I finally got a chance to try Patxi’s last weekend.

I will have to say – from the moment we walked in – until we left – the service and attention they offered balanced any minor challenges we experienced due to the abundance of screaming kids that night.

One of the things I liked right off the top was that in addition to a vegetarian option -they also offer dairy free “cheese” for those for whom dairy may be an issue. I blogged about the Daiya brand line of cheese and its one that I often use at home and its the same one they use at P for those not wanting the real stuff.

On this visit we went full out and got full cheese. Ordering the Matt Cain and the BBQ chicken. Both were good – I tend to not like sweet style pizza sauces that San Francisco shops favor, so the smokiness and bite of the jalapeños on the BBQ chicken one ended up as my preferred version.

I think when we go again I will need my red pepper flakes to balance the sweetness. But over all great food, and even greater staff.

Especially the ever sexy Erik who worked the front bar with all the skill one should have when one is the first you see.

Patxi’s Pizza

4042 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94114
b/t Noe St & Castro St in Noe Valley
Get Directions
Phone number (415) 285-2001
Business website: http://www.patxispizza.com

Great meal and service last night. Love the fact that the waiter didn’t have to be told we are on our way to see a play and just initiated that he would let the chefs in the kitchen know after he placed our order.

Both the appetizers and the entrées selected came out hot, rich and flavorful.

I opted for the duck entrée which I have to say had all the meaty flavor of a steak but truth be told, its power overme was the bed of ingredients that the duck lies on. The “roll around on” could have been a great meal in itself- pieces of cauliflower, herbs, greens and fiddleheads just excells. The steak and chips – always a good classic and of course the ever solid cassoulet; which is always a favorite; rich and creamy with its melting succulent meats and beans blending a nice smoky flavor dish.

Sausage flatbread & octopus salad started us off. Here the octopus shined and really was a meal on its own.

Overall a great dining experience.

Grand Cafe
501 Geary St
San Francisco, Ca
http://www.grandcafe-sf.com/

With tickets to see Napoli ( a period story set in the 40’s during the war years in Italy) at the the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco last week -we decided to make a night of it and grab dinner at Scala’s Bistro

Scala’s is a well known and beloved restraint in San Francisco at the Sir Francis Drake. The  Sir Francis will also have a special place

in my heart because it

was the first hotel my grandmotherand I went to on a trip when I was young after my grandfather had died. In fact if you have seen the play – this image isn’t far from what you would have seen!

But Scala serves up its own history and special place – because it continues to earn it.

Having been one of my favorite traditional style restaurants here in San Francisco for well over 15 years – I continue to go for celebrations and when I want memories to be made. Not only has it been home to some great chef’s over the years, it offer great servers who know how to work its menu to ensure a perfect dining experience to match any palette.  Much of the menu is solid, good prepared dishes that glen richness, texture and flavor – while leaving you feeling like you have been well fed.

This trip we opted for the Pork Loin with cabbage and the New York Strip

The risotto is some of the best, the meats all come with rich flavors and combinations you can want. Another must try is the cured meat starter – paired with some cheeses and toast. Its well done, nicely portioned, simple and yet has all the richness I like with cured meat plates. I think I have eaten one version of this almost every time – in fact the only dish that used to knock it off the pedestal for me was the watermelon, feta cheese salad that sadly is no longer on the menu for some years now.

Note: When crowded don’t overlook eating in the bar – you get seated and served often quickly and can usually get in that way with out a reservation.

432 Powell St

San Francisco, CA 94102

b/t Post St & Sutter St in Union Square

Phone number (415) 395-8555

http://www.scalasbistro.com

Last week I was able to get a few hours off and Paul and I figured we would head downtown to pick up one of my computer systems that I had dropped off at Apple for some adjustments. While out – we decided to hit Macys (and managed to get in for a one day sale – SCORE!). While out were hungry so decided to grab lunch at one of the local “steak” houses that do a lot more than just steak.

The Daily Grill has been a constant in San Francisco and caters to a mix crowd of business folks, theater people and tourists. We’ve enjoyed the entrees and main dinner menus on a few occasions so this trip we went for lunch. The food and service is old school – lots of “al a carte” and all the amenities that go with that traditional professional server style of dining. This trip we opted for the Crabcake BLT – we while pretty good as is – personally I think that by using the peppery arugala as lettuce – it ended up falling flat against the other flavors and really needed a lemon vinaigrette to balance it with the rich crab and bacon. On  the other hand the grilled asparagus rocked the meal when paired with the chicken burger which was a clear winner for that day.

The Daily Grill still serves up a good solid menu
347 Geary St
San Francisco, CA 94102b/t Mason St & Powell St in Union Square, (415) 616-5000   dailygrill.com