Pho

Pho Clement (no website, Clement Street between 3rd & 4th Avenue) offers some good phos and other tasty Vietnamese treats. Weird service. Crazy paintings on the walls. Big huge flat-screen TV showing SuperNanny and the like. A family-run place.

We popped in late (9.45 or so) and were warmly welcomed in. A few other tables were also taken. We ordered pho and some imperial rolls. They were brought pretty quickly - and we immediately loaded it up with sricacha (or whatever that red stuff is called) and some of that black sweet stuff. Our waters never came. One table left. Bye's all around. The other table left, and now we were the last ones there. We took the hint that they wanted to leave after they: turned off the TV, slid the doors closed, bundled up, and sat around in their woolen caps waiting for us to finish. Good prices too!

Favorite movies of 2007 (so far)

With a record-setting summer at the box office coming to an end, I thought it might be interesting to look at my favorite movies so far. Of course, the way the game is played in Hollywood is as follows:

May 1 - September 1 is summer - time for $100+ million budgeted movies, sequels, and lots of stuff blowing up. There's not much creativity and that was especially proven this year with all the 3quels: Spiderman 3, Shrek 3, Rush Hour 3, etc etc.

Then, in September, the serious movies start. These are the movies that will fight it out for Oscar glory.

Of course, that does not mean that there are no good movies released at other times of the year. Here's my top 10 (so far). I expect only 3 of these will make my top ten of the year list, given the abundance of great directors and actors lined up in the coming months.

1. Once - I cannot say enough about how great this movie is: read what I've posted previously here

2. The Bourne Ultimatum - an extremely satisfying end to the Bourne trilogy, the finest action films of the last several years. Bourne would kick Bond's ass.

3. Superbad - an uproarious day and night in the lives of three geeks trying to score some alcohol for a party

4. Knocked Up - more ridiculousness from the guys of Superbad

5. Hot Fuzz - from the same team that brought out Shaun of the Dead, this is another genre-bending take, this time focusing on the buddy cop formula rather than zombies

6. The Lives of Others - an atmospheric period thriller that sheds light on the East German

7. Waitress - wonderful movie where Keri Russel shines

8. Zodiac - a thrilling true crime movie set in 70's San Francisco

9. Breach - another true crime movie centered on an FBI double-agent

10. Transformers - actually pretty engaging, especially for a popcorn movie starring autobots

What makes a romantic restaurant?

I recently got the following e-mail:

My coworker who hasn't had a date with his wife in six years, yes six years,
is finally getting a babysitter, so they can actually eat without the kid
for once.

I'd love to get a list of your three top most romantic restaurants in San
Francisco.

Let's put aside the fact that he and his wife have not gone out together on a date for six years. What's more important for you is: what makes a restaurant romantic? And, what are the top three in San Francisco?

I really don't know what makes one restaurant romantic and another one not. It's not whether something is expensive: there's plenty of restaurants that are geared more towards the business deal than wooing your love. It's not whether something is small or large: there's plenty of romantic restaurants that are intimate, and ones that can seat over 100 people. No, romance and the romantic restaurant is in the eye of the beholder and can be very personal. You know it when you see it.

There are definitely some expensive restaurants out there that could be put on top of the list: Gary Danko and French Laundry are both excellent choices. Both feature chefs heralded far and wide as amazing culinary masters. With Gary Danko, you stay in San Francisco. With French Laundry, a whole Napa weekend could be built around it. Spruce just opened up and is also elegant. Any of these would mean s/he chose the very best and is willing to pay for it. The downside when choosing a very expensive restaurant, and especially in the case of my friend's question: it could come across as saying that money will make up for the fact that he did not take her out for six years.

However, a big production may be the exact opposite of what someone might be into. In fact, a little out-of-the way bistro may be more her/his style. I would say Bar Crudo or Kiss Seafood are both tiny places that, if you like seafood, should be on your list of choices. I think Zoya is a great little romantic find (and went there for Valentine's Day).

Wine bars are inherently romantic and popping into one before moving on to dinner is a great way to set the mood. There's some cool wine bars like Hotel Biron and Cav (Hayes Valley), and Yield (Dogpatch) that have little snacks along with their wine offerings.

Ultimately, though, what will be romantic for them would be something one of them has done very thoughtfully for what the other likes. Has she mentioned a certain places she'd like to go. Or food he's been craving. Or a part of town she's been wanting to go to. Or a complete surprise of a place that he's never heard of. They've probably driven by places where she said, that looks cute. Or maybe seven years ago they went on a date and loved a place. I think that's more romantic than any suggestion posted here.

"Mexican" food

I dined at a wonderful Mexican restaurant yesterday. Perhaps they have expanded to your town?

Tinderbox: New Restaurant!

Friends of friends of mine are opening up a restaurant in Bernal Heights. Recently, I got a chance to hang out with them in Dolores Park and hear some more about what they are doing. I think officially, they'll be opening on Friday, August 31 but they may have a soft opening starting this weekend.

So, while I usually only write about places that I've been to, I thought I'd make an exception here. Tinderbox Restaurant will have interesting takes on comfort foods with a bit of Asian and French influence made from local, organic, sustainable ingredients. When I talked to them, it sounded like they're going to have some witty takes on things. They like to play around with ingredients, textures, flavors.

Not only is the food organic, but they are using lots of green products in the construction (everything from the fabric to the wood to the paint). I believe there's seating for about 40-50 people, something around that size.

It's going to be pretty hip-and-happening as you've got guys who've worked in 111 Minna, Campton Place, Pizzaiolo, not to mention spots around the US and the world. There's going to be a strong local art vibe and excellent music as well (one of the partners is very involved in the local music scene). Don't be surprised if one of the busboys rocks a mohawk.

Check 'em out. As soon as I have eaten there, I'll post a review.

Go see Superbad

Fuck. This movie's funny. I missed so many lines because we were laughing so hard. GO SEE IT.

Excellent Dining: Bi-Rite Creamery

It's Friday, so why not end on a dessert note?

After you've been lounging in Dolores Park all day or if you have eaten somewhere in the Mission, head on over to Bi-Rite Creamery for some excellent organic artisinal small-batch ice cream. Flavors are always interesting and unique: salted caramel, chai spice milk chocolate, hibiscus, roasted banana, and others.

While their ice cream is their focus, don't neglect popsicles (such as pineapple with mint). They also have things to take home - unique candies, books on chocolate, and walnut chocolate chip cookie dough.

The word's gotten out, so don't be surprised if you have to wait about 15 minutes or so.

Excellent Dining: A new list to peruse

If you're not signed up for The Tablehopper, you should. It gives you a great sense 0f what's going on in the SF dining scene and she seems to always have the first news (did you know, for example, that Bar Crudo is opening up a new restaurant over in the Western Addition/NoPa area across from the Independent?). It comes out once a week, delivered neatly to your inbox and gives you a good chance to figure out where to eat later that week.

Last week, she hosted a first-ever Tablehopper dinner and the diners each chose their favorite 2 places to eat. It's a great, eclectic list that covers all corners and cuisines of San Francisco from high-end places like Gary Danko to local ice cream favorite Mitchell's (and everything in between). What I like about this list is how many places I have not been to yet and even places not heard about yet. Lots to explore.

Reader favorites from the first tablehopper supper at Cortez, August 7, 2007

(everyone picked two local faves)

1550 Hyde (3 votes)
A16 (2 votes)
Acquerello
Amasia Hide’s Sushi Bar
Balboa Café (chicken paillard on Wed., caramel sundae)
Bar Bambino
Belden Taverna
Bushi-Tei
Café Divino (Sausalito)
Café Gratitude
Chapeau!
Chez Spencer
Clementine
Colibri (and their 350 tequilas)
Evvia (Palo Alto)
Fleur de Lys
Frascati
Front Porch (2 votes)
Garibaldi’s
Gary Danko (“the bomb”) (2 votes)
Hog Island Oyster Co. (grilled cheese and clam chowder!)
Incanto
Jackson Fillmore (zucchini carpaccio, tortellini al forno)
Jardiniere
Kokkari
La Taqueria
Laiola
Liberty Café
Limon
Luella
Mamacita
Mandalay
Maverick (esp. the fried chicken!)
Mediterranean Spirit
Mitchell’s Ice Cream
NUA
Oliveto
Out the Door
Perbacco
Piperade
PPQ Dungeness Island
Q
Range
Rubicon (esp. the desserts!)
Ryoko’s
Saha
Salt House
Shanghai Dumpling King
Shimo
Slanted Door
Slow Club (2 votes)
Tartine
Terzo
TWO
Umami
Woodward Garden
XOXO Chocolates
Zarzuela

Excellent Dining: Spruce

A couple weeks ago, and after a nearly 3-year wait, Spruce finally opened. This restaurant has an impeccable pedigree: owners are from Woodside's Village Pub, Pizza Antica, and Postino.

It is an amazing space. A former garage 70 years ago, the space most recently was another restaurant. It has been transformed into a stunning mix of English gentlemen's club, bold art gallery, and open space. The design was worked out with Williams & Sonoma Home, so: mohair, brown wood, leather chairs.

Upon walking in, to the right is a fireplace with a British bulldog painting above and several leather couches. As you continue on, you are greeted by the maitre d' and to the right is a long bar. This area does not accept reservations and is intended for walk-ins only. There are seats along the bar, a corner with several couches and small tables, and a group of tables along one wall. On the left is the restaurant proper with about 20 tables and leather chairs. In the back, you can view the cellars of wine and the open kitchen. There is a private room in the back, which contains space for another ten tables.

The wine list is epic: nearly 1000 wines from around the world. A long list of wines-by-the-glass and a fully stocked bar with attentive bartenders. Meanwhile, the 2 food menus are actually quite simple by comparison. One is a bar menu which contains a plate of charcuterie (made in house) and plate of cheese (both American and foreign), plus things like a Niman Ranch burger and other casual food. The other menu contains French-influenced locally-sourced food, such as arugala salad, sweetbreads, pork tenderloin, and steak.

We ate on the bar side this time, enjoying some glasses of wine including a glass of pinot noir from Peay, which is usually very difficult to find. It's amazing they are offering it by the glass as this is one of the best pinot noirs made in the Sonoma Coast today. We had a plate of charcuterie, which included duck liver mousse, country pate, beef tongue, bologna, and three other choices. We then chose to go with the American plate of cheese which were paired with champagne grapes and other accoutrements. We then had the chowder, which featured some sweet figs. Finally, we had their chocolate dessert: rich and delicious.

They are certainly working out the first weeks' bugs: we did not have reservations, but we noticed some people waiting for their reservations for a long time; the service seemed a bit uneven at times. Again, though, that seemed like first weeks' bugs that will be worked out. This is a serious dining destination with a stunning setting, wonderful food, and amazing wine list.

Excellent Dining: Town Hall

Across from where I work is a restaurant I've been meaning to eat at for over 2 years. It often seems to be that way: you venture far afield for great places, but ignore the excellent places in your neighborhood. Finally, a few weeks ago, we went.

Town Hall has a great layout. Once you walk in there is a big communal table that is intended for walk-ins, single diners and those who are in a more convivial mood. Next, a long bar beckons where you can also be served a full menu. Finally, the restaurant proper opens up while to the right you can peek into the open kitchen.

They have a well-selected wine list and I was able to enjoy some local wines and one from Australia. Their bread is very tasty and no wonder: it's the best local bread around, Acme Bread. After some wine and bread, we ordered some more food.

We enjoyed some very fresh tuna tartare paired with fried green tomatoes. I've never seen the pairing before, but it worked extremely well. We also had the barbecue shrimp. Do NOT skip this dish when you come. The shrimp are placed on garlic herb toast and doused in barbecue sauce so sweet, spicy, and rich, you will do as we did and ask for more Acme bread to mop up every last bit. We also had a dessert that essentially combined the best of butterscotch and chocolate and tasted like a chocolate pudding topped with skors.

There are many other things to enjoy off the menu and we will certainly be back soon.

Diners & Dives: Day Four - Lions Den

Tucked behind a bunch of ferns, in an old Victorian building, it should not be a surprise that the rumor is that this used to be a gay bar. Whether true or not, Lion Pub - commonly called the Lion's Den - is now a fruit-mojito, greyhound, and beer-fueled party for 20-somethings (and the cougars that want them). Always a hot, humid, somewhat dank-smelling place, it can be a good spot to end the evening if you want to just enjoy the mating rituals of 22 year olds, or hit on them! No website, located at Divis and Sacramento.

Diners & Dives: Day Three - Beale Street Bar & Grill

A block from where I work, and as unpretentious a place as you'll find downtown, lies Beale Street Bar & Grill (no website - 133 Beale Street). It's a great place to grab some lunch (think burgers) while catching whatever game is on. They usually are packed when a key European soccer game is on. At night, it's a great place to grab a pitcher, and often they have free snacks such as mini tacos or hot dogs.

Diners & Dives: Day Two - Tony's Cable Car Restaurant

A great little diner is Tony's Cable Car Restaurant, tucked right next to the tunnel where Geary goes below Masonic. This 35-year old instituioin has about 6 tables, and serve up hamburgers, hot dogs, crinkly fries, and shakes. You've also got your choice of sodas. Sure, they list a lot of other things on the menu (of the chicken/turkey variety), but this is not a place to pop into if you want to eat healthy.

Diners & Dives: Day One - BlueJay Cafe

There are so many different great places sprinkled throughout San Francisco that are tucked away and difficult to find. They often do one thing and do it well. They don't worry about decor (or sometimes service), but they serve up ________ (fill in the blank) extremely well. This week, I'll highlight several of these different diners and dives.

One spot in the Western Addition is BlueJay Cafe (no website, 919 Divisadero St between McAllister and Golden Gate). Great spot to shake off the previous night's hangover with solid brunch choices: lots of great egg dishes, crab cakes, various pancakes, muffins, heaping cups of coffee, bacon, sausage, etc. On the walls, rotating art and in the seats a pretty interesting motley mix of hipsters, NoPa visitors, and other assorted randoms.

Vallarta Overview

Here's a brief overview of our time in Puerto Vallarta.

We flew down and stayed for 6 days at a great 5-bedroom villa in Conchas Chinas (just south of Puerto Vallarta). This villa had just about everything we wanted: a swimming pool which we made good use of day and night, bedrooms for each of the 5 couples, lots of places to lounge (including a shaded hammock), and an excellent indoor/outdoor style. The picture above is from the pool with the view we had over the Bay.

We had brunch and dinner cooked nearly every day by the chef on-site (yes, it was a rough 6 days indeed). The meals covered everything from french toast, bacon, omelets, huevos rancheros for brunch to lobster and prime rib for dinner. On the day that the chef was off, we went out to a restaurant right on the beach called La Palapa, which features Asian-influenced Mexican dishes. We sampled some of their fine wines (we went with a chilean sauvignon blanc and an Australian shiraz/cab). They also featured some lit-on-fire Mexican coffees with very tasty desserts.

One day we went to Yelapa on a 38-foot catamaran. We were able to lounge on the boat with all our snacks and drinks taken care of. When we reached Yelapa (a tiny village on the Bay of Banderas reachable only by boat), we hiked up to a waterfall and were able to explore a bit of the town. On the way back, we caught a yellowfin tuna and had extremely fresh sashimi and ceviche on the boat.

While we mainly enjoyed pina coladas, margaritas, and cervezas at the villa, one night was spent at Andale knocking back drinks. While shopping, we mainly explored the zona romantico hitting a lot of shops plus the mearket, also popping into Cafe Roma for a slice of great pizza and also friendly conversation with Fox and Tequila. Hopefully, they'll post one of the pictures they took of us there.

All in all, a great 6 days.

P.S. I highly recommend parking at Park SFO (our $90 parking bill was reduced to $0 with a coupon we had!)