It is 12/31/2009, so I must address the obvious: the highlights and lowlights of 2009. For all the delightful dining experiences I had in 2009, there were a few doozies (but not many).
Points for Perspective (these places made me appreciate the good places that much more):
1. Greens (Fort Mason): I guess I just can’t buy into the whole vegetarian/organic/free range/grass fed movement. Everyone I talk to raves about this place, but I JUST DON’T GET IT. One should be able to order sausage at brunch (or a Diet Coke. Upon my request, the waiter glared at me and scoffed: “we don’ t serve diet coke here.” Sor-reeey.) Totally overpriced ($18 for two eggs and mystery-healthy-potato hash). I walked in hungry and was not inspired to finish my plate – simply not worth the calories.
2. Papalote: Went here because its Chips & Salsa was touted as one of the Top 100 dishes in SF. First, I had to pay extra for salsa (the two free tablespoons was not going to cut it). Secondly, can a girl get some freakin’ guac, cheese, or sour cream in her burrito? Apparently not. My tacos were totally dry and bland. It is simply unacceptable to mess up Mexican food in this town.
3. Ocean Taqueria: Another example of Mexican falling painfully short. I ordered a burrito but perhaps they heard me say “soup in a tortilla”?? I can’t even describe what was going on here. The ironic thing is that just two doors down is El Burrito Express 2, which stands alone as my favorite burrito in SF. So, if you’re looking for Mexican fare on Divis – please choose El Burrito’s red awning over Ocean’s blue awning.
Onto the fun stuff! Here’s a list of my single most memorable dining experiences this year – not necessarily new discoveries or my favorite restaurants, just great meals:
1. The Front Porch: It’s way the hell out there but worth the trip. Sit at the bar, order a bucket of fried chicken, and sit back and enjoy the southern comfort. The fried chicken is actually served in a paper bucket – a charming touch I cannot get enough of.
2. Aqua: Went here with the folks featured in Blog #3. This is not a meal, it is an experience. You feel as though your personal happiness is the single most important factor in the wait staff’s livelihood. The food is beautiful to look at on the plate and even more beautiful going down. I remember wanting to do cartwheels along California Street as I exited.
3. Nick’s Crispy Tacos: I got here at least once a month in 2009. The fried baja-style fish tacos are … perfection. Order up at the counter, grab a drink at the adjoining bar while you wait, then dive into that plastic basket of goodness!
Outside City Lines:
1. Quinn’s (Oakland/Alameda border): Top notch beef burger, outdoor deck along the estuary, unusual Buffalo burger option. But really, this place’s true charm is the fact you can throw the peanut shells (free on every table) ON THE FLOOR. It’s every kid’s dream come true. Drop ‘em to your side, throw ‘em over your shoulder, toss ‘em out the window – whatever you want! Someone else will clean it up!
2009 Honorable Mentions:
1. Park Chow
2. Marnee Thai
3. Ella’s
4. RN74
5. Street
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