Almost everyone has been to San Francisco a number of times, so I am not going to describe the City by the Bay – rather, in this short article, I will offer a few dining suggestions which will enhance any visit. As you know, San Francisco is an exciting destination, with a number of the nation’s top restaurants covering a multitude of cuisines and price points. Here is where we ate on our last visit.
This was a brief trip – just an early morning Saturday flight up from San Diego and a late evening Sunday flight back. A short stay, but what a great time, with a wonderful variety of dining experiences.
From the airport we went directly to the Palace Hotel, the pre-eminent San Francisco landmark for over 100 years. After checking in, we confirmed our reservation for breakfast/brunch at The Garden Court. This spectacular setting is one of the most beautiful rooms anywhere, with classic chandeliers, a ceiling of stained glass, large round tables spaced comfortably apart, and palm trees scattered throughout. I had my favorite breakfast of Eggs Benedict and Orange Juice, but there also is a full buffet available. Yes, The Garden Court is a bit expensive, but with great service, excellent food, and a fabulous setting, it definitely is worth it to splurge!
After perusing the boutiques around Union Square, we taxied to Swan Oyster Depot for a late afternoon treat. Swan’s is another San Francisco institution, having been in business for almost 100 years. The setting is the opposite of the Palace Hotel – just a narrow, nondescript room with a counter, some 21 bar stools, and a long line waiting to get in. Of the various times that we have been to Swan’s, our average wait was over 30 minutes (you definitely need to allow for this). However, once seated, the fun begins. Oysters on the half shell and a beer are all we ever order, but we order several helpings with different oyster varieties. Other guests partake of their crab, shrimp, lobster, and clam chowder dishes. I happily recommend Swan Oyster Depot for an intriguing experience and a chance to savor a unique part of the San Francisco dining world.
The next day, after our morning Starbuck’s (one on every corner), we went to Yank Sing for Dim Sum (as I remember from Hong Kong) or Deem Sum (as they display it). You are in a casual Chinese restaurant, but one which has a James Beard Award, a Zagat rating, and a Michelin Guide commentary. Just peruse the dishes as they come by on the carts and select what appeals to you. A marvelous selection of delectable Chinese hors d’oeurves, all reasonably priced – until you get the final bill and find that you have ordered twenty wonderful selections at $5 each! A great taste treat, but do not let your eyes overpower your stomach.
Finally, I wanted to offer one other suggestion for a casual evening which we have enjoyed several times – Morton’s Steakhouse. It’s just off Union Square and offers the usual presentation of huge servings of beef and accoutrements. However, while we do partake of the formal meal, on this occasion we sat at the bar off the main dining room and ordered Lobster Bisque followed by Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. This is one of the best combinations ever, in our view. A truly wonderful meal in elegant surroundings -- casual but refined (!) – and about 1/3 the cost of the protein-carbo packed main courses! Give it a try – it’s a great way to visit Morton’s.
Obviously there is much more to San Francisco than described above, but this may give you a flavor of a most enjoyable brief weekend visit.
To Additional Adventures in Healthy Living,
Jimmy Tee
Jimmy Tee
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