Michael Mina "Elegant Excellence"

Michael Mina San Francisco: "Elegant Excellence"

Linda and Mike L. McColgan's culinary journey to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500 plus and counting) recently took them to Michael Mina San Francisco located next to the famous Tadich Grill on California Street.

According to restaurant manager Ro Flores, they have been at this modern and friendly location for almost 3 years. There is a fresh feeling when you walk into this establishment with large mirrors and service that is over the top.

There is a friendly bar and lots of business people enjoying power lunch in a quiet sophisticated atmosphere. An extensive wine and drink list is also offered with a unique variety of wines by the glass.

We started off with the soup of the day which was carrot and a hint of ginger which was steamy hot and very tasty. Of course, we ordered the tartare which is made table side with habanero infused sesame oil, asian pear, pine nuts and quail egg yolk which is "simply the best."

For the entree, we split an order of Black Cod Fish and Chips that was tender and lightly breaded. It was served with pommes pont-neuf, ginger scented asian slaw, malt vinegar and oribiche aioli. Linda commented that it was so fresh and delicate that it almost "melted in your mouth."

There is also a nice selection of sweet sensations to complete your meal. Although tempting, we decided to pass on dessert.

This Michelin one star restaurant and Esquire Magazine restaurant of the year serves its famous Michael's Classic Ahi Tuna Tartare and other interesting treats from 4-6 Monday thru Friday during happy hour for only 10 dollars.

Michael Mina San Francisco is best described "elegant excellence."  Even their toothpicks are like pieces of crystal. We are already planning another visit for happy hour and Michael's famous  Ahi Tuna Tartare. 

For more information and to make reservations go to:

Click here: MICHAEL MINA, San Francisco

Perbacco--"Let the Good Times Roll"

Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey and quest to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500plus and counting) continued at Perbacco located at 230 California next to the famous Tadich Grille.

For 6 years, Proprietor Umberto Gibin has created a fun environment and great food selection that is always bustling with business men and women enjoying power lunches and sophisticated foodies enjoying quiet dinners. He also owns a more casual environment restaurant Barbacco located nearby.

From the web site, "
“Perbacco” is an Italian word to accentuate positive comments. It can also be an expression of pleasure and surprise, as well as a reference to Bacchus, God of Wine and “good times.” A fitting name for a ristorante so thoroughly steeped in the traditions of Italy, yet with a refreshingly modern feel and attitude. Perbacco introduces urban San Francisco to the full range of flavors found in the Italian regions of Piemonte and Liguria, with a touch of France by way of Provence."

Our server Alexandria was very helpful in selecting entrees from the detailed menu. An extensive wine list is also offered as well as a very interesting cocktail selection.

We started off with patron favorite Piastra Seared Local Squid/Corona Bean Passatina/Celery Heart/Argula/and Preserved Meyer Lemon that was prepared elegantly and very good.

For the entree Linda ordered Insalata Di Tonno with olive oil poached albacore tuna, potatoes, fennel, celery, farm egg and lemon aioli that was tender and seasoned perfectly. I ordered the Raviora-pasta filled with green garlic ricotta,asparagus,young onion and tarragon butter that was delicate, presented perfectly and very good.

For dessert, Alexandria recommended we share the burnt caramel gelato with Tahitian sea salt and pangolin cookie.  Umberto also insisted on us trying the Brutti Ma Buoni "Ugly But Good" hazelnut cookies. Both were the expression of "pleasure and surprise" in the Perbacco tradition.

Perbacco has a modern and refreshing ambience that definitely meets their goal of good times and great food and wine. We will definitely return.

For more information and to make reservations go to:Click here: PERBACCO: San Francisco Ristorante + Bar

Holding Company "A San Francisco Tradition For 39 Years"

Holding Company--"A San Francisco Tradition For 39 Years"

Linda and Mike L. Mc Colgan's culinary journey to eat at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (500 plus and counting) continued at the cozy Cheers like place in the center of the financial district at Embarcadero 2.  The Holding Company has served financial foodies for 39 years.  This place has a friendly atmosphere with great food and happy hour at modest prices.

Along time patron recommended the famous Holding Company burger. Linda and I split the generous 9 ounce burger with a choice of fries, house made chips or pineapple coleslaw.  You can have it served with an onion roll, bun or sourdough roll. We chose the onion roll and it was very good. The fries were also very fresh and seasoned to perfection.

Each day there are also specials served. The shrimp scampi, roast pork loin sandwich and grilled chicken salad all looked very good. We also tried the special appetizer fresh grilled calamari marinated in spices over garlic wilted spinach and sour dough crostini which was a unique way to serve calamari and very good.

There are an assortment of craft beers and drinks to choose from that are all $2.00 less for the daily happy hour from 3-7. In addition, many appetizers including thin crusted pizza are offered.

Desserts include chocolate cake, New York cheese cake, carrot cake, warm apple pie and pear-berry pie.

So if you are looking for a refuge from the stress of the business world this gem of the financial district is a great place to have lunch and to wind down after the rigors of the day for happy hour.

For more information and to make reservations go to  www.theholdingcompanysf.com