Dateology

True Blue Friday

Frederick and I met for breakfast today.  We had planned to dine at Canteen--one of my favorite breakfast spots but when we got there, we learned it no longer serves breakfast; the Commodore hotel in which it resides was recently converted to a dorm for the Academy of Arts and the restaurant lost the regularly stream of breakfast patrons.

I stood there, completely disappointed. I had taken the week off to get my life in order; get things organized, do things I've been wanting to do--like a Friday morning breakfast with a friend--and there I was. Standing outside in the cold San Francisco morning, not knowing where to go next.

This feeling, of now knowing where to go or what to do next has been a constant companion ever since I moved to San Francisco. Every neighborhood has its obvious places, but the best places are hidden in small hotels or on street corners you wouldn't normally see. Frederick and I were standing at an invisible intersection between lower Nob-Hill, upper Tenderloin, and the edge of downtown--not a fancy spot by anyone's account and one I knew very little about as far as food was concerned.

We ended up a few blocks down the hill, almost at the Tenderloin, at the famous Dotty's True Blue Cafe. After 15 minutes outside in the line, we were seated at one of about 7 tables from which we could watch the chef/cool flip thick pieces of French Toast on the grill. The place is small and warm, the staff is warm and efficient.  The place has a distinct blend of current pace and 40's decor. The floor has original brown pattern tile work and the walls are covered with posters of Dorothy Dandridge--the first African American to win an academy award.  Frederick ordered fresh pancakes which were topped with a mound of fresh cut fruit. I had the Open Road special with poached eggs that were done just perfectly right. The food is nothing to rave about, but it hit the spot.

Good to know:
-If you're by yourself, go in and see if there's an available seat at the counter. That way you don't have to wait in the long line outside.
-On some orders that come with pancakes, you can ask for 1/2 order of pancake and 1/2 french toast. I like mine with maple sauce and a side of sour cream.

Note the fresh loafs of bread above the fridge (behind the counter)...they were so fresh you could smell them!

Oh yes- make sure you leave plenty of time for a nap!

522 Jones Street
(at Geary St & Ofarrell St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 885-2767

Enjoy!

Restaurant review: Zazie

Zazie is one of my favorite breakfast/brunch spots. It features French inspired dishes, comfort taste brought up a notch above average, nice service and a neighborhood feel. What really sets this place apart is its outdoor patio (with heaters!) where, once seated, it doesn't really matter that the potatoes are three-times baked, OJ is not fresh-squeezed, the coffee is bad, and that you waited outside in line for 45 minutes.

Highlights: We had the La Mer- poached eggs, fresh pulled crab, and avocado over English muffin (hold the hollandaise) and pancakes with fruit and creme fraiche (ask for it). We then walked over to Haight street and shopped at the funky shoe stores.

Overall: Come with good company on a sunny day and everything is going to be just fine.

941 Cole Street
(In Cole Valley)
San Francisco, CA 94117

Enjoy!

Restaurant review: California Culinary Academy of San Francisco

The other day I joined a group of friends for an annual ritual--a buffet lunch at the California Culinary Academy.

As part of their training, up and coming chefs and restaurateurs work the enormous kitchen and dining room at the Academy at lunch time during the week. On evenings, the Academy serves Prix Fixe menu.

Expect a dizzying array of crafty appetizers elegantly displayed in the center of the room, warm main courses including seared tuna with mango chutney, seared scallops and shrimp over rice, rare beef in mustard sauce, lamb skewers, and creative soups to be served by the people who made them that very same day.  The day I was there, it seemed that everyone was practicing using molds--from colorful (molded than sliced thin) appetizers to (molded than cut into shapes) desserts.

The highlight of my visit: warm bread pudding with cherries, creme fraiche, topped with a baked meringue.

Overall: A memorable way to explore San Francisco in two or more, have all you can eat gourmet lunch, and play a food critic for a day--in a place that actually appreciates the feedback.

625 Polk Street @ Eddy
San Francisco, CA
415-771-3500

Enjoy!