I’ll admit it - I’m obsessed. Addicted, in fact. Because I’ve never once - NOT EVEN ONE SINGLE TIME - been disappointed in my meal here.

Sigh. I’m making myself hungry already.

Before I moved to San Francisco, I wasn’t a Thai aficionado. Yet upon moving to Union/Van Ness, I sampled Lemongrass within my first month here and was hooked. Afraid that I was perhaps being hasty in declaring it my FAVORITE THAI EVER, I decided to look around and test out the competition. Little Thai (often regaled as a fave) failed miserably, especially in the coconut soup (Tom Kha Ghai). Thai Spice, further up the street on Polk, also suffered an embarrassing loss. Every place I tried couldn’t meet up to the flavor, price or selection of Lemongrass. They master the “basics” like Pad Thai and take their curries to an enviable level of awesomeness. Poh Pier Sod is a tasty appetizer and, as mentioned above, their coconut chicken (or tofu) soup is definitely the best in the city. Read the rest of this entry »

1 Comment »

I have high expectations for sushi; after all, we live in San Francisco. So unless you want Wal-Mart quality at Neiman Marcus prices, stay away from this overpriced “gem.”

To note: We went on a Tuesday night around 9pm; there were two four-tops available. However, they made us wait as they wanted to keep them open for the veritable throng of customers they were expecting. (Unlikely, since they close at 10pm.) The staff took rude and discourteous to a new level, acting snippy when we asked if we could perhaps sit in one of the open tables instead of waiting. Upon us explaining (after they said no and we waited for five more minutes) that we would be going elsewhere since they clearly couldn’t accommodate two hungry ladies, they begrudgingly offered us one of the tables and proceeded to hover the entire time, rush us through the ordering and food delivery process. Entire time of order to delivery of sushi: five minutes. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

I’m on the fence. It’s local, it’s (relatively) easy to get a table, but both the service and the food are mediocre. That said, I find myself coming back here more than I’d expect.

Must be the location. Or the hunger. Because it certainly isn’t the food.

People rave about the French Onion soup. I hate onions, so can’t weigh in. Their meatballs ARE good but don’t warrant their “famous” status as posted on the Wednesday Prix Fixe menu. Their butternut squash soup lacks chutzpah, and their salads are only so-so.

I’ve also had mixed experiences with the wait staff - even the same person. On one occasion, i nearly walked out, put off by the heavily-accented waitress’ holier-than-thou attitude; the next time I was “lucky” enough to sit in her section again and she couldn’t have been nicer. Bipolar disorder, perhaps.

Three stars seems a bit inflated for my negative comments above, but I’m adding the third as a badge of encouragement. Rex Cafe, I hope improvements lie ahead; otherwise, you’ve officially lost a customer.

2323 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 441-2244

No Comments »

No Comments »

Two words: CRAB DOUGHNUTS! Succulent crab meat wrapped lovingly in fried dough….I could die happy. OK, but on the menu they call them “crab beignets”…know this, or they’ll look at you funny for ordering crab doughnuts. They have a Dungeness Crab menu going on right now, and it’s pretty good. Goes really well with the Alsatian white wine flight…that is, if you like gewurtztrameeners and reesleengs…wine so sweet it calls you “sugar tits.” Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

You don’t have to be a purveyor of fine spirits to appreciate a good drink. And that’s what you’ll find at The Alembic. Actually, you’ll find a masterfully crafted, excellent drink made by a bartender who has actually been trained on his art. Because, whether you’ve known this before now or not, concocting drinks IS an art. And the bartenders here - let’s just say they’d put Picasso to the test.

They’ve changed the menu a few times since they’ve been open, but even before I lived in the area, I was cabbing and busing it over to the upper haight to enjoy their beverages. Sure, they’re pricey, but you get what you’re paying for. You wouldn’t buy a diamond ring at Wal-Mart, after all.

The food - mostly small plates - hits the spot. On nights when I’m not ravenous, I opt for the french fries (and not only because they’re my 2nd favorite food, right behind grilled cheese.) There are larger options available as well. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

I’ll admit it - I’m going to be biased here. My favorite food is grilled cheese and they offer it in petite little darling bites of fantasticness replete with a tomato-soup dipping sauce.

Oh, grilled cheese, if only you were a boy, I would SO propose to you. Like, right now.

But alas, you’re just my solace for a cold SF night and for that, I’m grateful.

They offer other small, share-able plates as well…mini sliders, an ahi tuna dish that requires all of my willpower NOT to lick the plate afterwards, and zucchini fries that my friends seem to adore a bit more than I do. That’s ok, I’m too busy mentally making out with the grilled cheese.

Nestled in the heart of The Castro on Market Street, the decor inside is a bit off-putting as it feels like it should have a conveyor-belt sushi machine in the bar. The music - often chosen by staff - makes up for the dim lighting and bizarre televisions set in aforementioned bar. But the staff is helpful, friendly, and - dare I do it!? I shall! - the grilled cheese, to die for.

Not a place you’d want to go every day, but a great dinner stop before you hit Lucky 13 across the street. See ya there.

2247 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-5256

No Comments »

I’m not a Marina girl. I’m never going to BE a Marina girl. In fact, I choose to stray away from the Marina if at all possible. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some redeeming qualities…namely, the food.

Circa is a good - not great - restaurant unfortunately situated in a part of town famous for cocky guys sporting popped collars and over-coiffed girls trying too hard. (Blanket generalization, I know. Apologies. It’s how I see it.) Taking over the old Cozmo’s space, it looks somewhat the same inside but has a swankier vibe and a much tastier menu. The grilled cheese bites were phenomenal (disclaimer: grilled cheese is my favorite food!) and the Ahi Tuna was so good we had to order another one. (Ok, it was also a VERY small plate, so that factored into it as well.) I also ate here during Taste of the Town and my fish was cooked perfectly and the dessert…let’s keep it relatively clean and say “orgasmic”.

This is a big improvement from Cozmo’s; I won’t be dining here THAT frequently based on location (and clientele), but would be willing to trade a little Cheeze for some (grilled) cheese any day.

No Comments »