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Tracie Broom Managing Editor Food Editor at SF Station from Fall 1999 to Summer 2009, Tracie Broom is a freelance writer, editor, website copywriter and event planner. Catch up with her foodie lifestyle and travel blog, The Yum Diary: http://www.yumdiary.com |
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 | Locals tend to avoid dining north of Bay Street unless they're hitting In and Out Burger for a fresh-fried fix or Gary Danko for a swanky dining odyssey (although those in the know hit Ana Mandara for their spicy cinnamon rum cocktails and super-rad Mekong Delta Basa fish). We've always heard mixed reviews about McCormick and Schmick's, the Ghirardelli Square seafood-with-a-view destination, but when they got a young new chef in January 2002, we decided it was time to check things out.More |  | While the usual crowd of elder locals still frequents restaurateur Sam Duvall's pet concept (Duvall channels Hemingway from top to bottom), a fresh crowd has poured in to sample the lush, wrought iron-laden environs, the quite delicious food, and the well-executed cocktails. Mid-twenties girls in stilettos fork into perfectly seasoned calamari ($9) fried with bay scallops, green beans and onions, while Pac Heights matrons in Ross Dress-For-Less prints gab over tuna, scallop and shrimp ceviches ($8-$9 each) that range from so-so to soulful.More |  | Sexy, Laid Back and A Little Bit Luxurious With a chilled tray of oysters on the half shell and sparkling wine in hand, one can't help but feel a part of San Francisco's dining dynasty when enjoying a simmering date or old friend's company at the Elite Café. Chef Lalo Valenzuela's take on the Elite's standard Creole menu affords the discerning diner with beautiful, simple salads and rich, hearty etouffee, famous ribs and the most incredible duck confit jambalaya we've ever had the pleasure of tasting.More |  | Leisure and Lunch on the Valencia Corridor By now, nearly everyone knows that Valencia Street's chic spot for inexpensive, quality dining is Luna Park, and as a result, the cozy, hip bistro is always packed. However, for anyone with a lunch hour or a leisurely daytime schedule, weekday lunch at Luna Park is the real deal, and you never have to wait in line for a table.More |  | San Francisco Dining Suggestions Once I realized I had a sweet little servers-in-T-shirts theme going with a recent column on Delfina, Blue Plate and Emmy's, I didn't have room to talk about some other totally kick*ss meals I've had lately. Here's the skim.More |  | Habana, MC2, Rex Cafe Newcomer Habana has settled nicely into the San Francisco dining scene, MC2 recently underwent an identity redesign, and the fellows who run Rex Cafe introduced a new menu. We thought we should check it all out.More |  | Piperade and Bacchanal We've hit upon some fine and delicious dining of late, so read up and eat up, pilgrims!More |  | Chez Papa, Beach Chalet, Café Riggio, Le Colonial Our tireless research teams have checked out a number of established chefs in new digs, and new chefs in establishments we dig already. From the neighborhood bistro to an expense account fantasyland, here's a froth-free survey of what's up.More |  | Fringale Offers a Posh Take on the Traditional Bistro Most entree prices hover at the fifteen dollar mark. One of the best of these is the pork tenderloin confit with shredded cabbage, deeply browned apples, and caramelized onions. If you've read any Tom Robbins novels, you're familiar with the mantra, "Yum." This dish is the edible version.More |  | So you're skipping dinner but you need to add some public stimulation to your evening. Then it's time to visit one of the plenty makeout bars in this town.More |
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