Gary Danko (San Francisco)

I took her to Gary Danko on her birthday, as part of our visit to San Francisco. The dining room has a really warm atmosphere which complements the friendly staff.

I loved all my 4 courses. Dungeness crab salad was nice and light with the sweetness of the crab really coming through. Roast Maine lobster was excellent. The best dish was the amazingly tender pork tenderloin. They wouldn’t tell me where to find pork that can be served medium rare – but it was magical.

And what a way to finish with not one, not two, but three macaroon ice-cream sandwiches.

Details:
Restaurant Gary Danko
800 North Point Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
http://www.garydanko.com

Scoma's (San Francisco)

We stayed at the Fisherman’s Wharf during our visit in San Francisco and on our first night we were taken to Scoma’s for our first dose of fresh seafood. The restaurant sits right by the Wharf with a glimpse of the bay.

Portion size was huge. The starter platter was enough for a family rather than 2, with crabcakes full of the sweetness from the crab meat. Do go for the classic dishes – my sauté scallop main had TWELVE full sized scallops, and the pasta Garibaldi had a generous mix of seafood with as well balanced tomato sauce.

Details:
Scoma's Restaurant
Pier 47 on Al Scoma Way
San Francisco CA 94133
http://www.scomas.com/

Michael Mina (San Francisco)

Walking into Michael Mina restaurant inside San Francisco’s Westin Hotel, I decided to dine at the bar instead – smaller portions, no bookings required. And I got to chat with others at the bar which made the evening more interesting.

The food did not disappoint. The signature lobster pot pie was extremely satisfying. So was the famour root beer float with warm, freshly baked cookies. It was a sensational contrast of hot and cold as well the presentation brought out my childish self. I was strongly recommended to try the tuna tartare – next time!

And that wrapped up my trip.

Details:
Michael Mina
The Westin St. Francis on Union Square
335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
http://www.michaelmina.net/

Bouchon Bistro (San Francisco)

A trip to Napa Valley was planned with the intention to visit French Laundry by the great Thomas Keller. With bookings needed 2 months in advance, it was never going to happen. So we headed to Bouchon, the French bistro also operated by Keller, instead.

The long drive to beautiful Yountville was definitely worthwhile. And so was lunch at Bouchon. The menu had all the classic dishes: onion soup, duck confit, Croque Madame… but the best dish of the day went to the pork belly.

Tip: skip dessert and get pastry at the Bouchon bakery next door instead.

Details:
Bouchon Bistro
6534 Washington Street, Yountville, CA, United States
http://www.bouchonbistro.com/

One Market Restaurant (San Francisco)

Focal point of the San Francisco trip was dinner at One Market Restaurant, opposite the famous ferry building. The restaurant offers a special ‘Weekly Beast’ 5-course menu on weekends, where the menu is designed around one animal. In my case, it was the wild Atlantic salmon.

For dinner I had roe, skin, belly and fillet. And the dishes got better when the meal progressed. Even dessert had salmon in it – strawberry infused roe providing the right balance of sweetness to the parfait. Best of all, I sat on the “chef’s bench” allowing me to see how the dishes were made.

Details:

One Market Restaurant

1 Market Street

San Francisco, CA 94105-1420, United States
http://www.onemarket.com/

Lefty O'Doul's (San Francisco)

I was recommended to visit this All-American institution when in San Francisco. Lefty O’Doul’s happens to be two blocks from my hotel so it was the perfect place for breakfast. The venue has more of an Irish pub setup (rather than the typical American diner).

The choice for breakfast that morning was the corned beef hash with eggs from the special menu. Corned beef hash was intensely savoury with a touch of heat from the chilli, which went well with their Starbucks American coffee. Just beware of any residual lipstick mark on their coffee cups!

Details:
Lefty O'Doul's
333 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102-1801, United States
http://www.leftyodouls.biz/

Luce Restaurant (San Francisco)

Upon arrival for a brief visit to San Francisco back in June, I went to Luce Restaurant inside the InterContinental Hotel downtown for lunch. Fresh from gaining their first Michelin star, they offer a 3 course lunch for just US$20.10 – fantastic value.

The baby farm beet salad entrée woke up the palate after a long flight. Slow braised short ribs spaghettini was the right dish for main course – rich, gravy like sauce accompanied by earthy mushrooms and al dente pasta. For dessert the mini jasmine penna cotta went well with my pot of tea.

The perfect start to my holiday!

Details:

Luce Restaurant

888 Howard Street

San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
http://www.lucewinerestaurant.com/