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Restaurants
Serves up the cuisine of an Asia without borders
Only a few years ago, it seemed as if the culinary world was dividing and parceling itself in the manner of the former Yugoslavia or Los Angeles county. Call it the first wave of reaction to the global villagization, or the last stand of identity politics, but for a few years in the mid-nineties, every cuisine, if not every dish, seemed intent on carving out its rightful historical place on your palate. Try me, cried each restaurant, I am the true flavor of Vietnam (or Provence or Lebanon or Northern Chile). And why not? The successful assimilation of Thai food promised every formerly unknown regional flavor... More
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Restaurants
Should I start a review of a vegan restaurant by stating that the day after, I was riddled with meat lust? Probably not, but I will say that Millennium, San Francisco's premier destination for organic, vegan fine dining has reached a lovely, effective apex in its new location in the Theater District. With high ceilings, Victorian class, reams of orange sherbet-colored fabric, and a menu more complex than a Borges story, Millennium truly rules the school when it comes to a totally different way to have dinner. More
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Restaurants
Of the high-profile restaurant openings of 2004, Michael Mina is neck and neck with Slanted Door for buzz. Having tried Mina's austere (read: underwhelmingly simple for the price) cuisine at Aqua back in 1997, we were wondering if the menu at his namesake spot in the Westin St. Francis would be worth the hype. Considering that the fellow has grown his empire to reach Vegas, San Jose, Dana Point, and soon, Mexico City, the likelihood of the experience being a stunner seemed low. More
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Restaurants
Believe the Hype
Since opening on April Fools' Day 1989, Postrio has garnered more press, visits from luminaries, and rave reviews from foodies than should be legal in this country; these accolades automatically categorized the Theater District destination as "potentially bogus" in my book. Part of the Wolfgang Puck empire, which now includes canned soup and bottled coffee drinks (ouch), Postrio is one of a mere handful of fine dining restaurants in San Francisco to which administrative professionals will always return when booking fat cats for power dining, regardless of trends. More
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Restaurants
A Sizzling Scene
Marionettes and hanging lanterns adorned with firecrackers and Mardi Gras beads greet you as you step off the popular Valencia Street thoroughfare and into this lively 1920s Old Shanghai-inspired hot spot. Firecracker was not named to describe how spicy the food is (you can find all degrees of spiciness here), but rather for the atmosphere --symbolizing festivity and good times. Upon entering, the energy engulfs you. Regardless of the night, you'll find festive groups gathered, first-dates or longtime couples commingling, and content solo diners engaged in a book or the paper... More
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Restaurants
As seafood goes, you get what you pay for... or so we thought. 500 Jackson, the new kid on the Historic District block (which once housed the Cypress Club), proved this old adage false with the highs and lows of their conservatively-priced, contemporary American seafood. More
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Restaurants
Foodie Haven at Neighborhood Haunt
I'm not sure which is more memorable from my visit to 1550 Hyde, the glass of Aglianico I was given to sample, or the sweetbreads with fava beans. Ultimately it's this conflict that made the whole dinner an extremely pleasurable experience, the menu and the wine list are treated as equal players in the meal. More
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Restaurants
Chic, Authentic Neapolitan Cuisine
Chestnut Street's A16, named for Campania's main road, Autostrada 16, opened in February 2004, much to the delight of local fans of high-end food in a casual atmosphere. Sleek, unassuming and comfortable, the space that once housed Zinzino and Savoia has been renovated to house Chef Christophe Hille's gorgeous, easy-going regional Italian fare. After working under Laurent Manrique at Campton Place and in France, Hille became a certified pizzaiolo in Naples, and on our visit, he hand-tossed and wood-oven baked every single 12" Neapolitan treat in the restaurant. More
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Restaurants
Country Italian Elegance on Russian Hill
Giancarlo Paterni's Acquerello has stood as San Francisco's single most acclaimed Italian destination restaurant for well over a decade. Rustic refinement is the order of the day; Aqcuerello's dining room is all vaulted ceiling, dramatic floral arrangements, and stained glass. The food is sublime, the service polished, and the wine list deep and well researched. More
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Restaurants
Alamo Square is French done simple and sublime
When guests pop in from out of town full of stories and craving French, call André at Alamo Square. You just might be able to pull off a last-minute reservation. The ambiance in this tiny room set around the corner from Alamo Square Park, on what is arguably the most charming block of the entirety of Fillmore Street, is perfect for catching up with old friend - or for getting to know new ones. The interior is warm, with blond wood and deep mauve coloring, multicolored pillows along the banquette, and an exposed kitchen staffed by one very good-looking chef. More
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