Metrocurean Heads West
I'm heading to California for the next few weeks to eat, drink and be merry. And while Metrocurean's coverage of D.C. restaurants may wane, I will post occasionally about various California food adventures (including a trip to The French Laundry!). My hit list has grown long, but feel free to throw in any suggestions in the comments for San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma. There's always room for one more meal, after all.
Comments
I had a great dinner at the Girl and Fig in Sonoma, Maya in Sonoma was also great and by all means go to Healdsburg, Cyrus is wonderful as is the Oakville market. Tons of tasting rooms in H'Burg too. Skip the town of Napa, it was a big dissapointment. Also, there is this really cool place called the Carneros Inn. Between Napa and Sonoma.
I had dinner at John Ash's restaurant on Monday night and sad to say it was quite underwhelming... After all its hype I expected better fare... If its on your list, you may consider filling your evening (and belly) somewhere that lives up to its reputation...
Have fun! Sounds like a wonderful trip.
xo Natalie
I always make a point to visit Betlenut on Union Street when I visit San Francisco. It has a great atmosphere and fantastic asian tapas.
Have fun!
Sarah
I agree with Eileen -- Cafe Gratitude serves great raw food. It's creative, friendly (sometimes overly so -- you wonder what drug everyone's on), and absolutely delicious. I always crave their "I am Rapture" strawberry short cake which is made with a cashew nut whipped cream. It's the best raw food in the Bay Area.
I do not recommend Betelnut for food, but I think that's probably b/c I'm Asian and Betelnut is NOT quality Asian food. I came here with friends and the dumplings tasted like dumplings you could buy at Trader Joe's. The noodles we had were undersalted, but the duck dish was oversalted. Nothing came out right. Maybe it was an off night. But they do have good cocktails, the atmosphere is fun, and the people watching is good.
You should also consider visiting the Ferry Building, but resist the Slanted Door which is very very overrated -- you can get much, much better Vietnamese food in San Jose. Every time I've been there, I've been disappointed. The view is great, but the noise level is unbearable and the food is so-so.
Another rec is Zuni. It's a California institution. Try the roast chicken and the oysters. Everything is impeccably prepared and fresh.
Oh, and Gary Danko. If you're in SF, you have to visit Gary Danko. I have only been here once, but it was such a memorable food experience. The service is world-class. We did the 5 course meal. I was so full I could not walk at the end of the night, but it was so worth it.
Other recommendations:
-Bar Cesar in Berkeley for tapas. It's next to Chez Panisse which is also great for a classic CA experience, albeit overrated and not as exciting as newer restaurants.
-Cortez
-Paul K (understated)
-Ame
Wow, I miss San Francisco.I can't wait to hear how your trip goes! Please write!
Try Chez Panisse Cafe for lunch. It will give you a sense of why Chez Panisse is what it is in the realm of US Restaurants. Every time I'm there, with the sunlight beaming through the shutters, I can't help but have a smile on my face.
Aziza in San Francisco is another fun experience. Refined, elegant Moroccan cooking. Don't let the drab neighborhood and outisde appearance fool you. It is a beautiful room with beautiful cooking on the inside.
You have to hit up a few spots while you are out there:
Bocadillos in San Francisco
Vino Venue in San Francisco
Nectar Wine Lounge in San Francisco
And the must see in Napa (besides French Laundry)--Mustard's Grill on Rt 29 in Yountville
And if you want some amazing cream puffs--hit up Beard Papa's near the Moscone Convention Center in SF. Its a Japanese chain and while I was there in September, I totally thought of you.
OH and Supperclub SF is a little wild if you want a totally different dining experience while..um...laying in bed
Cheers!