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May. 7th, 2009 07:19 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
madbakerBloomberg has regular food critics that are amusing to read, but they generally focus on Manhattan and London restaurants. Which makes sense - that's where the majority of their clients are. Here's their rundown on fine dining near where I work. I've appended a couple comments on the places I've been to, of course.
May 7 (Bloomberg) -- For decades, San Francisco restaurants have championed the use of local and regional ingredients, an idea that became a movement. Here, in alphabetical order, are some of our choices for business dining in a city that offers a global range of cuisines.
1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar: 398 Hayes St., at Gough, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-551-1590; http://www.absinthe.com
What: French bistro.
Why: The deep burgundy rooms, thick drapes and plush velvet exude an intimate boudoir atmosphere. The menu offers a range of California produce such as red beet puree with roasted fennel and garlic cream; pan-seared halibut with sunchokes, baby carrots and snap peas; pork confit with corn, fava beans and mint.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: Before or after a performance at the War Memorial Opera House. San Francisco Opera’s general director, David Gockley, praises its “potent, perfectly made margaritas.”
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes, for up to 40 guests.
See my entry a couple weeks ago about their gourmet hot dog, which is fabulous. Good cocktails.
2. Boulevard: 1 Mission St., at Steuart, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-543-6084; http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com
What: California contemporary.
Why: Housed in the historic art-nouveau Audiffred Building facing the Embarcadero, Boulevard’s open kitchen serves up smallish portions of exquisitely prepared dishes from local ingredients. Entrees may range from grilled sea scallops on butternut squash risotto to pork tenderloin or an Oregon “Kobe” beef burger.
Where: Embarcadero area.
When: For lunch or dinner, when you want some of the city’s best contemporary cooking in a stylish setting.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes, for 20 to 64 guests.
Gorgeous atmosphere, lovely views, beautifully prepared (and tasty) food; definitely small portions. Last time I went there for lunch my boss got three scallops for his entree. He left hungry.
3. Espetus: 1686 Market St., at Gough, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-552-8792; http://www.espetus.com
What: Brazilian churrascaria.
Why: For meat, all-you-can-eat, at one price. Flash a sign that’s green on one side, red on the other, to let the servers know when to start and stop. Give the “go” signal and the parade of hunks begins: roasted meat skewered on large knives. Selections include sirloin, herb-marinated chicken and its tiny hearts, pork loin, sausage and ribs, lamb and shrimp, all roasted over an open fire.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: For lunch on a weekday, when you can eat all you can for just $23.95 and have time for a workout afterwards. (It’s $49.95 for dinner.)
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: No.
Meat cooked on fire good.
4. Hayes Street Grill: 320 Hayes St., between Franklin and Gough, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-863-5545; http://www.hayesstreetgrill.com
What: Grilled fish, steaks.
Why: For entrees such as Hawaiian tuna or flatiron steak, simply and expertly prepared. Salty, crisp French fries served with many of the plates come Belgian-style, in a paper cone. Like the food, the room is simple and bright, with wooden floors, white tablecloths and photos of opera stars on the walls.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: Before or after the symphony, opera or ballet, or for a relaxing lunch if you’re doing business near City Hall.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: No, though after the first seating on non-performance nights, a private event can be held in one of the restaurant’s two rooms.
I was unimpressed, especially for the price.
5. Jardiniere: 300 Grove St., at Franklin, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-861-5555; http://www.jardiniere.com
What: California-French.
Why: Consistently impressive (and pricey) French food with a California accent, served in one of the city’s most glittering spaces. The menu changes daily and might include gnocchi stuffed with Maine lobster and Perigord truffles, or California duck breast with foie gras ice cream.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: For a special occasion, to impress a client when you’re doing business near City Hall, or after a performance. Open for dinner only.
Bar: Yes. You can make a meal over drinks from the extensive lounge menu.
Private Room: Yes.
I need to try this sometime - maybe for a birthday.
6. Jeanty at Jack’s: 615 Sacramento St., between Kearny and Montgomery, San Francisco. Information: +1-415-693-0941; http://www.jeantyatjacks.com
What: French bistro.
Why: Housed in a four-floor historic building decorated with bentwood chairs, bistro tables and French posters on the wall, the fare includes classics such as onion soup, coq au vin, sole meuniere, cassoulet and steak frites. The skylit fourth-floor room features pastel murals on the walls and a garden-like atmosphere.
Where: Financial District.
When: Lunch or dinner near the downtown office.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes, the third floor has spaces that can accommodate as many as 50 diners.
7. One Market: 1 Market St., at Steuart, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-777-5577; http://www.onemarket.com
What: California contemporary.
Why: In a landmark building at the foot of Market Street, with views of the Embarcadero and Bay Bridge, the upscale California cooking ranges from homey dishes like mushroom pot pie and omelets to fancier fare such as duck breast, rib-eye steak or a six-course tasting menu.
Where: Embarcadero area.
When: Lunch or dinner.
Bar: Yes, with a lively after-work scene.
Private Room: Yes, two rooms can accommodate 40 guests each.
Ditto the lovely views. Decent food, although it's overpriced on my own dime.
8. Perbacco: 230 California St., between Battery and Front, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-955-0663; http://www.perbaccosf.com
What: Northern Italian.
Why: Richly flavored dishes, inspired by northern Italy’s Piedmont and Liguria regions, served in a sleek, airy space. Main dishes include tagliatelle with a pork sauce cooked for five hours, risotto with duck and butternut squash, and Piedmontese meatballs with apples.
Where: Financial District.
When: After-work drinks at the marble-top bar, or lunch or dinner in the heart of the Financial District.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes, the Barolo room seats up to 18 and the semi-private Barbaresco room, 40.
You didn't mention the faboo house-cured salumi! The evening bar scene is a meat market in at least three senses of the word.
9. Tadich Grill: 240 California St. between Battery and Front, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-391-1849.
What: Fish, steaks.
Why: The oldest (and arguably most old-fashioned) restaurant in the city, a masculine place of dark wood walls and tile floors, serves up a vast assortment of fresh and reliable if unsurprising dishes. You can order your fish broiled, pan-fried, sauteed, poached, deep-fried or baked.
Where: Financial District.
When: Lunch and dinner. With a no-reservations policy, you may have to wait 15 minutes for a table if you arrive at noon. Access is easier after 1 p.m.
Bar: Yes. You can order a full meal.
Private Room: No.
Surly waiters, good fish.
10. Zuni Cafe: 1658 Market St., San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-552-2522; http://www.zunicafe.com
What: French, Italian.
Why: Its warm, convivial space with wood-burning oven and zinc bar has welcomed patrons since it opened in 1979, and is known for its eco-friendly produce and sustainable ingredients. Try a thin-crust pizza or its famed roast chicken for two, brined overnight before an hour of cooking.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: Before or after the theater, or for a relaxing lunch.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: No.
I've been there once and enjoyed it; I should try their pizza.
What I'm reading: Kage Baker, Or Else My Lady Keeps the Key
May 7 (Bloomberg) -- For decades, San Francisco restaurants have championed the use of local and regional ingredients, an idea that became a movement. Here, in alphabetical order, are some of our choices for business dining in a city that offers a global range of cuisines.
1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar: 398 Hayes St., at Gough, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-551-1590; http://www.absinthe.com
What: French bistro.
Why: The deep burgundy rooms, thick drapes and plush velvet exude an intimate boudoir atmosphere. The menu offers a range of California produce such as red beet puree with roasted fennel and garlic cream; pan-seared halibut with sunchokes, baby carrots and snap peas; pork confit with corn, fava beans and mint.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: Before or after a performance at the War Memorial Opera House. San Francisco Opera’s general director, David Gockley, praises its “potent, perfectly made margaritas.”
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes, for up to 40 guests.
See my entry a couple weeks ago about their gourmet hot dog, which is fabulous. Good cocktails.
2. Boulevard: 1 Mission St., at Steuart, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-543-6084; http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com
What: California contemporary.
Why: Housed in the historic art-nouveau Audiffred Building facing the Embarcadero, Boulevard’s open kitchen serves up smallish portions of exquisitely prepared dishes from local ingredients. Entrees may range from grilled sea scallops on butternut squash risotto to pork tenderloin or an Oregon “Kobe” beef burger.
Where: Embarcadero area.
When: For lunch or dinner, when you want some of the city’s best contemporary cooking in a stylish setting.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes, for 20 to 64 guests.
Gorgeous atmosphere, lovely views, beautifully prepared (and tasty) food; definitely small portions. Last time I went there for lunch my boss got three scallops for his entree. He left hungry.
3. Espetus: 1686 Market St., at Gough, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-552-8792; http://www.espetus.com
What: Brazilian churrascaria.
Why: For meat, all-you-can-eat, at one price. Flash a sign that’s green on one side, red on the other, to let the servers know when to start and stop. Give the “go” signal and the parade of hunks begins: roasted meat skewered on large knives. Selections include sirloin, herb-marinated chicken and its tiny hearts, pork loin, sausage and ribs, lamb and shrimp, all roasted over an open fire.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: For lunch on a weekday, when you can eat all you can for just $23.95 and have time for a workout afterwards. (It’s $49.95 for dinner.)
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: No.
Meat cooked on fire good.
4. Hayes Street Grill: 320 Hayes St., between Franklin and Gough, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-863-5545; http://www.hayesstreetgrill.com
What: Grilled fish, steaks.
Why: For entrees such as Hawaiian tuna or flatiron steak, simply and expertly prepared. Salty, crisp French fries served with many of the plates come Belgian-style, in a paper cone. Like the food, the room is simple and bright, with wooden floors, white tablecloths and photos of opera stars on the walls.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: Before or after the symphony, opera or ballet, or for a relaxing lunch if you’re doing business near City Hall.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: No, though after the first seating on non-performance nights, a private event can be held in one of the restaurant’s two rooms.
I was unimpressed, especially for the price.
5. Jardiniere: 300 Grove St., at Franklin, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-861-5555; http://www.jardiniere.com
What: California-French.
Why: Consistently impressive (and pricey) French food with a California accent, served in one of the city’s most glittering spaces. The menu changes daily and might include gnocchi stuffed with Maine lobster and Perigord truffles, or California duck breast with foie gras ice cream.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: For a special occasion, to impress a client when you’re doing business near City Hall, or after a performance. Open for dinner only.
Bar: Yes. You can make a meal over drinks from the extensive lounge menu.
Private Room: Yes.
I need to try this sometime - maybe for a birthday.
6. Jeanty at Jack’s: 615 Sacramento St., between Kearny and Montgomery, San Francisco. Information: +1-415-693-0941; http://www.jeantyatjacks.com
What: French bistro.
Why: Housed in a four-floor historic building decorated with bentwood chairs, bistro tables and French posters on the wall, the fare includes classics such as onion soup, coq au vin, sole meuniere, cassoulet and steak frites. The skylit fourth-floor room features pastel murals on the walls and a garden-like atmosphere.
Where: Financial District.
When: Lunch or dinner near the downtown office.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes, the third floor has spaces that can accommodate as many as 50 diners.
7. One Market: 1 Market St., at Steuart, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-777-5577; http://www.onemarket.com
What: California contemporary.
Why: In a landmark building at the foot of Market Street, with views of the Embarcadero and Bay Bridge, the upscale California cooking ranges from homey dishes like mushroom pot pie and omelets to fancier fare such as duck breast, rib-eye steak or a six-course tasting menu.
Where: Embarcadero area.
When: Lunch or dinner.
Bar: Yes, with a lively after-work scene.
Private Room: Yes, two rooms can accommodate 40 guests each.
Ditto the lovely views. Decent food, although it's overpriced on my own dime.
8. Perbacco: 230 California St., between Battery and Front, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-955-0663; http://www.perbaccosf.com
What: Northern Italian.
Why: Richly flavored dishes, inspired by northern Italy’s Piedmont and Liguria regions, served in a sleek, airy space. Main dishes include tagliatelle with a pork sauce cooked for five hours, risotto with duck and butternut squash, and Piedmontese meatballs with apples.
Where: Financial District.
When: After-work drinks at the marble-top bar, or lunch or dinner in the heart of the Financial District.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: Yes, the Barolo room seats up to 18 and the semi-private Barbaresco room, 40.
You didn't mention the faboo house-cured salumi! The evening bar scene is a meat market in at least three senses of the word.
9. Tadich Grill: 240 California St. between Battery and Front, San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-391-1849.
What: Fish, steaks.
Why: The oldest (and arguably most old-fashioned) restaurant in the city, a masculine place of dark wood walls and tile floors, serves up a vast assortment of fresh and reliable if unsurprising dishes. You can order your fish broiled, pan-fried, sauteed, poached, deep-fried or baked.
Where: Financial District.
When: Lunch and dinner. With a no-reservations policy, you may have to wait 15 minutes for a table if you arrive at noon. Access is easier after 1 p.m.
Bar: Yes. You can order a full meal.
Private Room: No.
Surly waiters, good fish.
10. Zuni Cafe: 1658 Market St., San Francisco.
Information: +1-415-552-2522; http://www.zunicafe.com
What: French, Italian.
Why: Its warm, convivial space with wood-burning oven and zinc bar has welcomed patrons since it opened in 1979, and is known for its eco-friendly produce and sustainable ingredients. Try a thin-crust pizza or its famed roast chicken for two, brined overnight before an hour of cooking.
Where: Civic Center area.
When: Before or after the theater, or for a relaxing lunch.
Bar: Yes.
Private Room: No.
I've been there once and enjoyed it; I should try their pizza.
What I'm reading: Kage Baker, Or Else My Lady Keeps the Key
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no subject
Date: 2009-05-07 05:15 pm (UTC)They didn't mention that this "historic building"s history includes being a "French Restaurant" in the old and naughty sense of the term :-)
no subject
Date: 2009-05-08 02:18 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-05-08 03:30 am (UTC)... you do know the old San Francisco meaning of "French Restaurant", don't you?
no subject
Date: 2009-05-07 06:09 pm (UTC)