Lol. I actually wanted to try Flour + Water. But definitely Boulevard & Frances. I hear Gary Danko isn't all that. Things were too salty from what I've been told. And I'm not a big fan of The Slanted Door. I've mentioned it before, I'd rather go to Osha.
Seriously? It's the most "fine" fine dining experience in San Francisco. It's unusual for a restaurant to thrive for that long and maintain its reputation for excellence. The service is the most perfectly orchestrated I've ever seen anywhere, the food interesting for its mix of California ethos with Asian influences. Too salty? Sounds like the person who said that has salt issues or something. I don't recall saltiness being a feature or problem with anything I had the two times I've been there. If it's not out of financial reach, it's well worth visiting for an occasion. Maybe your girl's birthday or something. Ask around for some more opinions. I think most people think of it as the most consistent top tier restaurant within SF city limits.
I wasn't saying safe was good. I like that they chose Flower+Water(known more as a pizza place) above other places. I look at the Beard awards to food as the Grammys are to music. They give places(bands) national recognition which is good but are always behind as far as what's new. They also for the most pick big names only for the big awards. As I said I think it's very convenient that suddenly Volt is there. Weak and safe. Although I respect James Beard Foundation tremendously either way.
Anyone know a place in SF that does something crazy unique when it's your birthday? One of the guys in my WonderCon crew has his b-day on April 3rd & we are looking for some place awesome to take him.
Amy, Does he drink? Suppenkuche as far as food and giant glass beer boots is the choice for some friends. Not super unique but worth checking out. Supperclub is well.. Something else. Look it up if you've never been. Unique for sure. If I think of more I'll post.
Some of my friends took another friend to Asia SF for his birthday several years ago. Our waitresses were totally drunk and mixed up our order. Oh well it was fun anyway. I'm surprised it's still around.
Drinks for sure Thanks for the tips - I'll check all these out. I think it's super funny that BOTH Kirkland & Joe both said ASIA SF
oh hell no!!!! When I was dating my wife she lived a few minutes away from Johnnie's so I know that place well. It isn't even in the same league as Langer's. You and Joe need to get down here and I'll help you understand what I'm talking about. Johnnie's is like bologna while Langer's is like a USDA Prime Ribeye.
oh, snap. i've never been to Langer's so that must be some pretty damn good pastrami. i'm gonna take you up on that offer soon...
follow my food tweets @fancysandwich also would appreciate a RT: RT @fancysandwich Next issue @7x7bitsbites & @7x7magazine needs someone to be obsessed with sandwiches that aren't boring. snoozefest guys! This guy they had on there. Boring picks. BORING.
Some very intense knowledge in this thread... I'll have to keep up with it. Had a very nice dinner at El Bulli - and several at French Laundry and Per Se. Per Se surprised as not being a simple rehash of Yountville. I like Bazaar. Haven't been to Gary Danko in a few years... hope it's keeping up. I liked lunch at RN74, and the dinner scene @ 54 Mint. Ran into Alice Waters today, which was fun and unexpected.
Yeah, love to hear anything you have to share about El Bulli (or for that matter, Alice Waters.) Alex I think you'd mentioned that they're closing. Is that true? I know that Albert AdriĆ has a place in Barcelona but it's not the same concept at all, much more of downscale creative tapas sort of joint.
They are closing. What a shame, not that I would have ever have made it. On the other hand Adria and Jose Andres will be teaching a Culinary Class at Harvard soon. I read that it will be a introduction to molecular gastronomy. Any Harvard Alumni on the board that can pull some strings for me?