San Francisco

I'm going back to the Bay Area for a week of non-stop Asian food consumption. It's been 5 years since I moved away from the Bay Area after living there for 25+ years, so I'm curious about what new and exciting Asian places have emerged since 2000. I'll be both on the Peninsula and in the City.

Bill/SFNM

Bill,

Sounds like you have a great trip planned. Even though were were in SF a month or two ago, I am unable to give you any new suggestions. We were mainly in San Raphael for a bas mitzvah and only got into the city a few times, though we did manage to eat at Tong Kian and Swan Oyster Depot. By the way, thanks again for introducing me to Swan or, as you called it, the Anti Fisherman's Wharf.

I did spend a pleasant afternoon in SF's Chinatown with one of my nieces, who lives in Madision, Wisconsin. She is an artist and it was interesting in the extreme to experience Chinatown from her perspective. She has a unique way of weaving stories simply by observing people who appear as if they've lived full, interesting lives. I'd venture to say this fellow we met while having congee is deserving of a full chapter, if not his own novel.


We also stopped in Caffe Trieste for a coffee


and Molinari just to poke around. Molinari is similar to one of our local Italian Delis, Riviera, in that you pick your bread, bring it to the counter and they make a sandwich to your specifications.


The one new place we ate, and would highly recommend if you are going to veer from your Chinese Quest, was Town Hall. Opened by two chefs from Postrio they serve California upscale with a SF twist. (whatever the hell that means. ) Sonoma raised rabbit, Petaulma ducks, Anderson Valley grits, very local, very imaginative, though not off the charts, no mutton carpaccio or gefilte fish with raspberry coulis.

I recommended Town Hall to RevrendAndy a few weeks ago and he, and his wife, very much enjoyed their meal.

Have fun, eat well.

Enjoy,
Gary

Gary-san,

Thanks for the pointers.

You might find it hard to believe, but I'm probably going to skip Swan Oyster Depot on this trip. I've been over a hundred times over the years (I used to have a charge account there), but have lost the burning desire to see the guys again and spend obscene amounts of money while sitting on the most uncomfortable stools ever invented. Since moving inland, I have discovered mail-order and other sources of all my favorite seafoods. Swan's forte is their fresh/raw offerings and the atmospehere. I like to send people there as a refreshing alternative to Fisherman's Wharf, but I'm not sending myself there this trip.

Unless I get other Asian suggestions, I'll probably hit my favorite dim sum spot, SamKee, in Sunnyvale/Cupertino. I hope it's as good as it used to be. A friend is taking us one evening to what he says is a great high-end Japanese place in the city. I'll report back if it is any good. And I'll try to have at least one meal at Slanted Door's new location.

Bill/SFNM

Iron Chef BBQ,

Funny you should mention Slanted Door, that was our first choice the evening we went to Town Hall. I called Slanted Door around 8:30, as we were driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, and they were booked solid, including the bar. When I asked for suggestions the hostess, without hesitation, suggested Town Hall, even gave me the phone number.

She said it was a favorite with both locals and restaurant people and her personal favorite. I think she was right about the locals, I seemed to be the only person in the place wearing sandals w/black socks, check shorts, bright Hawaiian shirt and a 12-lb VHS camcorder slung from my neck.

Oh how I envy you going to Swan often enough to get weary of their seafood.

Have a great trip, eat well.

Enjoy,
Gary

Gary,

Great eats in the City by the Bay. We tried the R & G Lounge for the sensational Salt & Pepper Deep Fried Dungeness Crab:




R & G Lounge
631 Kearny
San Francsico
415-982-7877

We also tried the Slanted Doorfor lunch at the Ferry Terminal. Not as good as I remember it in the old location, but still VERY much worth the visit.

Bill/SFNM

Bill/SFNM wrote:We also tried the Slanted Doorfor lunch at the Ferry Terminal. Not as good as I remember it in the old location, but still VERY much worth the visit.

Ah, those were the days. I remember, several years ago, telling a SF local about my first visit to The Slanted Door, on Valencia, and hearing him say in return, "Gosh, you must be a real foodie to know about that place."

Oh, and thanks for the crab pic. It has been too long since I last had R&G's crab. I am headed back to Los Angeles next week, but I am now inclined to make a weekend jaunt to San Francisco. My brother was just there, last week, but I think that he would be game to return.

Regards,
Erik M.

Maybe that shows my lack of love for Chinese, but I was quite underwhelmed by my one trip to R&G. Really liked Slanted Door, though. Haven't been to the Ferry Building location, however.

extramsg wrote:Maybe that shows my lack of love for Chinese, but I was quite underwhelmed by my one trip to R&G. Really liked Slanted Door, though. Haven't been to the Ferry Building location, however.

As the adage goes, Melanie Wong has likely forgotten more about Cantonese cuisine than you or I will ever know about it, and her frequent R&G-related Chowhound posts put R&G on my "radar," however many years ago. I have always referred to one of the many lists that she has provided, and I have yet to be disappointed.* It surely beats the tar out of the Cantonese shops that we have in Chicago.

At any rate, you have always been quick to admit that you have "issues" with Chinese cuisine, so I am not going to waste any more of your time.

If I get back to R&G on this trip, I will be sure to post.

Regards,
Erik M.

* More of Melanie's remarks on R&G Lounge. And, just in case you are still hungry, here is even more.

extramsg wrote:Maybe that shows my lack of love for Chinese, but I was quite underwhelmed by my one trip to R&G.

The only thing I ever order at R&G is the deep-fried dungeness. Then we stroll down one of the side streets to a pastry shop (don't remember which street, but the pastry shop on Grant is to be avoided) for dessert.

Bill/SFNM

Bill/SFNM wrote:Gary,

Great eats in the City by the Bay. We tried the R & G Lounge for the sensational Salt & Pepper Deep Fried Dungeness Crab:

Bill,

Killer looking S & P Crab, though he seems to be looking right at the camera saying "why me?"

Why me, you ask, 'cause you are so darn delicious, that's why.

Enjoy,
Gary

I'm going to bump this one up for some new suggestions. I'm headed to San Francisco for a long July 4 weekend. I'll be there for 5 and one half day.

Town Hall
R&G
Swan Oyster Depot


.....ok, so where can I eat after the first day? Maybe dim sum at Johnny Kann's?

Slanted Door.

I was in SAn Fran a few months ago and will put another vote in for Town Hall. Great meal. Also had a wonderful lunch at Butterfly(on the pier). Also, any foodie must make a pilgrimage to the Ferry Terminal Building. Unbelievable array of food shops.

Here's my early list bed upon recs both here and on Chowhound:

R&G
Swan Oyster Depot
Slanted Door
San Francisco Seafood in the Ferry Building
Slanted Door
Town Hall
Saturday farmers market
Kate's Kitchen
Kan's
Gary Danko
L'Osteria Del Forno
Nellie's Soul Food (Oakland)

I'll have the opportunity for up to 15 meals there.

I really had a wonderful meal at Chez Panisse Cafe. If you've already been to CP or the cafe, I'm not sure I'd bother, but if you haven't, you need to.

Of course, if getting to Berkeley is a problem, that's another story..

I sent a buddy of mine from SF to Lao Sze Chuan a couple of weeks ago when he was in Chicago. I raved, he didn't. Said he had a better place in SF, and proceeded to send me the menu. Looks *most excellent*:

Szechuan Taste Restaurant
917 Taraval St.
415.681.8383

Here's some examples, from their first menu section, house specialities:

3. Chicken in Clay Pot (with bones)

7. Hakka Cabbage (no meat)

17. Sea Cucumber w/Duck Feet

Dunno what Hakka cabbage is doing in a restaurant called "Szechuan" anything, but there you have it.

It's basically on the corner of Taraval and 19th, so it's easy to reach.

Hey, have a Great Time! and report back.

Geo

Gary Danko is a fabulous dining value, imo. The chef's menu is only $79 and in my experience they choose the best dishes for it.

Chez Panisse is a must if you're not limited to SF. Try to get a reservation for the restaurant upstairs if you can. It's worth it.

If you're going to the Berkeley, you should consider The Cheeseboard and Cheeseboard Pizza, plus Acme Bread (though it's sold at The Cheeseboard) while you're snacking. Lots of Indian and other ethnic foods around, if you're so inclined.

In the east bay, you could try some Mexican as well. My favorite after a few trips to the Fruitvale area of Oakland (which I prefer to the Mission in SF for its Mexican) is La Torta Loca. Get the tinga. El Ojo de Agua is a great truck for really good licuados. Both of these can be reached by BART. (And if you want midscale Mexican, Dona Tomas is as good, in many ways, though not as upscale, as the Bayless/Bahena restaurants. Cheaper, though.)

Try Mitchell's Ice Cream. It lives up to the hype (unlike many of the others around).

Personally, one of the restaurants I'm most interested in trying, but haven't yet, is Limon:

http://www.limon-sf.com

I'd like to see how it compares to our Andina up here.

SF is a great food town. Hard to limit recs, really.

Nice list. I'd add Tadich Grill and Boulevard.

Well, ok, if someone recommends Tadich's, I might as well go to the Original Source.

Herb Caen, famous/notorious _SF Chron_ columnist forever, once (in the late 50s) mentioned Sam's Grill in his column. He was flattened by the pressure from his Sources, most of SF's Biggies, who said 'if you ever ever mention Sam's in your column again, you'll never ever get another tip from us.' He abided by that threat.

Olde tyme. REAL, GENUINE olde tyme: Gent's steak, chop and seafood place. Dark wood, booths, brass footrail at the bar. Have the rex sole, it's been a mainstay since my grandfather's time. And I'm an old timer meself. Sandabs are well regarded, too.

Financial district, corner of Blendon and Bush.

Do NOT tell them that I sent you.

Geo

RevrendAndy wrote:I was in SAn Fran a few months ago and will put another vote in for Town Hall. Great meal. Also had a wonderful lunch at Butterfly(on the pier). Also, any foodie must make a pilgrimage to the Ferry Terminal Building. Unbelievable array of food shops.

I've been to the food shops there too and yes, it is amazing... I also recommend the Slanted Door... I had the chance to work with the chef/owner of that restaurant while I was at the CIA's Greystone Campus is Napa Valley for their Annual World of Flavors event... If ever there was a foodie event of all foodie events, this one is it. Check it out online, www.ciachef.edu go to the greystone campus and navigate around to the World of Flavors events. Last year was exclusively on the foods of asia. Spectacular.

ETA: here's the direct link: http://www.prochef.com/WOF2005/ (click on the link to the 2004 conference, Rick Bayless is featured too)

This is why I love this site and it's people. Thanks for the awesome recommendations. You guys may make me break my "no picture" rule on this trip.

Across 101 from the SFO airport is the town of Millbrae, home to the best Asian food in the Bay area. From 101, take the Millbrae Ave exit, go west to El Camino Real, and pick a place -- every one I've tried has been good at worst and incredible at best. A good starting place would be Fook Yuen, which is one block north of Millbrae Ave on El Camino Real. Locals argue it's not as good as other nearby places because it's a chain, but when the other three locations are in Sydney, Hong Kong, and Singapore, I'm not sure that's a good argument...

Mark

I'll be back in SFO next week. I have a morning meeting in Japantown so it would be nice to grab a sushi lunch in the vicinity. Recommendations appreciated.

So far, here are where I have reservations:

Campton Place
A16
Town Hall
Slanted Door

Thanks!

Bill/SFNM

Campton Place used to be one of my favorites but went downhill when the star chef (Humphries?) left. Ate there last night and had one of the best meals of my life. Bulli-style, but with a lot of of substance. All kinds of amuse's and palate cleansers that blew me away. If you enjoy this style of food, you must check out Campton Place!

Bill/SFNM

Update to places visited in San Francisco:

Town Hall - Boo hiss
This place was really hopping. The appetizers were top-notch so we were all stunned when the main courses were just dreadful - uninspired and poorly prepared. It was like there were two kitchens. Very disappointing.

KC (Kay Cheung) Seafood Restaurant - Surpirse surprise
We were walking down Jackson on our way to R&G for an early lunch and passed by a non-descript dim sum joint that was completely packed. We kept walking because we had not planned to eat dim sum that day, but we just had to turn back and at least peek in to figure out what was going on. Well we threw caution to the wind, abandoned our R&G plans, and took seats at a crowded communal table. The elderly Asian couple next to us was eating some delicious looking and smelling plates. Unable to understand their English, they spent the meal pointing and nodding to help us enjoy the same things they were eating. At one point, the lady went in the kitchen and brought us out some plates! Of course there were the standard dumplings, buns, etc., but they guided us towards some plates I have never tried before with flavors I have never experienced. I don't know what they were and probably don't want to ask.

Certainly one of the draws of this place are the prices. My wife and I stuffed oursleves for $16. But the dim sum was as good, if not better, than any I have had at the more famous places. Definitely a place I will try again. On Jackson between Grant and Kearny.

A16 Pizza -
If you are a big fan of the casseroles that pass for pizza in Chicago (sorry - couldn't resist ), you may not like Chef Christophe's true Neaploitan pizzas. The minimalistic Margherita (sauce, mutz, basil, oilive oil) was true to the Neapolitan spirit. Maybe not as good as Da Michele, but as good as you'll find in the U.S.

Best Meal in Town
Saturday morning. Grazed through the Farmer's Market at the Ferry Terminal. Pastries, breads, sausages, cheese, smoked fish, fruit, fruit, and more fruit.


Bill/SFNM

Your experience at Town Hall reflects mine to a T. I had a wonderful blue cheese and vidalia onion fondue followed by the waitstaff recommended steak that belonged on the menu at my folks' country club back in the 70s.

Well, duh, just finally remembered the name of a Japanese restaurant that we've enjoyed lots of times--better late than never, I hope!

Sanppo Restaurant
1702 Post St.

Just kitty corner from the Japanese center, very homey and comfortable, good food at very decent prices. Kind of old-fashioned SF Japanese.

BTW, there's a hardware store down at the corner that's well worth exploring. Another old-fashioned SF place, been there since I used to live in the neighborhood--and that was during the days when Bill Graham was a nearby neighbor so you can figger out how long ago THAT was!

Geo

Bill/SFNM wrote:Town Hall - Boo hiss

This place was really hopping. The appetizers were top-notch so we were all stunned when the main courses were just dreadful - uninspired and poorly prepared. It was like there were two kitchens. Very disappointing.

Bill,

Oh boy, dreadful sounds just, well, dreadful. And my wife and I so enjoyed our meal our one time at Town Hall Looks like I owe you and Will $3.95 each.

I've suggested Town Hall to a few others since our visit, and they've quite enjoyed their meal. Including RevrendAndy and his bride whose palates are quite experienced. Possibly an off night?

Bill/SFNM wrote:KC (Kay Cheung) Seafood Restaurant - Surpirse surprise

Sounds delicious, inexpensive and fun.

Bill/SFNM wrote:A16 Pizza -

Sounds quite wonderful, even if you couldn't resist the casserole shot.

Thanks for posting the update.

Enjoy,
Gary

My entree was more average than bad, Gary. Something inside my head screamed "no" as my waitress recommended the steak. But, the skinny little thing raved so, that I went forward with it against my better judgment.

Well just consider this $3.95 a set off againt my AP Deli recommendatiobn of a few years ago.

bumpin' to the top
need some East Bay recs for next week.

so far, i know i'm having thanksgiving lunch here:
http://www.manzanitarestaurant.com

Oragnic Vegan Macrobiotic Cuisine