Sons & Daughters

June 15, 2011

On Wednesday night, I met up with my friend Kerstin for dinner at Sons and Daughters. Sons and Daughters opened last summer by Chefs Matt McNamara and Teague Moriarty, in the old Cafe Mozart space in Nob Hill. The menu is small, featuring about 10 items, which can be ordered a la carte, but are recommended as a four-course selection for $58.

A little amuse bouche of roasted beets, purple cauliflower and porcini mushroom to start:

House-made brioche:

We both started with the foie gras torchon with cherry, oatmeal crisps, ginger and quail bush:

For the second course, I had the abalone with burdock root, celery, salsify and Castelvetrano olives:

Kerstin had the rabbit three-ways, with dandelion greens, egg yolk and white strawberry:

We both had the Artic char for the third course, with sunchoke, turnip, tarragon and potato:

A little palate cleanser of apple sorbet, with minced celery:

Another little surprise of potato donuts, maple syrup and powdered sugar:

For dessert, I had the strawberries with long pepper ice cream, ricotta, olive oil and honey:

Kerstin had the corn cake with bourbon ice cream, chorizo caramel, smoked anglaise and lime:

The meal was fantastic and it was so much fun to catch up with Kerstin over good food again. Have I mentioned lately how many great restaurants are in SF? So true.

Florence + The Machine

June 13, 2011

On Sunday night, Beth and I headed across the bay to the Greek Theater in Berkeley for the Florence and The Machine concert. It was a gorgeous sunny night, perfect for some music outside.

The opening band was a two-member band, Hanni El Khatib, who seemed okay, but had the unfortunate disadvantage of not having great sound (probably no sound check?).

And, the glorious Florence Welch sure knows how to make an entrance and wow the crowd all night:

She is a fantastic singer with an amazing presence, adorable banter, and a band who is very talented and played a very tight set. Such a great concert, definitely go see her if you can! I heart Florence!

Chillango & G&T's with Reba

June 12, 2011

On Saturday night, Will and I met up with Robert for dinner at Chillango before heading over to Reba's for her annual birthday G&T party.

We shared a bunch of dishes family-style, starting with the Tortilla Soup, which happens to be #43 on the Big Eat SF 2011 for top 100 things to eat. Yum!

A little too hungry to take a picture before devouring the duck flautas:

Tacos de Costilla with grilled beef short ribs, onions, cilantro and salsa:

Tacos de Filet Mignon (grilled filet mignon with handmade tortillas and salsa de molcajete):

After that super meal, we headed across the street for some G&T's!

Happy Birthday, Reba!!

Criolla Kitchen

June 5, 2011

On Sunday, Will and I headed down to the newish little place in the old Baghdad Cafe location called Criolla Kitchen, from Chef Randy Lewis, featuring delicious soul food.

A little mimosa ($3) and bloody mary ($6) to start a brunch? Why yes, thank you.

The signature fried chicken and waffle. Far too much food to eat in one sitting, but tasty for leftovers!

Will had the oyster benedict:

The place was packed, and the food was good. I was also impressed how reasonably priced it was. Oh, I think we're going to get along quite well, me and Criolla Kitchen.

Beth's Farewell Party @ Ahn

June 5, 2011

On Saturday night, Will and I headed down to the 'loin to meet up with a bunch of folks for a good-bye party for Beth (she's relocating to the east coast at the end of the month...wah!). The party was at a new sushi restaurant called Ahn Sushi and Soju, from the owners of Live Sushi in Potrero Hill.

Some house-made lychee-infused soju:

Check out some of Beth's art adorning the new restaurant:

It was a fun and yummy night, but so sad that we're only a few weeks away from losing Beth in SF! We'll miss you, Beth!

Locanda

June 1, 2011

Will and I met up with Abe and Wendy on Wednesday night at the new restaurant called Locanda on Valencia (in the old Ramblas location). Locanda is the new venture by Craig and Annie Stoll of Delfina fame. The restaurant has a new, sexy look and was buzzing with hipsters. We could only get early reservations!

House-made foccaccia to start:

Insalata misticanza (12 greens, aceto with extra virgin olive oil):

Jewish-style artichoke:

Pizza Bianca with Fra Mani mortadella:

Radiatore "pecora e pecorino" (lamb ragu, pecorino, mint):

Annelini (ceci, escarole, shaved tuna heart):

Bavette steak with radicchio and trevisano:

Grilled local halibut collar:

Warm chocolate cake with maple syrup and curried walnuts:

Locanda is very tasty and a great place for dinner. Go check it out...if you can get reservations!