[ Ana Mandara
| Andalu | Chez
Panisse | Foreign
Cinema | Gary Danko's ]
[ Jardiniere | Masa's | One
Market | Piperade | Postrio | Slanted Door
]
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Ana Mandara
A favorite celebrity haunt is the beautiful Ana Mandara
in Ghirardelli Square. The sprouting foliage, grand curving staircase,
expansive high ceilings, multi-tiered dining room, and gorgeous
upstairs bar will make you feel like you've just stepped into Indonesia.
But warm ambience and decor shouldn't distract you from your main
purpose-the exquisite dining. A menu of modern Vietnamese cuisine
with French accents includes delicacies such as spiced Mekong
basa fish. Close out with crispy mango
spring rolls with coconut or imported Vietnamese coffee or tea.
Ana Mandara
891 Beach St., Ghirardelli Square
(415) 771-6800
www.anamandara.com
Andalu
Those who care to make the trek to the trendy Mission District
will find a number of noteworthy restaurants including the Iberian-oriented
Andalu. The eclectic, ever-changing tapas-style menu, with
dishes such as crisp-sauteed skate with garlic mashed potatoes,
green salad with duck confit and hot polenta fries with a tomato
dipping sauce, is perfect for sharing. The restaurant, open for dinner
only, is long and narrow and is generally crowded and noisy, just
the way you'd expect of some of the more fashionable and festive
places.
Andalu
3198 16th St.
(415) 621-2211
www.andalusf.com
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Chez Panisse
Those looking for an unforgettable dining experience should head
to nearby Berkeley to partake of Alice Waters' famous cuisine at
Chez Panisse. There are actually
two restaurants set on two floors here and both are excellent. Downstairs
is a more formal experience with one prix-fixe menu that changes
daily and increases in price toward the weekend. The upstairs cafe
is more casual with a variety of food and lower prices. Waters is
famous for making simple dishes with the freshest ingredients available.
Try penne with arugula and sheep's milk cheese, fresh figs or sliced
tomatoes in vinegar. Reservations are a must for downstairs and
waits can be quite long for the cafe.
Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley
(510) 548-5525
www.chezpanisse.com
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Foreign Cinema
Foreign Cinema was one of
the first places to attract visitors to the Mission district. There
is some very good California/Mediterranean bistro cuisine on the
menu and delicious foreign and independent film classics being screened
in the courtyard. Sit in the large dining room or at a communal
table in the courtyard where drive-in movie speakers have been set
near the tables. Chefs John Clark and Gayle Pirie have done wonders
with the menu. Chances are good you won't
even miss the popcorn.
Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St.
(415) 648-7600
www.foreigncinema.com
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Gary Danko
Restaurant Gary Danko is
living proof that San Francisco's high-end dining experience is
alive and well. Danko, who has won nearly every top chef's award
since opening his upscale eatery, continues to create prix fixe menus that promise to make an evening here
sublime. Scallop mousse, juniper spiced venison, roast lobster,
and a decadent chocolate souffle are some examples of what's in
store. Dress up for this special occasion restaurant. Make reservations
far in advance; it's a sure bet everyone else did.
Gary Danko
800 North Point
(415) 749-2060
www.garydanko.com
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Jardiniere
Whenever you reserve tickets to the San Francisco Opera House,
make a pre- or post-performance dinner at Jardiniere
part of your plans. This Traci Des Jardins restaurant has
been famous for a long time and may be absolutely packed in the
hour or so before the opera begins. Crispy chicken with applewood
bacon, foie gras terrine, venison chop, and a very complex cheese
plate are some of this well-known chef's specialties. The decor
is playful with an avant garde curvaceous design and wavy iron railings.
A jazz trio plays during prime dinner hours.
Jardiniere
300 Grove St.
(415) 861-5555
www.jardiniere.com
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Masa's
Masa's sexy floor to ceiling white, gauzy drapes, red Chinese
silk lanterns and white leather chairs offer visitors a tasteful
and vibrant atmosphere in preparation for a positively pleasant
dining experience. The highly regarded
team, featuring executive chef Gregory Short and master sommelier Alan
Murray, create Masa's blend of French
and Mediterranean cuisine with a Californian kick. Masa features
tasting menus that may include such favorites as chilled Maine crab,
duck leg confit, or the vegetarian stylings of Ronde de Nice and
Cepe "Mille Feuille." In all, it's superb food in a setting
that is more exciting than ever.
Masa's
Hotel Vintage Court
648 Bush St.
(415) 989-7154
www.masasrestaurant.com
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One Market
One Market offers upscale California cuisine at its finest,
serving visitors cleverly presented plates and priceless scenery
of the Bay Bridge from within the financial district. The New American
fare emphasizes fresh fish and shellfish and products homegrown
by local farmers and ranchers. Try to reserve a seat at the chef's table in
the kitchen for a special tasting menu.
One Market
1 Market St.
(415) 777-5577
www.onemarket.com
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Piperade
Owner/chef Gerald Hirigoyen warmly welcomes guests to this Basque inspired setting, where red, white and blue runners line each table, the oak floors shine and the menu encompasses authentic Basque food. Al fresco dining is available year-round at Piperade in a sheltered outdoor patio, a nice idea when weather permits. The Basque region, bordering France and Spain, is on display in the Basque classic dishes, which include braised veal sweetbreads with Madeira, seafood and shellfish soup (ttoro), duck confit with braised green lentils, and roasted pork tenderloin with braised cabbage and figs. There are plenty of fish dishes to enjoy in this comfortable, chic restaurant.
Piperade
1015 Battery Street
(415) 391-2555
www.piperade.com
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Postrio
Wolfgang Puck's splendid Postrio
continues as one of the most popular restaurants in the city, not
just for Puck's unique Asian-Mediterranean cuisine, but also because
the space is so gorgeous. Located on three levels, the restaurant
comes with hand-blown glass lights and sculptures created by the
artist Dale Chihuly. Almost as impressive are the feet-high flower
arrangements which you'll pass as you descend the grand staircase
from the bar on the street level to the dining room below. The lively bar is
a fun place to sit and eat one of Puck's famous pizzas.
Postrio
545 Post St.
(415) 776-7825
www.postrio.com
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Slanted Door
The Slanted Door has a
Vietnamese and Southeast Asia bent, and chef Charles Phan cooks
up fresh spring rolls, green papaya salad, caramelized shrimp, and
steamed bass cooked with just the right amount of spice. The dinner
menu changes weekly to reflect the best seasonal offerings and to
keep the cuisine as fresh as possible. The stunning Bay Area views
and stylish, simple decor with a high-ceiling dining room and green-stained
wood tables will make you feel as if you're dining in the tropics.
Delicious!
Slanted Door
1 Ferry Plaza, #3
(415) 861-8032
www.slanteddoor.com
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