Suburbs, nature, charming main streets… family-heavy Marin has always had a few culinary gems. But a spare few of them though sandwiched between one of the great food cities of the world and the gustatory pleasures of Napa and Sonoma. Bakeries like Beth’s Community Kitchen in Mill Valley are reminiscent of San Francisco bakeries (what is now standard Bay Area),… Read more →
These two Nob Hill newcomers satisfy my longing for a little romance inherent in a great glass of wine, gourmet-yet-heartfelt cooking, and intimate environs. Make a date with a lover or a close friend at these idyllic neighborhood bistros. COCOTTE, Nob Hill (1521 Hyde St. at Jackson, 415-292-4415) Hyde Street Bistro was one of those blessedly non-trendy restaurants, a traditional… Read more →
AQUITAINE, Financial District (175 Sutter St. between Lick Place & Kearny St., 415-402-5290) We lost San Francisco’s great, historic spirits shop, John Walker & Co. But the former storefront has been reinvented in what could have been just another wine bar. One-month-old newcomer, Aquitaine, is a stand-out wine bar and restaurant, transporting me straight to Europe. Opened by Michelin-starred chef extraordinaire, Laurent… Read more →
Incredible burgers in a bowling alley, SF’s deaf community gathering over Neopolitan pizzas, brothers serving food from their hometown of Nice in a tiny restaurant, dining around a U-shaped counter off a FiDi alley… each of these restaurants opened within the last 6 months providing a unique communal experience (and most importantly, fine food to go with) that makes one… Read more →
Our city is loaded with amazing cheap eats. Here’s three new places worth adding to your go-to list. CHUBBY NOODLE, North Beach (570 Green Street between Columbus & Jasper Place, 415-361-8850) Chubby Noodle easily counts as a best cheap eats opening of 2011. In the back of comfortably retro Amante bar, order at a kitchen window (illuminated in neon by… Read more →
Hayes Valley has gone through multiple rebirths, from its pre-’89 quake days under the shadow of freeway ramps, to its age as shoe and boutique shopping destination. The addition of Patricia’s Green in recent years brought a communal gathering place to the neighborhood, tying together north and south of Hayes Street in a cohesive strip of green. For years, Hayes… Read more →
Top Tastes, rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), are among the best eats since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit previously written about or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. I’ve started the new year eating a lot (how is this different from any other year?)… Read more →
301 Mission Street (at Beale) San Francisco, CA 94199 415-543-7474 www.michaelmina.net/rn74 RN74… Michael Mina’s latest project, named after a highway running through Burgundy. Much has been said since its April 24 opening, most of it raving about the unparalleled 3000+ wine selection, heavy on the French, with treasures at every turn (and every price range). Responses to the food have… Read more →