Marche Biologique Raspail
Maybe this market was overhyped to me because I didn’t think much of it, at least in comparison to the other outdoor markets the city has to offer. Then again, I’m more concerned with excellent ingredients than the importance of organic, which, of course, is important. Just not as important as great-tasting produce, bread, and cheese. And really, who wants to eat gluten free bread if they don’t have to? Although, if you do have a gluten free intolerance, this is a welcome option in a city that’s still catching up in the organic, gluten-free, allergy free department. In case you’re wondering, organic in French is called Bio or Biologique, and Marche Raspail’s Sunday market is entirely bio, which is pretty unique in these parts. That means every French hippie and forward-thinking farmer descends on the Left Bank...
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Chez Janou
The Mousse au Chocolat is reason enough to make a pit stop at this buzzy neighborhood spot in the Marais. Do not pass go without the mousse. Because what arrives at the table is an enormous bowl of velvety deep, dark chocolate mousse and a wooden spoon, so you can serve yourself… as much as you please! That’s right. Eat your heart out until your stuffed silly or overdose on sugar. It’s deliciously dangerous and perfect with a glass of French red, of course! Unfortunately, the chocolate mousse is the best thing Chez Janou’s got going aside from outdoor tables and the ability to lure in the locals night after night. Which is what makes it a great pit stop post-dinner. If you decide to come for lunch or dinner, there’s a fine Salade Janou with mozzarella, jamon, and...
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Kiss Sushi
There are only twelve seats at this jewel box of a sushi spot in San Francisco. If you’re a purist about your sushi, you’ll love Kiss Seafood. (If you’re not and you love inventive sauces or creative combinations, eat elsewhere.) It’s run by a husband-and-wife team and open only four days a week, which further makes it feel like you’ve just been invited into their notably zen dining room for dinner. There’s a solid sake selection and some seriously fresh fish. The chef specializes in a series of cooked dishes, like fish ball soup or steamed sea urchin with tofu sauce, sashimi, sushi, and various levels of omakase. I recommend the chef’s omakase, which includes a mix of cooked dishes, sashimi and sushi. On the night we were there, the omakase included a trio of raw fish preparations,...
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Zuni Cafe
I have to admit that I didn’t have high hopes for Judy Rodger’s New American, Zuni Cafe. For starters, they had an attitude every time I called for a reservation. And all anyone talked about was their famous Brick Oven Roast Chicken. Was it really worth fighting for a reservation for chicken? The answer surprisingly is yes. The Chicken is that good. It’s cooked in their Wood-Fired Oven ’til the skin’s crispy, sliced up and served over a warm bread salad with pine nuts, currants and garlic to sop up all of the delicious juices, then topped with a fistful of vinegary greens. And while I normally discourage people from spending time on the raw bar at a destination restaurant known for other things, the oysters here are some of the best I’ve had to date on the West...
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Hog Island Oyster
It ain’t easy to find a great oyster house… never mind one with a view, so you’ll want to savor not only the terrific variety of bivalves at Hog Island Oyster Co., but also the outdoor dining overlooking San Francisco Bay. Tourists and locals alike descend on this no-reservations spot for lunch or dinner so you may have to wait a bit, but it’s entirely worth it. Especially after you sample the Hog Island Sweetwater Pacific and Atlantic oysters as well as whatever other West Coast oysters they’re shucking that day. There’s plenty more reasons to visit, like the Steamers, a mix of fresh from the water Manila Clams, Beans, Fennel Sausage, and Leeks in an addictive Wheat Beer Broth that you’ll want to mop up with the bread. And while I’m typically a Manhattan Clam Chowder kind...
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