My only SFRW lunch this year was at Roka Akor where we enjoyed two beautiful courses of modern Japanese cuisine for $25 per person.
I pass this downtown establishment often — it’s at the corner of Jackson and Montgomery and has been around for over a year. It looks fancy, and it is, which is both why I have not yet been, and why I chose to take advantage of their participation in SFRW. The menu choices were:…
I went to Sens again for lunch last week, and it was delicious as always! Thought I’d share a few more photos:
Polenta with burrata, mushrooms, cauliflower
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Sens! There are a lot of really nice (and not cheap) restaurants downtown for all the fancy business peoples, and Sens is one of my faves. I’ve been many times over the years, and while I recall a dip in the quality of food and service for some time (or maybe it was just an off day? I’m not sure), my last visit for lunch was really, really good.
Slow Roasted Organic Chicken Breast ($17)
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Update: This restaurant has closed. 🙁
Machka! It just sounds like it should be an exclamation to me. Not sure why that is. Machka is a small Mediterranean* restaurant in the FiDi** right across the street from the Pyramid Building. It has just a handful of tables in the narrow, brick-lined space, and a bar in one corner that serves wine and beer. Mom and sis took me here for lunch on my actual birthday (I was at work; it was awesome).
Cauliflower soup enjoyed by Sister
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Kokkari is a Greek restaurant downtown (fine, Jackson Square if you want to be super pretentious/specific). It’s hard to get into, which is why I have not been to date. Not, like, State Bird Provisions hard, but just like regular, really good SF hard. However, lunch is not quite as in demand. And our boss took us there last week. Booya.
Octopus Salad from Kokkari
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Nespresso. Have you heard of it yet? It’s like espresso, but with an “n”. It’s a Swiss brand of single-serve coffee makers that markets to high-end clientele. Starbucks has gotten on the single-serve bandwagon, but, come on, they’re not Nespresso.
I was invited to the grand opening of Nespresso’s newest flagship boutique in Union Square in SF a few months ago. When I showed up, the place was still sorely under construction. I later found out that I was somehow not on the list when they told everyone about the cancellation of the event. I was sad. They sent me a $200 Nespresso machine and probably another $50 worth of accompanying paraphernalia. Apology accepted.
My very own Nespresso U machine
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Two “m”s, one “s”. Tommaso’s. Opened in 1935 (under the name Lupo’s), this Italian eatery has stayed the course for over 75 years donning the same cave-like location and winning awards for their pizza. They’ve got an interesting story and are one of the great restaurant successes of SF.
Margherita pizza from Tommaso’s
When you ask for restaurant recommendation in SF, particularly in North Beach (technically FiDi, but still), you’ll often hear the name Tommaso’s. At least I have. And since I walk by the place every day (no joke) on my way to work, it’s a wonder it’s taken so long for me to go. But alas, now I can say I have experience the great Tommaso’s.
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Ok, I realize that writing about Specialty’s in San Francisco is kinda like writing about a Seven Eleven in a lesser city. That’s an exaggeration. But still, Specialty’s is sort of the San Francisco version of your average bakery and deli. There are a handful of them scattered around downtown, a few elsewhere in the bay area, and a few out of state. But I write about them because I find them to be utterly amazing.
What do you eat for lunch if you live in a regular city? Like Subway or something? Pish posh. I work in San Francisco and I order a Specialty’s sandwich at least once a week. Here is my favorite:
Specialty’s Mediterranean sandwich.
It’s called the Mediterranean. (Try spelling that without spell check. I dare you.) The Mediterranean: Fresh mozzarella with kalamata olives, spinach, tomato, basil, red pepper pesto, basil pesto and balsamic vinaigrette on toasted thyme focaccia. Two types of pesto! Olives! And fine, I’m all snooty about it and I swap out the focaccia for ciabatta. Which is so easy to do with their online ordering system whereby I choose what I want (and sub in/out any ingredients!) and then go pick it up at the store 15 minutes later. It’s amazing….
Wayfare Tavern = Awesome.
I guess that’s really all I need to say. I’m adding this to my wish list (for places to return with a camera); this place was birthday worthy!!!
Main points:
In short, I LOVED this place. I want to go back. With a camera, like a tourist. Whatever. Totally delicious, a little pricey, totally worth it. W00t!