
to get a feel of the true capacity of San Francisco's
fine dining scene. There are no hassles at Danko's,
where they really know how to take care of their guests—even
sending them home with a sexy little care package
of breakfast goodies like muffins.
Dishes we recommend:
Foie Gras Torchon with Duck Prosciutto and Black Mission
Figs
Glazed oysters with Osetra Caviar, Zucchini Pearls
and Lettuce Cream
Lemon Herb Duck Breast with Duck Hash and Plum Compote
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A Bittersweet Chocolate
Caramel Crepe at Rubicon
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Rubicon
558 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94111
415 434 4100
Wednesday 11:30am-2pm
Monday-Saturday 5:30pm-10pm
Rubicon offers a truly San Franciscan intermingling
of California Cuisine. Chef Stuart Brioza has made
his mark on the city with French techniques, Asian
flair, and Mediterranean simplicity that results in
a new American culinary identity. Famous around the
city for their vast wine collection and well trained,
hip sommeliers, Rubicon hosts fantastic wine dinners
that pair each course perfectly with Brioza's menu.
But don't fill up or you'll miss out on Nicole Krasinski's
desserts that feature interesting ingredients like
Sardinian Pecorino and locally sourced plums! The
space is elegant and spacious, but never stuffy, with
dark wooden wine cabinets and crisp white linens.
Dishes we recommend:
Guinea Hen Terrine with Brioche Butter
Bittersweet Chocolate Caramel Crepe
Aged Sardinian Pecorino and Santa Rosa Plum Cake
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XYZ
181 Third St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415 817 7836
Monday-Thursday 6:30am-10:30am; 11:30am-2:30pm; 6pm-10:30pm
Friday 6:30am-10:30am; 11:30am-2:30pm;
Saturday 8am-2:30pm; 6pm-11pm 6pm-11pm
Sunday 8am-2:30pm; 6pm-10:30pm
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The Pan Roasted
Sonoma Squab from WYZ
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XYZ is the trendy restaurant of the uber-trendy
W Hotel San Francisco. The food is Californian,
serving favorites like simple Heirloom tomato salads.
But the French accents show through in dishes like
stuffed Provencal sardines. A popular city spot for
meeting up for drinks and posh dinners, XYZ
features a slick, high-ceilinged and minimally decorated
dining space, with roomy tables a few sexy booths
for couples or private business meetings.
Dishes we recommend:
The Stuffed Provencal Sardines
The Pan Roasted Sonoma Squab
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Jardinière
300 Grove St
San Francisco, CA 94102
415 861 5555
Sunday-Wednesday 5pm-10:30pm
Thursday-Saturday 5pm-11:30pm
At Jardinière, Chef Robbie Lewis uses local
sustainable products to create beautiful delicious
French-Californian food. He's made his mark on Traci
DesJardin's San Francisco landmark with a number of
Italian dishes informed by his year spent cooking
at an agriturismo villa in Tuscany—so be sure
to order the handmade charcuterie and pastas. The
Champagne-themed, two story brick building in the
Civic Center has velvet drapes, a huge inverted Champagne
glass dome, with twinkling lights, and offers a romantic
piano and stand-up bass duo Tuesday through Saturday
beginning at 7 in the evening. It's perfect for a
pre-theatre, opera or ballet feast.
Dishes we recommend:
The Maine Diver Scallops with Housemade Pancetta,
English Peas, Meyer Lemon, and Roast Garlic-Parsley
Nage
The Belgian Endive, Nectarine, and Prosciutto di Parma
Salad with Honey-Thyme Vinaigrette and Marcona Almonds
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The Seared Scallop
with English Peas at Fifth Floor
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Fifth Floor
12 Fourth St
San Francisco, CA 94103
415 348 1555
Monday-Thursday 7am-10am, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Friday 7am-10am, 5:30pm-10:30pm
Saturday 8am-11am, 5:30pm-10:30pm
Sunday 8am-11am
Chef Melissa Perello's seasonal American menu is
inspired by weekly Saturday morning trips to the farmer's
market where she picks out artisanal Northern Californian
products. Perello's tasting menu offers two separate
preparations of an ingredient for each course and
her a la carte offers seasonal mains like roast squab
and butter poached lobster. Especially handy for traveling
solo diners interested in their 1400 bin wine program,
The Fifth Floor offers at least 20 wines
by-the-glass on any given night. The space is playful
and kitchy, with Art Deco chairs, lacquered red leather
and velvet banquettes, and a zebra-print carpet.
Dishes we recommend:
The Seared Scallops with English Peas, Pea Shoots
and Summer Truffles
The Roasted Liberty Duck Breast with Fingerling Potatoe
Hash, Duck Confit, and Plum Gastrique
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Low-Key Good Eats
Acme Chophouse
24 Willie Mays Plz
San Francisco, CA 94107
415 644 0240
Wednesday-Friday 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm
Saturday, Sunday,Tuesday 5:30-10pm
Thom Fox's classic steakhouse menu is a throwback
to the city's original, old-school steakhouse culture.
The difference? Acme chooses locally raised grass-fed
cattle, and organically farmed vegetables. This is
a San Franciscan Chophouse after all! The meat is
raised without hormones or antibiotics, and leaves
Fox's kitchen in the shape of simple, excellent American
fare. Be sure to pick and choose some oysters on the
halfshell from the raw bar before you start you meal,
and finish off with a single malt Scotch or one of
their many classic digestives, after what's sure to
be an excellent steak dinner.
Dishes we recommend:
The Marin Sun Farms Dry-Aged Rib Eye
A side of Creamed Spinach and Macaroni and Cheese
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Piperade
24 Willie Mays Plz
San Francisco, CA 94107
415 644 0240
Monday to Friday 11:30am-3:00pm and 5:30pm-10:30pm
Saturday 5:30-10:30
Closed Sunday
At Gerard Hirigoyen's Basque restaurant, French and
Spanish influenced dishes from the region bordering
both countries, make well executed appearances while
celebrating San Franciscan produce and West Coast
philosophy. Indoors, wooden beams and flickering candles
make for an intimate, cozy setting, and a covered
outdoor terrace allows for al fresco dining. The Piperade,
a tomato and bell pepper stew with a poached egg,
is the signature Basque dish.
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Incanto
1550 Church St
San Francisco, CA 94131
415 641 4500
Wednesday-Saturday 5:30pm-10pm
Sunday-Monday 5:30pm-9:30pm
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The Octopus Crudo
at Incanto
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At Incanto, Chef Chris Cosentino’s
hearty Italian dishes reflect his philosophy of using
all of his ingredients from head to tail. With techniques
he learned from his Italian grandparents, Cosentino
makes the restaurant’s red wine vinegar from
scratch and cures his own guanciale, pancetta, and
lardo. You can't go wrong with Cosentino's signature
Florentine-style tripe and trotters with tomato and
rosemary—classic comfort food at its best. For
the braver diners, brains, feet and other animal parts
are thoughtfully prepared in Cosentino's crusade to
popularize offal. Incanto's rustic Italian
cuisine feels perfectly at home at the comfortable,
stone, antique brick and woodwork decor, dotted with
Latin parchments.
Dishes we recommend:
Spicy Grilled Poussin with Sicilian-style Eggplant
and Mint
Octopus Crudo with Smoked Salt and Marjoram
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The Beet Carpaccio
at One Market
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One Market
1 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94105
415 777-5577
Monday-Friday. 11:30am-2:00pm and 5:30pm-9:00pm
Saturday 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Closed Sunday
This huge, busy brasserie across from the Ferry Building
is a popular San Francisco meeting point for bankers
in the Financial District. The large dining room seats
170 and serves hearty, playful, seasonal food.
Dishes we recommend:
The Beet Carpaccio with Marinated Rock Shrimp, Radish
Sprouts, and Crispy Ginger
The Squash Blossom Risotto
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Cortez
550 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415 292 6360
Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-10pm
Friday, Saturday 5:30pm-11pm
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The Chocolate Mint
Fondant Tart at Cortez
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Pascal Rigo uses Mediterranean and Moroccan ingredients
like dates, mint, and za'atar to coax the flavor from
seafood and meats and produces a myriad of thoughtful,
and tasty small plates. The desserts are equally exciting,
drawing on global spices and herbs. The space, and
the food, is a balance of bold, vibrant primary colors,
and rustic earthiness.
Dishes we recommend:
The Croque Madame
The Chocolate Mint Fondant Tart with Mint Chip Ice
Cream
The Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Rose Gelee, Dried
Strawberries and Hibiscus Sorbet
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Limon
524 Valencia Street
San Francisco, California
415 252 0918
Monday-Thursday 11:30-3pm, 5pm-10:30pm
Friday 11:30am-3pm, 5pm-11pm
Saturday 12pm-11pm
Sunday 12pm-10pm
Limon is a family-owned Peruvian joint with
zesty, bright ceviches, and simple dishes that put
a San Francisco spin on Nuevo Latino cuisine using
traditional ingredients like purple potatoes and Peruvian
corn, and featuring classic sauces like Chimichurri.
The bright green and orange walls of Limon are as
vibrant and friendly as the staff.
Dishes we recommend:
Ceviche Limon of Halibut with Lime, Yam, Peruvian
Corn and Mussels
Tres Leches de Chocolate with Chocolate Brandy Sauce,
Bruleed Banana Slices, and Milk Chocolate Mousse
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The Mojito at the
Slanted Door
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Slanted Door
1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94105
415 861 8032
Sunday-Thursday 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm
Friday, Saturday 11am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm
From open to close, The Slanted Door keeps
San Francisco's beloved Ferry
Building buzzing. While seats are snatched up almost
as soon as the doors open, the full contemporary Vietnamese
menu is always available at the bar on a first-come,
first-serve basis. The best part about the bar iswatching
the stylish mixologists shake and stir innovative
and classic cocktails at the speed of light. Be sure
to order a bottle or two of the Belgian Saison Dupont,
which stands up to the spicier dishes while complimenting
the floral and herbacious ones. In addition to the
sleek bar seats and indoor tables, The Slanted
Door has outdoor seating on the water with beautiful
views of the harbor and bridges.
What we recommend:
Clams and pork belly in spicy coconut broth
Vietnamese Pork and Shrimp Spring Rolls
The Cocktails!
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Canteen
817 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94109
415 928 8870
Wednesday-Saturday 8am-3pm and 6pm-10pm
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The Halibut Ceviche
at Canteen
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Dennis Leary’s Canteen
in the Commodore Hotel is the tiny superhero
against gigantic, celebrity chefdoms that duplicate
their brand across the world. Leary’s vision for
Canteen is incredibly simple: he is the only
cook at this intimate, low key restaurant, interacting
each night with only a small group of diners. Sit at
the comfortable counter or one of the tiny, casual booths,
and when he's got a free minute or two, have a chat
with Leary about the daily changing menu.
Dishes we recommend:
King Salmon with Sauce Soubise, Pickled Artichokes,
and Ham
Halibut Ceviche with Green Tomato and Avocado
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Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94709
510 548 5525
Monday-Saturday 6pm-9:15pm
Having recently celebrated its 35th birthday, Alice
Water's Chez Panisse is still the warm, comfortable
niche where locals and travelers seek our fresh, seasonal,
organic food prepared simply and impeccably. All meats,
fruits and vegetables are local and at the peak of
their season, so you can't go wrong! Downstairs dining
room menu is prix fix only; head to the more casual
upstairs cafe for lighter fare.
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Myth
470 Pacific Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
415 677 8986
Tuesday-Thursday 5:30pm-10pm
Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-11pm
Sean O'Brien's sexy, sophisticated space serves elegant
Japanese and French-inspired food, from an open kitchen,
in small or large portions—you choose. The couch-lined
lounge serves stunning cocktails with whimsical twists.
Dishes we recommend:
Ahi Tuna Poke with Cucumber, Shiso, Limu, Tatsoi and
Kukui Nut
Vanilla Creme, Strawberry Consomme, Marinated Strawberries
and Almond Clusters
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Sweet
Stuff:
Stella Pastry and Cafe
446 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415 986 2914
Monday-Thursday 7:30am-7pm
Friday-Saturday 7:30am-12am
Sunday 8:30am-7pm
A favorite among San Franciscans, Stella Pastry
is a tiny jewel in North Beach run by sisters Silvia
and Christina Santucci. Although you can't go wrong
with a piece of Sacrapantina or Tiramisu with an espresso
in the afternoon, it's their excellent, always-crisp
Cannolis filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips
and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, that are worth
boxing up and taking home to share.
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The Fruit Tart
at Town Hall
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Town Hall
342 Howard St
San Francisco, CA 94105
415 908 3900
Sunday 5:30pm-10pm
Monday-Thursday 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm
Friday 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm
Saturday 5:30pm-11pm
Town Hall is a down-to-earth comfort food haven run
by the Rosenthal brothers. A friendly staff brings
out dishes featuring classics like pork chops, gumbo,
and »chopped liver« in the comfy, exposed
brick setting. The ambience and the food are perfect
for a casual outing, and great for families and kids.
The American style, jumbo desserts are worth sharing.
Dishes we recommend:
Creole Cheesecake with Dry Red Wine and Balsamic Vinegar
Chocolate Brownie Caramel S'more with Vanilla Ice
Cream (for 2)
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Cocktails
and Nibbles:
Rohan
3809 Geary
San Francisco, CA 94118
415 221 5095
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6pm-12am
Friday, Saturday 6pm-2am
Sunday 6pm-11pm
Rohan is a dark little dive on Geary whose
soju cocktails made with premium Jinro soju and delicious,
spicy small plates are well worth the hassle to find
a parking spot. Don't miss the house Soju infusions
in lit up jars on the bar. Sundays and Wednesdays
are »belly up to the bar« where nibbles
and cocktails are half price all night!
What to order:
The Ginger Soju infusion, straight up
The Haiku
The Pork Bul Go Gi
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Fuse
493 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133
415 788 2706
Monday-Friday 5pm-2am
Saturday-Sunday 6pm-2am
Featuring Reggae, Rock, Hip-Hop and some of the city's
up and coming DJ's, Fuse is a funky, intimate, candle-lit,
lounge with a small, but excellent cocktail menu.
Drinks we recommend:
The Cucumber Martini
The Capirinha
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The Red Room
827 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94109
415 346 7666
Monday-Saturday 5pm-2am
Sunday 7pm-2am
Painted entirely in red, with red furniture to match,
The Red Room is an acid-jazz bar full of
San Franciscan hipsters sipping on tangy cocktails
in the monochrome and multi-textured red glow.
Drinks we recommend:
The Cosmopolitan
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Frisson
244 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94111
415 956 3004
Monday-Wednesday 11:30am-2pm; 5:30pm-11pm
Thursday-Frdayi 11:30am-2pm; 5:30pm-12am
Saturday 5:30pm-12am
Sunday 5:30pm-11pm
Enjoy Frisson's sexy atmosphere from an orange
banquettes underneath the cut-out ceiling dome that
glows with a warm light and enjoy a lovely cocktail.
Drinks we recommend:
The Fountain of Youth
The Pegu Picnic
The Vermont White
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Voda
56 Belden Pl
San Francisco, CA 94104
415 677 9242
Monday-Friday 4:30pm-2am
Saturday 7pm-2am
At Voda, 5 dollars buys a shot of any of
the 65 vodkas featured on the menu. And it's not just
affordable, it's downright sexy. The vodka lounge
and bar has an in-house DJ that keeps things low-key
and comfortable with a strangely appealing art-installation
of right angles and cool colors.
Drinks we recommend:
The Vodka Bar, divided into dry, full-bodied, and
fruity vodkas
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Levende Lounge
1710 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94103
415 864 5585
Tuesday-Friday 5pm-2am
Saturday 6pm-2am
Sunday 11am-4pm
Levende Lounge is the place to check out
young female chef Jamie Lauren's tasty dishes and
pair them with some great cocktails. The converted
warehouse is beautifully decorated, and bring a DJ
to entertain the lategoers. For a fun date, sit at
one of the dark wood tables for two and enjoy the
cocktail menu. When the munchies set it, split the
cheddar and Sierra Nevada beer fondue with the apples,
pears, and bread.
Dishes we recommend:
Curried Cauliflower Soup with Spiced Hazelnut Oil
Duck Confit Tacos with Dried Cherry Mole
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Brunch:
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The Conservatory
Dome at the Palace Hotel
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Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94105
415 512 1111
The conservatory dome, sparkling chandeliers and
exotic plant life make the Palace Hotel a
luxurious throwback to the grand hotels of the city.
The large, comfortable dining room is a great, kid-friendly
place to take the family for brunch.
What we recommend:
Brunch
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Foodie
Central:
Ferry Building
Market and Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94105
415 247 6422
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Far West Funghi's
Stall at the Ferry Building
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If San Franciscans worship the core
of the local movement—the farmer's markets—then
the Ferry Building is their Vatican. The converted
shipping dock is adorned with golden stalls of honey,
shimmering rows of infused syrups and jams, sweet
smelling, purple lumps of heirloom tomatoes and bustling
caviar and oyster bars overlooking the bridges, the
lush green islands, and the boats. When lost downtown,
the clock tower tip is visible through the fog like
a compass needle, pointing a golden arrow towards
the pier and the food wonderland it shelters. If your
wallet allows for it, an entire day can be well spent
in these walls, tasting a smorgasbord of San Franciscan
treats—not a box of Rice-a-Roni in sight.
Don't Miss:
Cowgirl Creamery for a taste of any young
or old, sheep, cow and goat cheese you like before
you buy it carefully wrapped in their signature white
paper.
Acme Bread for their sourdough baguette and
crusty, rustic batards
Far West Funghi for an apothecary style shop
front of fresh and dry mushrooms
Hog Island Oyster Bar for their cheap beer
and oyster platters during happy hour
The Farmer's Market on Tuesdays and Sundays from 10am–2pm,
Saturdays from 8am-2pm, and the smaller Night Market
on Thursdays from 4pm-8pm
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Crash:
Campton Place
340 Stockton Street
San Francisco, California 94108
415 781 5555
The intimate, 150-room hotel sits on a bustling street
in Union Square, downtown San Francisco. Its modern
marble and dark wood décor is decorated with
bright flowers in a classic boutique style typical
of luxury, city hotels. While restaurants and shops
are within walking distance, be sure to check out
the hotel’s restaurant’s new team led
by chef Peter Rudolph and former Wonderland pastry
chef Boris Portnoy.
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Mandarin Oriental
222 Sansome Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
415 276 9600
It’s all about the details at San Francisco’s
luxurious and trendy Mandarin Oriental. Even the beds
are raised a few inches higher than normal, so the
dramatic city views are never lost! The hotel’s
restaurant, Silk’s, is a sensual blend of Asian
and American, with dishes that highlight global ingredients
and techniques.
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CHEFS RECOMMEND:
Pastry Chef Christine Law of Postrio
recommends the desserts at Cortez, Frisson,
and Farallon.
Chef Paul Piscopo of XYZ
recommends the neighborhood spot, Q, for
a good burger and calamari and Quince and
Delfina for great dinners.
Chef Melissa Perello of the Fifth
Floor gets great everyday grub like sausage sandwiches
at Rosamunde's Sausage Grill and Mexican
food at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant on Geary
and 23rd
Chef Dennis Leary of Canteen
loves Hons Wun Tun House because it reminds
him of Shanghai, La Bergerie and Francesci's
Restaurant which remind him of old east coast
beach places in Ipswich and the Jersey shore.
Chef Christophe Hille likes Tampopo
for Japanese home-style cuisine and Thai House
Express for the best Thai food in San Francisco.
Chef Chris Cosentino of Incanto
goes to Pho tu do Noodle House on Clement
Street, and Azteca Tacqueria for tacos. Cosentino
goes to Slow Club, where Sante Salvoni is
Chef, for the best burgers.
Chef Stuart Brioza of Rubicon
loves Incanto, Slanted Door, and
Great Eastern in for the minced squab in
lettuce leaves.
Chef David Bazirgan likes Thep
Phanom for Thai food and Delfina for
simple Italian.
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