Where to eat in SF?

[Emglow101]

If you get to North Beach . The $ 5 focaccia from the Liguria Bakery , wonderful . The ladies wrapping your bread in paper and tying up with string . Peeking back into history ; with the the oven in the in the back of the bakery over a 100 yrs old . Priceless .
Next should be a espresso at Cafe Graffeo .

[PorkyBelly]

@Chowseeker1999

Would you say Cockscomb for Lunch is worth going? It looks like a much shorter menu, but it’s also one of the restaurants people are recommending here open for Lunch and potentially fast enough for a 1.5 hour block or so.

I wanted to wait until after my dinner at in situ to answer this. I had one of my best meals in awhile there (review shortly) and would recommend it for lunch over cockscomb with two caveats:

1. It isn’t cheap, expect to pay around 100pp for lunch.
2. The menu changes often and while my dinner last night was amazing, my lunch there a few months ago was good to very good.
   WSJ: Chef Corey Lee’s Imitation Game - #12 by PorkyBelly - San Francisco Bay Area - Food Talk Central
   WSJ: Chef Corey Lee’s Imitation Game - #14 by PorkyBelly - San Francisco Bay Area - Food Talk Central

[Chowseeker1999]

Hi @PorkyBelly,

Wow, very nice! Darn, now I have to rethink my lunch plans.

To clarify, I see a pic and it says “momofuku ssam bar”. Is this all at In Situ? Or are these from different restaurants you went to? Thanks.

[PorkyBelly]

@Chowseeker1999

To clarify, I see a pic and it says “momofuku ssam bar”. Is this all at In Situ? Or are these from different restaurants you went to? Thanks.

Yes, they’re all from in situ. Their whole thing/gimmick is to replicate famous dishes from around the world, all with the blessing from the original chef. They’re like a greatest hits cover band, and depending on who they cover, for example from last night, Amber, Daniel, Gion Sasaki, Au Pied de Cochon, Osteria Francescana, and Tickets, the results can be spectacular.

This Is America’s Most Original New Restaurant (Published 2016)

[robert]

They also have some local stuff from less famous places.

[Chowseeker1999]

Oh one other thing:

How long would Lunch take at In Situ? Thanks.

[Chowseeker1999]

@beefnoguy

If you make it to SF Chinatown somehow, pick up the signature Cantonese egg tart daan taat from Golden Gate Bakery. They’re expensive now, ~ $1.75 but it’s arguably the best around (though some will disagree). It’s hype but it’s also excellent. Go late towards closing, e.g. 7 pm ish on weeknight (they will still bake all day). Get one or two and eat at least one right when you buy it as nothing beats that experience. Do not go during the day, 1.25 hours wait easy or longer. Do call before going to make sure they are open, they can close without any advanced notice (because they can).

Hi @beefnoguy,

How about first thing in the morning when they open (8 a.m.)? Is the line also bad?

[ipsedixit]

@Chowseeker1999

How long would Lunch take at In Situ?

About 1.5 hours.

[ipsedixit]

@Chowseeker1999

How about first thing in the morning when they open (8 a.m.)? Is the line also bad?

Weekday mornings and surprisingly in my experience, weekdays between 2-3 p.m.

And before you go, make sure to check they are open.

By the way, not sure which hotel you’re staying at, but I always ask my concierge to have a box delivered to my room in the morning. Nothing like an egg tart wake-up call!

[robert]

In Situ also has a different menu in the lounge.

[PorkyBelly]

@PorkyBelly

I had one of my best meals in awhile there (review shortly)

And here it is

In situ - SFMOMA

[PorkyBelly]

@Chowseeker1999

How long would Lunch take at In Situ? Thanks.

I think you can get out in about 1.5 hours, just let the server know you’re on a schedule.

[beefnoguy]

Don’t know for sure about GGB. Probably not as bad as later in the day, lunchtime, or weekends. 8 am is not necessarily an indicator that they open on time, or will have the goods start coming out.

[js76wisco]

@Chowseeker1999

For the ice creams (I know it’s different), but how do they compare with the amazing gelatos of Bulgarini (and the stunning concentration of flavors)? Thanks!

For LA comparison Salt N Straw is heads and shoulders above Bi-Rite. Neither of which are as good as Bulgarini, especially the pistacchio when in season. I went to Bi-Rite 2 nights in a row after eating at Tartine and Delfina which are across the street from Bi-Rite. Bi-Rite certainly has most people beat on unique and fun flavor combinations but the ice cream does not hold its temperature very well and not as creamy as Salt and Straw. I would opt for confections and pastries at places like B Patisserie. I think SF does baked goods very well and more options closer in vicinity than LA.

[CeleryVictor]

I didn’t much care for the apps, salads, or sides, but Bobo’s steaks were some of the best I’ve ever had.

[catholiver]

You have a concierge at your hotel and I go down the hall to the bathroom where we stay

[Chowseeker1999]

Hi @PorkyBelly @BradFord @ipsedixit and all,

For B. Patisserie, are the must-try items still the Kouign Amann and Passionfruit Bostock? I was thinking that might be part of the visit if I can squeeze that in.

[PorkyBelly]

I haven’t tried the bostock, but yes get a pair of kouigns, or 4.

[Chowseeker1999]

I’m drooling! Thanks.