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Back when I lived on the east coast, my friend Cliff used to wax nostalgic about a place called Pauline’s. He said they had the best pizza in San Francisco, possibly in California, and one of the...
Back when I lived on the east coast, my friend Cliff used to wax nostalgic about a place called Pauline’s. He said they had the best pizza in San Francisco, possibly in California, and one of the top 5 best in the country, so when I moved to SF last year, I made a beeline to 14th and Valencia to check it out. Cliff was right. Their pizza is amazing.
The cheese, sauce and crust can all stand tall on their own, but the experience is made all the more exciting by the addition of toppings featuring fresh, local, all-organic meat and produce that run the gamut from the traditional to the exotic.
Daily specials include offerings like wild flower pizza, a meat special featuring all kinds of organic sausages and a vegetarian option that always goes above and beyond ho-hum peppers-mushrooms-onions. The décor is thoughtful, clean and lovely –think French countryside – perfect for an afternoon lunch with friends and family or a sweet little date spot.
The prices are a bit above the average pizza place, but then, this isn’t the average pizza place.
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Last Supper Club has achieved the seemingly impossible -- offering a delicious, quality Sunday brunch with a nice atmosphere and no line -- in the Mission! No small feat. If you've ever tried to...
Last Supper Club has achieved the seemingly impossible -- offering a delicious, quality Sunday brunch with a nice atmosphere and no line -- in the Mission! No small feat. If you've ever tried to have brunch at any of the 'hoods hotspots, you know of what I speak.
The menu isn't large, but the orange juice is fresh-squeezed, the coffee gourmet and entrees thoughtful, quality and well-prepared. Try one of their scrambles (the spinach, tomato and fontina cheese served with a side of herbed potatoes was very good.) They also have zuchinni, fennel, and another dish called "Eggs in Pergatory" featuring spiced chickpeas and parmesan toast. Prices average around $9.50
There is plenty of seating, and a decor that smacks of an Italian country house (complete with fountain). If you save room and are feeling especially decadent, you can indulge in one of their authentic, old-school Italian desserts.
Located on the corner of 23rd and Valencia
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I stumbled onto the Beach Chalet while showing some friends from DC around Ocean Beach, and I can't wait to bring my family when they come visit this summer.
The menu is solid pub fare -- a nice...
I stumbled onto the Beach Chalet while showing some friends from DC around Ocean Beach, and I can't wait to bring my family when they come visit this summer.
The menu is solid pub fare -- a nice mix of salads, sandwiches and entrees, plus a yummy selection of hand-crafted beers.
But the real draw is the view... one entire wall is a floor to ceiling picture window offering a perfect vista of the ocean.
There's also a downstairs bar and back patio that often features live jazz, blues and "surf" music. Check out their website for a full schedule of upcoming events: http://www.beachchalet.com
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Hwa Rang Kwon is a marital arts studio in the heart of SOMA run by Brit and ex-rock star photograher-turned-Tae Kwon Do Master Steve Rappaport. The studio features two workout spaces where Master...
Hwa Rang Kwon is a marital arts studio in the heart of SOMA run by Brit and ex-rock star photograher-turned-Tae Kwon Do Master Steve Rappaport. The studio features two workout spaces where Master Steve and other great instructors teach both kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do, offer personal training, yoga and workout equipment.
Master Steve is a lovely, humble and caring guy who will work you like a drill sergeant and then give you a hug. He's a stickler for form and movement and classes are small (6-10 people) so you get lots of thoughtful, individual attention and feedback.
Joining HRK is like getting a surrogate family. It's a true community, complete with occassional potlucks and other fun get togethers.
Definitely worth checking out!
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Julius' Castle in Telegraph Hill is a historic old house-turned-elegant fine dining restaurant, that retains most of its original decor and architecture.
It's a little pricey, special occasion...
Julius' Castle in Telegraph Hill is a historic old house-turned-elegant fine dining restaurant, that retains most of its original decor and architecture.
It's a little pricey, special occasion kind of place, but the wine selection is formidable, and the food is top-notch (the Ahi Tuna and Wild Rice Rissoto were both great and the Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brûle and the Pear Charlotte desserts are to die for)
Best of all, many of the restaurants sweet little tables are situated in front of bay windows offering stunning views of Telegraph Hill and the surrounding area....and since the dining room is on the top floor, you have a great vantage point.
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Ti Couz, Ti couz...I've a soft spot in my heart for this place and not just because I had my first unofficial date with my now b-friend there when we stumbled in because the wait at the Pork Store...
Ti Couz, Ti couz...I've a soft spot in my heart for this place and not just because I had my first unofficial date with my now b-friend there when we stumbled in because the wait at the Pork Store was too long. I fell in love at first site (with the crepes...and the boy.)
I've since returned for several outtings with some of my fave San Francisco women, one of which was the unwitting start to a messy night that ended at Elixir for pub quiz (see said posting.)
Thankfully the food is always the perfect balance of light and filling -- crepes are not too heavy and the amount of stuff in the middle is perfect. They have both meal and dessert-type offerings, as well as lots of great salads.
The drink specials here are always amazing -- some exotic concoction of alcohol and passion fruit puree, sangrias and other fun libations that make an afternoon or night out with the ladies like a 21st century tea party -- only better.
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Elixir
Category:
Bars
3200 16th St
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 552-1633
Elixir is a decent little neighborhood bar. It's a solid, hanging out, beer-drinking bar (which, I have to say, are few and far between in San Francisco compared to other places I've lived.) No...
Elixir is a decent little neighborhood bar. It's a solid, hanging out, beer-drinking bar (which, I have to say, are few and far between in San Francisco compared to other places I've lived.) No frou frou drinks here. You don't have to be a Mission hipster to get served (although you'll definitely spot a few while you're there) and if you were to order a PBR here it's because you actually like the taste, although their offerings are pretty varied and usually feature some interesting German and Belgian names.
Best of all: on Tuesday nights, they have pub quiz. So grab some smarty-pants friends, some drinkin' hats and go vie for a free round -- or several. (First prize is a $30 tab, if memory serves, although the memory is usually pretty fuzzy by the end of the night.)
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This little place to see and be seen by the boys of the Castro is tucked away on the corner of 16th and Market, kept incognito by the flower-covered trellis that rings the outdoor patio. Although...
This little place to see and be seen by the boys of the Castro is tucked away on the corner of 16th and Market, kept incognito by the flower-covered trellis that rings the outdoor patio. Although it's right in the heart of the Castro, you hardly notice the hustle and flow, thanks to the aforementioned patio that smacks more of Florence or Provence than downtown SF.
The food - a nice mix of salads, sandwiches and entrees -- is solid, and they have one of the best (homemade) veggie burgers in the city -- all the more delectable when dressed with Flor's housemade ketchup. Soooo good.
There's a seperate espresso bar serving all manner of drinks and sweet snacks. The only drawback: it can get a bit tedious when you discover you have to wait in two lines - one for food and one for drink.
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Okay, so it might be a chain (there are 49 around the country) and unless you live in North Beach or on Telegraph Hill it's a bit of a hike (on the Embarcadero across from Pier 31), but here here...
Okay, so it might be a chain (there are 49 around the country) and unless you live in North Beach or on Telegraph Hill it's a bit of a hike (on the Embarcadero across from Pier 31), but here here are several reasons to love this American Steakhouse:
1. They compost
2. They get lots of their food from local vendors, including their hamburger buns and rosemary bread, delivered fresh every morning from Acme Bread Co in the Ferry Building.
3. They have the BEST veggie burgers around. Even my carnivorous friends crave them. For real. Also good: the crispy, shoestring fries, grilled artichokes and tuna sashimi salad made with mango and avocado. The meat-eaters around me also recommend the french dip and the barbeque pork ribs.
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This classic Italian bakery is a sweet-tooth's mecca, a visual orgy of yummy yummy goodness. They have an amazing selection of homemade, gourmet cookies and great pastries - my favorite is the...
This classic Italian bakery is a sweet-tooth's mecca, a visual orgy of yummy yummy goodness. They have an amazing selection of homemade, gourmet cookies and great pastries - my favorite is the chocolate croissant -- and good coffee. A great place for a brunchie-style weekend treat or a must when you're looking the perfect thing to bring to that dinner party.
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