|
They're even whipping up duck confit! Everything is good. Stews, chops, fish........ Dare to get the house wine, even if their named selection is pretty ample. But most important of all: don't leave without trying the Gingerbread!
|
Park Chow
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
|
Inner Sunset |
3/2/2007
|
|
|
Warm, spacious, beautiful place for cocktails which even if crowded, doesn't feel cramped. (If you stand close enough to certain patrons you'll get free legal tidbits, or at least a peek into the fun world of litigation). I've stayed for dinner twice now and the food is pretty good as well. Even better when the live jazz band is in the house. I miss live music in restaurants!
|
Soluna Cafe and Lounge
Cuisine: Californian
|
Civic Center |
3/2/2007
|
|
|
Lived by the beach for over 10 years now, and in defense of the Beach Chalet these days (March 2007), they finally got it right! Their kitchen is finally starting to turn out really good fare, which wasn't ever the case before. Say, the salmon with tarragon and mushrooms is heavenly, the pulled pork great, and the specials (sole, etc) have been consistently really fresh and good. There seems to be a cocktail special every day, and wine Wednesdays. And then, there's the view.......
|
Beach Chalet Brewery
Cuisine: American (Traditional)
|
Outer Richmond |
3/2/2007
|
|
Not sure about this place. The wine & beer selection is awesome; salads are loaded and big. But many times the main dishes are not worth the wait. Every entree I've ordered (different ones, mind you) have tasted irretrievably charred. The wait staff is nice, and the decor fun, which makes this a good hip place to hangout with friends as long as you don't expect much of the food.
|
Q Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
|
Inner Richmond |
3/2/2007
|
|
|
Predicament: group of friends trying to decide where to get a quick and inexpensive bite. "I feel like Italian", says X. "I'd kinda like some Mexican though", adds Y. "I just want a big, fat salad", rebuts Z. "But, but, I've been dreaming of wheat-ginger pancakes for a whole month", sighs A. "I need my omega-3's this week" finally stresses B. Suggested solution: Crepevine.
Get a pitcher of mimosas to calm everyone down and choose the ethnicity of your crepe. True, it's no Ti Couz - as fellow reviewer scoffed - yet their fillings are yummy, portions satisfying and attitude non existent :)
|
Crepevine
Cuisine: Crepes Salad American
|
Inner Sunset |
5/20/2006
|
|
|
In these dangerous times of everything gone fusion and nouveau, here's a solid and unadulterated kitchen that whips up basic coastal French fare. Simple and subtle spices suffice when used with quality ingredients: Pork with walnut crust, Sea Bass with asparagus, rabbit (sorry Bugs) and even the snails, all delicious. Wine by the glass selection could use more options but like their food, it's fairly priced.
|
Cote Sud
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
|
Castro |
5/20/2006
|
|
|
Brunch or dinner, this place rules. Things like their whole-grain pancakes with candied pears....... or salmon in tarragon sauce cooked in papillote, are simply worth the wait.
|
Zazie
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
|
Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
4/30/2006
|
|
|
Please bring back the Cantaloupe-Crab Bisque. Been dreaming of it ever since......
|
Jack Falstaff
Cuisine: Eclectic
|
SoMa |
4/30/2006
|
|
|
Due to my fellow reviewers harsh - and understandably so- comments I must conclude that PJ' s has a multiple personality disorder because my experience has always been good. There are few dishes that I crave as ravenously as their Alligator Eggs in Spicy Andouille Sauce. No ova involved, just a giant crab-filled pasta shell. Their oysters Rockefeller are consistently tasty, as well as their crabcakes, warm goat cheese salad or the blackened fish. The 'gambas' could use a little less oil but I always seem to be surrounded by willing volunteers that dip their cornbread in all the sauces. Last time I ate there the snapper with green butter was delicious. Next time you go (including myself), hopefully you'll encounter the positive PJ's and walk out happy and satisfied, because the cajun flavors are truly worth it. On the other hand a message to the restaurant: Try to be more consistent guys!
|
PJ's Oyster Bed
Cuisine: Creole Seafood
|
Inner Sunset |
4/30/2006
|
|
|
I come here because in Disneyland they won't let you take a martini on their 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride. It's fun and my out-of-town guests always get a kick out of sitting inside a whale, overlooking jelly fish, seaweed and other (real) edible sea life. Oysters are usually good and they also know how to keep their champagne cold. Food is pricey though, so stay only if you've already found and/or made your treasure.
|
Farallon
Cuisine: Seafood
|
Downtown |
4/2/2006
|
|
|
Their Turkey or Veggie Melts (a warm towering sandwich oozing with cheese, roasted red peppers, artichokes & other goodies) make this place one of my favorites for lunch. You can add a salad or homemade 16-bean soup (I mean, where else in town could you get a 16-bean soup? :)
Service is friendly and apparently immune from the Valencia attitude that brews a block down. The space is airy and perfect for a meeting, solo laptopping or an in/out Mexican Mocha for the cold days. Hang out at Que Tal for a few hours and you'll come out feeling like you've had a World Music survey class. Advisory: early bird gets the table on weekends.
|
Cafe Que Tal
Cuisine: Coffee Shops
|
Mission |
4/2/2006
|
|
|
The dishes that work - not all of them do -are worth the trip in spite of the poor service. For those who haven't tried Peruvian food, I encourage you to do so. Their sauces are fun, as they combine their own native ají (Peruvian chile) with fruits and other unexpected ingredients. I really liked the Halibut, the seafood or hen ají, and the broiled chicken with a delicious cilantro salsa verde. Even salads are well dressed . Ceviches are average but still good, same goes with their beef dishes (lomo y churrasco). Accompaniments are atypical and tasty (quinoa or hominy). Portions are very generous. If you've been on an anti-war hunger strike for 2 weeks reward yourself with the "Bistec a lo pobre" (steak for the poor). A huge steak, plantains and fries, topped with 2 big fried eggs. Talk about supersizing your meal! Not on the menu but they'll be glad to make it for you.
|
Fresca
Cuisine: peruvian
|
West Portal |
3/19/2006
|
|
|
Bar has good service and awesome cocktails (French Martini, et al). Their new interior is fun and has the feel of an old ocean liner, with Art Deco trim, HUGE windows and ceramic bathing ladies with beach balls everywhere. Now the Price vs. Food question: the most expensive entree is $24.75, placing it at the average fu-fu restaurant category of this city. Surprisingly, (I agree with an earlier reviewer) the combinations work really well. Factor in the ocean, the sunset and seal rock and you have the makings of a pleasant dining experience.......with a view.
|
Sutro's at the Cliff House
Cuisine: American (New) Seafood
|
Outer Richmond |
3/19/2006
|
|
"This is a bad place for a [human] diet". Unfortunately, quality has walked out the door on this one. I've had better sandwiches at tiny corner deli's. As of last week, portions were still big but the ingredients weren't fresh. And warm dishes weren't much better either. Chicken was dry, the BBQ pork tasted like wart hog and it seemed our meals had been left sitting for too long.
|
Max's Opera Cafe
Cuisine: Deli Dessert
|
Civic Center |
3/19/2006
|
|
|
Definitely pricey, but they are a life-saver when you've just come out of the symphony and it's late, and you're famished, and all the neon signs around say "we are not serving". After hours they have café menu featuring a really good Neiman Ranch burger you can sex up with mushrooms, gongonzola or gruyere. They also offer crab and those funny Mr. & Mrs. French sandwiches that satisfy quite well. The place is cozy but beware, the shady characters on their murals are distracting. A final loud BRAVO for their host.
|
Absinthe
Cuisine: French Brasseries
|
Hayes Valley |
3/11/2006
|
|
|
I recommend the bar if you're on a date with someone you know and like. If all goes well and you then need to impress the in-laws, take them next door to the main dining room. The food is amazing. Every single dish I've tried has been good. Pricey but good. They're part of this Alice in Wonderland phenomenon that's mushroomed lately: on the one hand you get a small plate, on the other you get a tall bill. All well worth it however. If you go, take chances on the unknown! Try the salt cod. (I thought that stuff was for Columbus and the likes of lost sailors). Well it was delicious. And their wine list alone is worth the trip. Eos is one of the few places in town that has a Pinotage on their menu, and their knowledgeable staff is very helpful. I'm a fan.
|
Eos Restaurant & Wine Bar
Cuisine: Californian Asian Fusion
|
Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
3/7/2006
|
|
|
Dear Limoneros:
Your good food isn't quite outweighing your modesty-challenged staff yet. Twice now :(
Remember, you're not the last ceviche of the city. Please take the attitude down a notch or two. I truly want to give you the little green dot, but...........
|
Limon
Cuisine: Peruvian
|
Mission |
3/3/2006
|
|
|
Here's the thing about Puerto: it's the Brunette sister of the girl nextdoor, but with a GRILL. (albeit a so-so one). It's a hangout where you can celebrate the day's end loudly (mariachi's up the noise scale to about 5 little bombs). Ask Willie to make you his special Hornitos/Grand Manier Margarita, they're worth it. Sip it with friends or solo at the bar watching a Giants game. It will feel like home eventually. Besides, where else can you listen to Barry White, Maná and Oingo Boingo in one night?
Food? Try the Bistec encebollado (steak topped with grilled onions), or the Chile Verde, or Camarones a la Ranchera (fiery shrimp). If nothing in menu excites you, ask them to bring you a 'Bandera Mexicana' (Mex. Flag) a super burrito that's 1/2 carne asada, 1/2 chile verde, topped with Green, White & Red sauces, hence the name. Drink & Chill. Salud!
|
Puerto Alegre
Cuisine: Mexican
|
Mission |
3/3/2006
|
|
|
Food is a side-show to mostly good cocktails and beer. Service is hit and miss depending on who you get and what time of day it is. It's a good place for either an intimate date or gather with 8-10 friends as it has lounge chairs, soft lighting and homey fireplace. As long as you don't expect to be impressed with the food, you'll sip your cocktail happily.
|
Park Chalet Garden Restaurant
Cuisine: American (New)
|
Outer Sunset |
2/26/2006
|
|
|
Was there twice this month (Feb 2006). Food overall is good, although some dishes don't quite deliver: the steak was so-so, but the duck confit was grand. Their duck & sausage is scrumptious and big enough for two, but the beet salad is not really shareable, unless you want to throw a coin for the last beet.
The service is prompt and friendly but they could definitely relax a little. I felt an undercurrent of stress around, but since this place is fairly new, it's perhaps one of those quirks that will resolve by itself with time. All in all, a good addition to neighborhood.
|
Garcon
Cuisine: French
|
Mission |
2/25/2006
|
|
|
Stick to what they do best: Mango Prawns, Eric's Special Eggplant or their Vegetable Moo-Shu. They are awesome and you can even get brown rice to go with if you're tired of the white stuff. What's incredibly annoying is the In n' Out kind feel imposed by the staff. I love their food but I always feel rushed, understandably so as they are always packed. The Solution? Keep the sake or beer coming so you can relax, tell the wait staff to talk to the hand if they get pushy, and focus on their beautiful orchids and food.
|
Eric's
Cuisine: Chinese
|
Noe Valley |
2/25/2006
|
|
|
Best duck confit in town! (cassoulets are pretty tasty too). I'd even go in there solely for one of their chocolate tarts, exhibited in a glass case next to the bar. Service is friendly, prompt and helpful if one is undecided. Although their wine list could use a perk, I always manage to discover a new French varietal that I like. It's my neighborhood 'French Comfort-Food' joint. Never let's me down.
|
Chou Chou
Cuisine: French (Bistro)
|
West Portal |
2/25/2006
|
|
|
I've put this joint in my 'must return' list. Not often can one rave about good food, music, interior and SERVICE, all in one place. We started out with an appetizer trio of 'costillitas' (ribs), shrimp and empanadas, all of which were creatively conceived and dressed in yummy sauce that complemented the main protagonists. The salad was generously sized. But the grand finale: Salmon Duet, embodies what this place is about. A Latin-Asian 'mano a mano' (handshake). Even desert was sweet, and yes, so was our waitress, who had all the patience in the world and no SOMA attitude. On the down side: tables are room-challenged but the ultra modern loft space is soothed by color changing lights projected on a vertical screen. There's also an ample, beautifully blue-lit bar but prices are a bit steep for what one gets: i.e.: $10 for a glass of Malbec is overdoing it. All things considered, I'll go back.
|
Circolo
Cuisine: Nuevo Latin
|
Mission |
2/25/2006
|
Jonatella's: Rss feed
