runabout

Thanks to all of you with suggestions for my meeting. We actually ended up at Alborz on Van Ness. It was convienent for the woman I was meeting. I have only eaten at one Persian restaurant before and I had kabobs. To me, going for a kabob is about the same as going for a burger... I have eaten many many homecooked meals prepared by a Persian and often it would include some amazing taddig. I ordered Fesenjoon with taddig at Alborz. I have never had fesenjoon before so I have no frame of reference for the dish. I found it very tasty. The taddig was nothing like what I was use to and was a major disappointment. All of the rice was dried out and tough. I have been served homestyle taddig that had big fluffy grains of basmati with only the top layer of grains golden and crunchy but not dried and tough. Perhaps it is a regional difference? The service was a bit stiff and not at all like the warmth I would expect from a Persian host. I doubt I'll return for seconds. Next time I'll stick to the egullet referrals! Did stop in at Citizen Cake for a wonderful dessert! Thanks much to all. Clara

Thanks for all the suggestions, you folks are fabulous. Any area of the city is fine. I tend to get stuck in central SF. I don't have the budget to eat out like a proper San Franciscan, and so I often am not aware of what is going on. The Shnitzel House sounds like a good time, but maybe for a different dining companion. Woodward has always been put up as a romantic restaurant and I am not intending to give off that vibe... : ) Will investigate Hawthorne Lane. We were planning a dinner meeting to allow open ended time. I know it is too pricey for that, but we may be able to work a lunch...

Hi, I am not what one could call a "foodie," but I would like to find an inxpensive place with a nice feel about it, good decor and food that is tasty, worth remembering, but not expensive, say about $20 per person for main plus a glass of wine... Not interested in sushi, seafood or fish as the focus, but otherwise am wide open. I have a meeting with someone (not romantic) that I want to make a particular impression upon. An inexpensive restaurant with a nice decor, quiet enough to have a conversation of considerable importance, with waitstaff that knows when and how often to approach, a decent wine list, and if possible, a place with either history or an offbeat or unusual flair. Have I asked too much? Oh, in SF proper. I don't want to fall into ending up at the "in" spot that everyone goes to. Kind of looking for something that may impress as a "find." Thanks very much!