Malik

I like R & G Lounge at 631 Kearny, which is a Cantonese restaurant. I've only had dinner there, so I don't know what they do at lunchtime. The upstairs dining room is nicer, though I believe they have the same menu upstairs and dowstairs.

I read the Departures article, and thought that they chose some pretty good places for an article written (I assume) by a non local writer. I haven't been to rnm yet, but I have gone to a few of the other places mentioned in the article. Fleur de Lys: I first went there 4 years ago and I loved it. I went back last year soon after then reopened, and while I had a very good meal, I was not overly impressed. I think in the same category, Gary Danko is a far superior choice, and is actually slightly less expensive. Andalu: Unlike a lot of people, I like Andalu. I've always had good meals there, and am very fond of the Ahi Tuna Tacos as well as the Gremolata Fries. In three or four visits, I've never been disappointed, and it's one of the better small plates restaurant I've been to (a notch below Chez Nous and A Cote, and a notch above Isa and Bacar). Piperade: Only ate there once, and was quite happy with the food. Definitely on my list of restaurants to go back to. The wine list is quite interesting, I had a very nice tempranillo based Basque wine. Slanted Door: I've only been there once, back when they were still in the Mission. Very good food, but I didn't think it was worth the reservation hassle. I'd like to try the Embarcadero location sometime. Ozumo: Really good modern Japanese restaurant, though a bit expensive. They have really good small plates, but I was not quite as impressed with the sushi. Limon: Wonderful little modern Peruvian restaurant. One of the best ceviche I've had, and the menu is very reasonably priced. I definitely plan to go back there very soon. Tartine Bakery: A bit expensive for a bakery, but well worth it. Wonderful pastries and breakfast items (I like to go there for brunch on weekends). Their hot chocolate is the best I've had in San Francisco, it's made from Scharffen Berger chocolate, and has a rich chocolate flavor without being overly sweet or milky.

I don't think the Amazon sale on the Riedel glasses is that great. For example, the Vinum Extreme Bordeaux are $72 for 4, which is what I paid when I bought mine (I got them from Winestuff). Similarly, the Ouverture Magnum are $24 for 4, also what I paid for mine a while ago. I find that one gets much better value on Spieglau. For example, the Riedel Overture Magnum sell for $6 a glass, and they're a relatively simple non-crystal offering. When Amazon had their great Spieglau sale in September, one could get the Authentis Bordeaux and Burgundy stems for $5 each. Those are really nice crystal glasses that are meant to compete with the Vinum Extreme line. I've since decided to stop buying Riedel and stock up on Spieglau instead.