Tag: French

Absinthe turns 25, retaining old school French spirit with refreshed lightness

by  on  in Top Tastes

French food hasn’t exactly been trending nationally, but thank goodness for stalwarts like San Francisco’s Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, a craft cocktail pioneer way back in the late 1990s also faithfully serving upscale French bistro fare and beloved brunches. It still draws Hayes Valley crowds as it hits 25 years old this summer… an impressive feat for any restaurant. Though I’ve been dining here over 20 years, post-pandemic I’ve only been in for a couple weekday lunches and brunch (with absinthe cocktails, of course). It has been years since I returned for dinner. So it was time to go back to “Green Fairy” central on a recent mild Saturday night.  Read more →

There Is A Time for Modern French Fare: Visiting The New La Société

by  on  in The Latest

La Société Bar & Cafe, opening August 2022 inside the recently expanded Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA, may seem like a new restaurant for tourists, slowly returning conference go-ers and downtown workers. But despite being inside a downtown corporate chain hotel, this modern French brassiere featuring California ingredients is a worthwhile meal for locals, too. I’ll explain. Read more →

September Eats Checklist: 6 Standouts of the Month

by  on  in The Latest, Top Tastes

Though I’ve eaten everywhere this month from Adriano Paganini/Back of the House group’s latest, Rad Radish, to the new Arepas Latin Cuisine and Fiddle Fig Cafe in North Beach, these six newcomers (or new menus) stood out in September, covering the gamut, from Brittany-style French crêpes to NY slice pizza. Alongside this month’s full restaurant reviews, I share what’s worth tasting at each, with last month’s standouts here (as always, I’ve vetted, visited and/or ordered from each place reviewed): Read more →

6 San Francisco Neighborhood Gems

by  on  in Top Tastes

Published by Where Traveler (my other Where articles here) in August 2019, my article on 6 San Francisco neighborhood gems, from modern Turkish/Middle Eastern or Indian food to classic French: — Noosh (Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/Turkish)— Cassava (New American)— Besharam (Modern Indian)— Presidio Social Club (American/Comfort Food)— Cafe Boho (French/European Bistro)— Cafe de la Presse (French Steakhouse) From a modern Middle Eastern escape to old school French,… Read more →

7 Top New San Francisco Restaurants

by  on  in The Latest

Published by Where Traveler (my other Where articles here) in June 2019, my article on the top 7 new restaurants worth checking out. 4 midrange standouts: Che Fico Alimentari, The Vault, ONE65 Bistro & Grill, Berber 2 affordable neighborhood newcomers + 1 chocolate factory & cafe: Falafelland, Tender Curry & Co., Dandelion Chocolate, Bloom Cafe Article here: www.wheretraveler.com/san-francisco/eat/7-top-new-san-francisco-restaurants Another slew of standout newcomers… Read more →