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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

"Must Do" Dirty Habit In The Great City By The Bay


In an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants and having been to over 700 and visit all 600 Napa wineries and been to over 300, my wife Linda and I recently traveled to the "City By The Bay" for food, wine and fun. We began by attending the famous Beach Blanket Babylon Christmas show in North Beach. A musical review that has been sold out since 1974, this show is always fun and updated yearly to include the latest local and world news. With the election next year, the show included all the Presidential hopefuls. The singing is first class and the Christmas headpieces and singing trees are special to see. The show also involves the audience in songs that everyone enjoys. This show is great anytime of the year but extra special at Christmas. 


There are two shows every night and we went to the 5 o'clock show and then went to Dirty Habit on 4th and Market. Formerly, the 5th floor this restaurant has roof top views, great food and specialty cocktails. Chef/Owner David Bazirgan's menu is full of great items and the craft cocktails are unique.

We began with an "In Hindsight" cocktail made with Hine Cognac, Luxardo bitter and Moscato that was fantastic. The cognac was barrel aged in Rye casks that previously held Tequila and Ancho Chili for 3 months. 

For food we started with a waygo beef tartar seasoned with red curry and fried shallots that went well with a warm baguette and smoked honey butter. 
David, the chef and owner, recommended his chicken wings with sweet soy and chili vinaigrette that were cooked to perfection. Quite possibly the best wings we have ever had!  For dessert we enjoyed Churros, flan, spiced chocolate and passion fruit that was a fabulous ending.

The place is very contemporary and bubbles with excitement fueled by the interesting drinks and very attentive, knowledgeable and friendly service staff. It is a great place to go for small plates.


After dinner, we took a cab to nearby Union Square to enjoy the Christmas tree, ice skaters and Christmas music. It is like being in a live movie with the backdrop of Macys and their classical lit up Christmas wreaths in all of their windows flanked by the famous St. Francis Hotel. 

For a night cap, we went to the famous John's Grille that has been in operation for over 100 years and served many celebrities, politicians and world renown figures. Many pictures decorate the walls of this iconic place.  Oh if only the walls could speak. It is also where a scene from the famous movie Maltese Falcon was filmed.
John's Grille is an excellent old school dinner house great drinks, generous dinner plates and reasonable prices.

For more information and to make reservations at these great places go to: