JayTee

Went to Bix a few months back for a much-welcomed night out (with two small kids, its hard for us to escape for a nice meal these days) and we enjoyed both the ambience and the food. The Potato Pillows with Creme Fraiche were a highlight, as were the Crab rolls with brioche and meyer lemon mayonnaise. If you're looking for a classic romantic experience (Dark interior, luxurious seating) Bix does have that. Due to its layout (2 floors with open center up to the ceiling), it can get noisy however. Funny side story: as we were getting ready to leave and I was writing out the tip on the bill, my wife suddenly kicks me under the table. HARD. I look up with a bewildered yelp about to form when I catch her eyes directing me to look at the corner booth next to us. And who should have just been seated but Mayor Newsom, his girlfriend (Jennifer Siebel) and two other folks. To think I almost blurted out loudly, "What was that for?" (with possibly some other choice words included).

Actually, Paxti's also has a location in Palo Alto, off of University Avenue. I believe this is the original site (SF being opened earlier this year)

It appears on Friday that they were churning out batches and as soon as they were done with a batch, the next set of choux were not quite ready to be filled. I went towards the end of the day on Friday, and I got there right in the middle of one of those lulls. They then determined that the next batch was ready, and out came a bunch of happy folks with their boxes of puffs. I had to wait through 2 cycles before I got my pack.

We went to Ti Couz with our (then) 8 month old daughter, and she sat happily on our laps taking nibbles out of the food we ordered, along with bites of the food we brought her. That being said, we did rush through our meal to make sure she wouldn't get upset and bother the other patrons. Any recommendations for restaurants that work for the children on the younger end of the spectrum? our daughter is now 10 months old, and I miss frequenting the SF restaurant scene. she's usually very good, but i don't want to go to places where a child would be frowned on or seem out of place either.

I checked a month back, and it was not open yet. There wasn't a sign or anything either indicating when it would be open. Since its sunny, maybe I'll take a walk by there today. I first tried these in New York, on the Upper West Side. I can't wait until it opens up.

Kabuto would have to be among our favorite sushi places in SF. IF you range further afield, we really like Sushi Sam's in San Mateo, although the last time we went the fish did not seem very fresh at all. Also saw that Kabuto will be changing ownership at the end of this month. The following is a snippet from Grace Ann Walden's column in the SF Chron: =========================== Sept. 1 will be a sad day for fans of chef Sachio Kojima of Kabuto A&S Sushi (5121 Geary Blvd., near 16th Avenue) in the Richmond District. He has sold the business to Jinsoo Kim and Eric Cho, who own Ariake Japanese Restaurant, just a block away at 5041 Geary Blvd. (at 14th Avenue). Until Aug. 31, Kojima will be training Kim's and Cho's chefs in his style. Last year Kojima gave up his lease at his popular Japanese restaurant and moved it across the street to a smaller space. The idea was to downscale and operate the new place with his wife and children. Now Kojima plans to move about five hours north of San Francisco, near Mount Shasta. He said his wife, Ayako, who has cancer, needs to drink pure water, and that that area has it in abundance. In the early 20th century, travelers came to the region to "take the waters" from the many springs. Kojima plans to open a small sushi bar there. Kim, one of Kabuto's new owners, is an experienced sushi chef, having worked for seven years at Ebisu in the Sunset. He also has cooked French and Japanese cuisine for many years. He says the partners plan to close the restaurant for just a short time, reopening in early September and keeping Kojima's style. Dinner will be served nightly except Sunday; lunch might be added later. Currently, Kabuto is open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Tuesday. ===========================

I recently went back to EOS after not having been there for about 2 years. They've moved to more of a small plate concept, which pairs nicely with their wine offerings. They do flights of wines, which allow you to sample 3 different vintages. And always, their famous bananamisu is very tasty. If they are not foodies but like a more of a raucous atmosphere, there's always Cha Cha Cha at the end of the Haight near Golden Gate Park. Although in rereading your post, it sounds like you'd like to treat him to something more upscale than that. I have heard good things about RNM, but have not had a chance to go there yet.

it does appear to be on Amazon, actually. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...=books&n=507846 although I have a *little* issue with his claim in the first book in the book description (I am geographically biased, after all): what, no love for the San Francisco Bay Area?

Yes, I noticed that the last time I walked around in that area. I walked up to the people, thinking they were planning to reopen Yank Sing at the old location, now that they had finished the new construction, but they were just handing out maps and directions to the other locations.

Just wanted to update with the fact that we finally made it out to the "new" Kabuto A&S and i have to say i had one of the most DELICIOUS sushi meals i've had in a long time! the wife and i were attempting to savor the taste still as we were driving home. we were in SF for the day, and decided to head out that way. when we got there, we managed to slide right into the bar (we must have hit the timing in between waves) because by the time we left, there was a long wait. i don't remember Kabuto having this much variety in terms of fish offerings. Chef Kojima actually had 4 different types of tuna on the menu (yellowfin, bluefin, big-eye, and fatty) plus a special on escolar (MMMM!). Unfortunately they were out of a few other specials, such as wahoo, which the chef said was very good as well. maybe next time. not only was the fish melt-in-your-mouth tasty, I also noticed that they paid very close attention to their sushi rice there, it wasn't too sticky, as some places make it especially when making it very quickly. it stuck together well but when you ate it, the rice petals separated nicely. there is also a list of rolls that come in a special menu. and we're not talking about the usual dragon roll, butterfly roll, etc. It seems like they've unleashed their creativity and just tried to come up with various combinations, some more out-of-the-box than others. We tried the recommended Ceviche roll, which was halibut with a type of salsa on top, drizzled with citrus, and placed on a rice roll on top of a fried seaweed wrapper. Very delish.

Unfortunately, both have taken a downward slide in the past few years, IMO. Harbor Village is still ok, but I did not have a good experience the last time I went. I noticed the dim sum was not being served at a nice, hot temperature (and we went relatively early). Also, some of my usual staples were not up to their previous par at HV. Yank Sing has raised its prices since it made its main location the Rincon Center one. My three friends (not knowing anything about dim sum) somehow managed to spend $150 on a dim sum meal there! still not sure exactly what they ordered. However, from a quality standpoint, the food there is still outstanding and I like the fact that they attempt to provide a larger selection by being "less" authentic.

This probably belongs in a separate thread, but since someone mentioned Morrone . . . Anyone raring to check out his new restaurant, Tartare? I hear it is holding its opening on July 14th.

This is a bit older, but I don't get around to Los Angeles as much anymore: Does anyone know what happened to Benita's Frites? My favorite place to get Belgian fries, it was first at the Santa Monica Promenade, and then picked up to move over to Universal Citywalk when that area expanded. Last I heard, it was gone from Citywalk. Any idea why? or maybe if it has reappeared somewhere else? Hollywood Fries wasn't as good, and unfortunately, even that has closed.

My favorite Thai place in SF is Khan Toke, on Geary and 24th. Part of it is the atmosphere, as they make you take off your shoes and sit at low tables, but the food is quite good. I never have been to Marnee Thai, although I used to live nearby; the reason why is that everytime we passed by, there was a long line out the door, which is an indicator of its popularity. If you do make it out there, they are known for their angel wings. I live near the Union City location. There was also a Jollibee near Moscone Center, but that has apparently closed now. Its fast food with a Filipino twist, more or less. They serve Fried Chicken, Burgers, and Spaghetti. Very very greasy. Not sure what you're looking for, but if you want somewhat more "authentic" Filipino fast food, Goldilocks is a better bet, as they serve lumpia, pancit, and of course, diniguan.

Megc, I've been to both Cactus on Solano and Cactus on College. Cactus on College is newer and is on a very gourmet block (across the street from Oliveto). Maybe its just the environment, but we like eating at the Cactus on College more. Ahhh. . .Intermezzo. Whenever I got sick of eating Fat Slice and other greasy food, this is the place where I thought I could go to "clean" my system. Although my favorite whenever I go back to Berkeley, is to go to IB Hoagies and get their Chili Cheese Fries. mmmmmmmmm.

Cancun Taqueria is right next to the campus on the University Avenue side (West) at Allston and Shattuck. Very yummy, and love their salsa bar. A little farther out in Rockridge (need car), is where the wife and I like to go: Cactus Taqueria on College Ave. Its more gringo, but they have a really good fish taco plate.

Actually I didn't find Santana Row to be all that bad. There are definitely a lot of restaurants that I'd like to try out on a second visit -- the stores are another matter -- too rich for my blood. :) My recommendation would be to check out Pizza Antica in Santana Row. Its co-owned by Gordon Drysdale, formerly of Gordon's House of Fine Eats in SF. The pizza is thin crispy crust, quite delicious. And if its the right season, they supposedly serve some of the best pork tenderloin I've ever had (I had it at GHFE).

Megc, I've been to Yum-Yum Fish (used to live near UCSF) -- love the freshness of the fish, but I just haven't had the opportunity to go back. We actually bought sashimi from them and threw a DIY sushi party of our own . . .ah. . .good memories. I'll definitely have to check out your other recommendations, Sushi Zone and Minami. Thanks!

Sara, If you want to venture a little further from Union Square, check out Blowfish Sushi or Ace Wasabi. Both places are open fairly late I believe (Blowfish is open until midnight). As for sushi, Blowfish is pretty good, additionally they have a huge selection of appetizers and rolls. I have not been to Ace Wasabi, but a few friends have recommended it.

Hollywood Fries was a decent substitute, although I don't think they used the same type of oil that Benita's Frites and other Frites places use (probably trying to be more healthy) but I was told by a friend that it is no longer there. Diddy Reese still is there and very yummy -- can't believe how little their cookies cost.

Can't find it anymore, but everytime I used to visit LA I'd make a stop at Benita's Frites. Used to be at Santa Monica Promenade, then moved to Universal Citywalk, last I heard it had closed there and had not reopened. It was the first place I experienced true pommes frites at, and had some great dipping sauce choices too. *sigh*

Ah yes, we really like Kabuto too, but we haven't had a chance to go back since they've opened up in the new location. Sounds like that hasn't had any effect on the quality of food there. Thanks!

*first post* So jazzed to be posting here and meeting all of you. Although I'm located in the Bay Area, I did not find this site until I took a trip to New York last week and found Timeout NY recommending eGullet as a great place for foodies to mingle. Anyways, my first question (didn't see anything previously posted, hope i'm not repeating) is if anyone has any sushi recommendations for the Bay Area? The wife and I love sushi and we've eaten at quite a few joints, but we're looking for fresh and tasty nigiri and sashimi. We're not as big on fancy rolls or anything like that. Our favorite is a place in San Mateo, Sushi Sam's. Anyone care to recommend their favorite? Thanks!