545 Mission St., San Francisco, CA

415.543.8900

http://www.salthousesf.com/

I finally made it to Salt House.  The restaurant, rather inconspicuous from the street, is actually quite large and boasts an upstairs room as well as a main dining hall, all dedicated to an ambiance worthy of the seafood it sells.  It’s hard to tell, but this picture actually represents part of the “at-sea” theme, as the waiters bring the bread to the table, wrapped in brown paper, as if it is the catch of the day.  The bread is good, but the food is even better, surprisingly flavorful and fresh for a place that so few people even see as they bustle past on the busy street.  This was a night of fine dining, work colleagues, and special occasions.  Here’s to a paycheck that can buy a nice dinner for two.  CL, I know the appetizers scared you away, but I wonder if you’ll give the place a second try?

(AH)

335 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 397-9222

http://www.michaelmina.net/

Well I must say, the hype killed it for me.  As a third child, I couldn’t help but love the trio plating concept, but honestly, I expected more.  Presentation isn’t everything, as you can see from my melting dessert.  On this particularly warm evening, while awaiting my very late friend (ahem jadedpalette.com), I happened to be seated next to a young sous chef from Vancouver.  An ambitious foodie targeting his own restaurant by age of 30 (4 years to go), this friendly gentleman patiently endured the two of us in our quest to better understand the back ends of restaurants of the world.  He was on his third foodie tour of San Francisco, and because he shared several similar insights into great restaurants and had ventured out on his birthday to dine solo at this famous spot in Union Square, we couldn’t help but add him to our party (after all, it was his birthday, and any decent human being would’ve done the same); and so the trio enjoyed three trio pre fixe courses.  And eagerly planned out the next foodie journey.

(WN, unnamed rising star chef from Vancouver)

1517 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, California 94709

Café Reservations: (510) 548-5049
Restaurant Reservations: (510) 548-5525

http://www.chezpanisse.com/

Dear Alice,

Someday I hope my name will invoke awe as yours does.  I dream about a time when seating hosts will know me and clear the best table in anticipation of my arrival.  I hope to inspire back-end kitchen flurry and savor the best that modern dining has to offer.  When I get to this point, it would be fun to sit with you and discuss the future of the food universe as Foodies emerge.  How about it?  For now, let me say this.  I picked Chez Panisse for Mother’s Day this year 2008.  It was nice sitting next to the kitchen, because I was able to capture this shot of your pretty bread basket, but the table was a little drafty to be honest.   The food was wonderful obviously.  But next time can we be towards the window?  Hey restaurants, you know you’ve made it in my book, when I allow my mother to enter your premises.  Know that and be on the lookout for me.  World, here I come. 

About me: I like warm fresh bread with cold hard butter.

(Me, mom, and LDC)

10 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 527-4060

www.thevermilionrestaurant.com

Vermillion, as described by the owner, is a brilliant red hue worn by Indian women as a dot on their forehead.  It is a symbol of power, strength, beauty.  And I thought it was just a color.  At this particular womens networking and leadership event, I was astounded by the vibrance of the crimson decor.  It was a special treat to hear the story of the restaurant from the owner,  who discussed its history from concept to creation.  On this particular evening, I was seated at a table full of lovely, intelligent ladies from D.C. to CA, from all walks, and from that evening began the incessant mockery from a close friend that I-heart-Chicago.  It’s true, I now do.  I’m ready for more.

(BT, VC, and a hundred or so great women)

 1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 861-8032

Art tea is no ordinary brew.  Served in a wine glass to showcase its delightful presentation, one can watch the splendor of the unfolding flower while contemplating entrees to come.  Of course, if you’re here because you’ve forgotten that the other Ferry building restaurants close up shop early on the weeknights, then you must also be content to have snapped up the last two consecutive barstools amidst a row of other fine diners.  The bar is a nice spot for an elegant weeknight bite and bit of chit chat.  Dallas, Los Angeles, London, just a few of the cities we’re thinking about tonight.  And the babies we remember in each one.  Why does the world seem so large and yet so small at the same time?  Thoughts are more than welcome.  In the meantime…Copenhagen…Sydney perhaps…here we come. 

Chances of coming back: Having a reservation is a good idea, otherwise get cozy in the lounge while you wait two hours.

Why here: Elaborate drinks, hip crowd, guaranteed good food, the satisfaction of actually having a reservation, perhaps, the need for a mid-week pick-me-up?

Belly buster?: Save room for dessert; it’s always a tight squeeze by this point…but so worth it.

(Wendy)

2290 W El Camino Real # 9
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 968-7511

Mountain View…home to Google, outdoor amphitheaters, and yes, Amber India, the first…Even if you don’t live or work here, trust me, you’ll drive from wherever you are.  And it’ll be so satisfying when you do.  The lunch buffet is the “best” (quote from several Indian friends who know their stuff).  Other things we can’t get enough of?  The mango lassis, the butter chicken, and the friendly wait staff.  Don’t get me wrong, we’re happy that the Santana Row and soon-to-be SF venue exist / will exist.  But mainly because we like that the traffic will be diverted from our local spot.  Just when you think life is good.  Then you have dinner with a friend who reminds you that it is great.  Thanks for the new perspective on how things should be.

Chances of coming back: Inevitable as this is the best…the best, do you hear?

Why here: Because it is just that good.  Stop asking questions, just go already.

Belly buster?: Took the leftover lamb home.  Why waste a good thing?

(Kevin)

753 Laurel St
San Carlos, CA 94070

(650) 637-8283

Aw, doesn’t it look romantic?  Right on Laurel in the heart of downtown, this little Mediterranean restaurant has a familial feel.  With only 11 tables (13 if you count the two oustide), Santorini boasts a generous portion of lemon chicken soup and really darn good grilled veggies and flavorful chicken.  The nice thing about Valentine’s Day, among others, is getting complimentary baklava with complete with milk chocolate frosting.  Here’s to your loved ones, whomever wherever they may be.  Happy Valentine’s Day.

Chances of coming back?: If you’re a resident to San Carlos, pretty darn good.

Why here?:  Because it’s not pretentious, but the food is so flavorful.

Belly buster: Warning to those whose eyes are bigger than their stomachs, the mixed sampler platter followed by the generous portion of soup probably means you’re taking home the rest.

(Umair)

655 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

(415) 495-3064 or 3065

Kang hae fat choi.  Anyone who wants to offer a better phoenetic spelling, please do so…but Happy Rat New Year!  There’s plenty to celebrate, and wanting to do it properly, the waitress is quickly handed a cell phone to talk to a Cantonese-speaking mother on the other side of the country.  What follows is a clay pot of pork and eggplant, a “lucky” tofu dish, a “lucky” noodle dish (noodles = long life, duh), and finally a complimentary red bean based “lucky” dessert.  Though the rather entertaining dinner conversation is under wraps, rest assured that the hysterically giggly group of girls are not much of a disturbance, seated apart from the rest of the diners, closer to the half of the giant space that is empty (pictured here).

Chances of coming back?: For quality dim sum, without having to schlep to Chinatown, heck yea!

Why here?: The large space can accommodate wedding parties…and since it is in SoMa, there is plenty of free parking after 7. 

Belly buster: Just perfect for a Chinese New Year feast.

(Karen, Bonnie, Lucinda)

3625 Thornton Ave
Fremont, CA 94536

(510) 713-0228

Well, if you were planning on teaching your child how to read menus like a true foodie, this is probably not the place for you.  But, here is a page out of the picture-book menu.  This dish, by the way, is pretty darn satisfying, if you don’t mind separating off the fat from the real deal.  Appalling as it may sound, you can just leave your scraps directly on the table…thus implying, you may not want to eat anything that falls out of the bowl.  At least it’s not as crowded for lunch as it is dinner…

Chances of coming back: Never say never after a second visit

Why here?:  Need comfort food now…or crave a soupy noodly dish on a serious budget.

Belly buster: Despite the carbo-loading, some will inevitably be hungry soon thereafter. 

(Lucinda)

500 Brannan St (at 4th)
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 543-2222

The concept sounds good: duck prosciutto.  In theory at least…little gamey, little strong for some people’s taste, but hey, they probably don’t have it in Texas so get your fill here.  Coco500 is the kind of place you’ll eventually try since people are always curious about it.  The menu is fresh, the decor minimal– four paintings reminiscient of the seasons remind you that this is a cozy place where you can eat at all year round.  The wood paneling is lovely and overall, there’s a nice warm feeling that pervades.

Chances of coming back?:  Pretty good fine dining experience.  Maybe if someone else is treating…like the boss. 

Why here?:  It’s the perfect intersection of neighborhoody yet nice for all those SoMa employees out there waiting for their friends to return from the peninsula. 

Belly Buster:  They won’t hound you for ordering light tonight, just one appetizer, salad, and pizza, please, to share. 

(Anne)