This past week has been relatively hard for me. Our movers came, packed up everything that has been in my life for the past 5 years, and carted it 3000 miles away. I have to paint the walls white to erase my signature teal stripes that grace my living room walls. I had the carpet replaced for my new tenant. New windows and locks are being put in. Nothing about this move makes me want to move out, instead, it looks like a fresh new canvas for me to move in. Yes, I know that all my belongings are going to be there when I get to New York, but I know as I unpack each and every overstuffed box, that I will need to purge my collections even more to fit into our new tiny (but shiny!) home. While starting anew, cleaning, reorganizing and throwing away stuff generally has an invigorating feeling, throwing away things to me means throwing away a part of my past. I am by no means a hoarder, but I have been known to cling on to tokens of my travels, fashion do’s and fashion mishaps, simply as a memory that it happened.
And so it goes with moving, right? As I sit here this morning on an air mattress in my empty shell of a house, my thinking is conflicted about what lies ahead for me. I have tons of dear college friends coming to visit this weekend, and it will truly be my last SF/Sonoma Hurrah before starting my new life. While I want to entertain them and make sure they have a good time, a part of me wants to simultaneously just sit back and soak up as much sun, wine and delicious food that I can- to truly savor these last few days.
Which finally brings me to the topic of today’s post- all my favorite places to eat in San Francisco. A lot of people have been asking me lately where they should go, and I have TONS of recommendations for you where it is impossible to be disappointed. Some I have pictures of, some not, but please, allow me to take you on a whirlwind eating tour of San Francisco. (Disclaimer- these places and pictures are not for the carb-phobic).
{Wayfare Tavern}
This scrumptious American eatery is founded by celebrity chef and local, Tyler Florence. While I have stalked and tweeted him several times about his amazing food- I still have not received a response. No matter! If you manage to get a reservation here, definitely get the beet or heirloom salad, mac n cheese, deviled eggs, fried chicken and/or burger. But what is the piece de resistance? The fresh-out-of-the-oven POPOVERS that are served with salted butter instead of bread. Unbelievable. I suggest going here with more than 2 people as the hearty portions are great to share, and if you can’t get a seat, the bar and outside seating are first come, first served.
{Nob Hill Grille}
This is my boyfriend’s and my favorite place to go for date night comfort food. We love to sit at the counter and watch the chef prepare all the dishes (and I think the BF likes it because of the constant streaming sports on the TV). The menu is simple, the staff is friendly, and you will never leave hungry. The best dishes are the rigatoni bolognese, the chicken pot pie, any iteration of their burger, and the burrata appetizer. Brunch is also amazing here- again, if you can find a seat!
{the American- Grilled Cheese Kitchen}
If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you know how much I love grilled cheese. And this place is made for grilled cheese lovers like me. Not for the faint of heart, these grilled cheese options all come in fantastic combinations. My favorite- the Jalapeno Popper- comes adorned with Chevre, Monterey Jack, Applewood Smoked Bacon, and Apricot-Jalapeno relish. Or you can do the Red White and Blue plate special with half a sandwich of your choice and their tasty tomato soup as an accompaniment. Other fun facts- they make homemade muffins and scones every morning in the most creative of flavors, and always include a seasonal fruit with your meal. What’s not to love??
{Caffe Bravado}
This Italian import espresso shop opened up next to my house- by the ball park- and everyone was skeptical of how long it would last. (Do they have TV’s? Do they serve beers? Won’t those white couches get destroyed by drunk, baseball-going patrons?). While I am pretty sure those white couches will get destroyed, one thing is for sure- they serve up some of the most delicioso espressso drinks I have every had. If I could remember, or pronounce, the names they call them I would repeat them here, but pictures speak louder that words, right? See below!
{La Boulange}
This coffee shop/cafe/restaurant chain is well known around the Bay Area, for their inviting menu, tasty coffee and awesome presentation. For me, this place is special because we had a tradition with our friends to stop by the one on Fillmore before heading to the wine country for the day. Loading up on coffee, pastries and baguette sandwiches was the perfect way to start off an adventure outside of the city. Since those days, I have enjoyed the gigantic fruit and granola with good friends at the Columbus location, Chai lattes with coworkers at the Market location, an open-faced turkey melt in solitude at the Sutter location, and even an almond croissant at the Marin location. It may not be unique, but it holds many memories for me!
{Tacolicious}
Started in the Ferry Building, this taco shop gained notoriety and has since opened 2 restaurants in the Marina as well as the Mission. I love going here with big groups of friends, to enjoy the $10 taco, tecate and tequila (shot), or simply for a gigante plate of tacos. It’s always busy, and it’s always delish- hence the name!
{Ferry Building}
There is no way you can know me and not know my obsession with the Ferry Building and it’s standout farmer’s market on Saturdays. It features local, fresh, and some of the best food in the city, all in one place. You can sit down at a restaurant, eat by the pier, or pick at the samples from all of the booths. Just be sure to avoid the pigeons- no joke, I’ve been crapped on twice. To avoid going on and on about the Ferry Building’s splendor, I will tempt you with some pictures of some of my favorite things.
{Clockwise from Top left: Grilled Cheese from Cowgirl Creamery Sidekick, Chilequiles from Primavera, Banh Mi from Out the Door, Warm Egg Salad Sandwich from Il Cane Rosso}
{Other Notables Lacking Pictures}
Zero Zero– great apps, great pizza, great for groups! You have to try the ricotta doughnuts for your dessert sundae!
Baker and Banker– Amazing for a date night- the decor is warm and intimate. The menu changes seasonally but it’s always outstanding, just make sure you get dessert!
Kokkari Estiatorio– How can I not have pictures of this place after how many times I’ve been there? This is Greek food at it’s finest- don’t miss the traditional Greek Salad or Garides sto Furno-wood oven roasted prawns in a tomato feta sauce. Also- hard to get a ressy here!
Cotogna– By FAR the best pasta in this city. Not one of them is bad, seriously. My favorite part is that every bottle on their wine list is $40, so you don’t have to stress about how much money you can spend and just go for it!
{Last but not Least, my Home}
The hardest place to leave is still going to be my home. Yes I will be able to recreate the amazing meals, but nothing beats the good times, good friends and memories I’ve shared while I’ve lived here. Thank you for everyone who has participated in a meal chez 88 King St. I love you all!
Have you been to SF? What are your favorite restaurants??
