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:
