Pinchit
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Le Colonial is an excellent choice on Wednesday night. The upstairs bar has live music played by a local swing band known as "The Cosmo Alley Cats". They are both entertaining to watch and fun to dance to. The bar is lively with a mixed crowd of locals, tourists and business travelers but is never so crowded that you are constantly being bumped into or have to wait forever for a drink. They have some delicious house cocktails (I recommend the Mojito) and a reasonably priced selection of bar snacks. Try Fish and Farm for dinner ahead of time (usually they have bar promotions on Wednesday nights with featured cocktails half off) and head to Foley's Dueling Piano Bar after to keep the party going..
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For truly delicious crepes, not to mention unique, you need to try the Bahn Xeo appetizer at Le Colonial. Served with fresh seafood and Lettuce cups , the crispy rice crepes are delicious and different than anything you have ever had before. Le Colonial has a great cocktail menu, a great atmosphere that makes you forget you are in SF and makes you feel like you are on vacation someplace far away. There is music in the upstairs bar nightly, which has a much more casual vibe than the dining room with white table cloths.
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The pineapple upside down cake at Wayfare Tavern is the most scrumptious dessert I have ever had. This dessert is absolute proof that Tyler Florence is a culinary god. Not too long ago somebody wrote on their face book status update that nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. I am certain that person never has had the pleasure of indulging in this delicious dessert masterpiece. Some close runners up include the salted carmel ice cream at Smitten in Hayes Valley, the "Old Fashioned" cupcake at Miette Bakery and the Ricotta Doughnuts at Ottimista Enoteca Cafe.
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I love Wayfare Tavern's upside down cake! If you are even in Los Angeles go to Mastro's. They have this bundt cake that puts Tyler's upside down cake to shame
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The kasespatzle at Suppenkuche in Hayes Valley is enough to turn the most dedicated carnivore into a vegetarian for an evening. The richness of the cheese and the house made spazle combined with pickled cabbage and beets is an absulutely delicious combination. Everything at Suppenkuche is really well done, including the German Rye bread and herb butter that they serve with every meal. they actually have a pretty nice selection for vegetarians including crispy potato pancakes served with house made apple sauce, decadent stuffed portabella mushrooms, and delicious soups and salads. Suppenkuche is a good spot to dine in a group, as the portions are large and intended to enjoy family style. They have an excellent German Beer selection as well and over sized community tables, perfect for socializing with new people. Get there early because they always seem to have a packed house and a wait list.
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Bare by tru on Union
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Does this place offer great other services than just brow waxing?
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The "sin City" New Year's at Roe Nightclub and Lounge
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"Sin City" as in Vegas style?!
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This sounds like a lot of fun, is the theme Vegas?
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It is Vegas themed! The PinchitSF facebook page is having a sweepstakes for 2 free tickets to this event!
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This sounds awesome. I always wanted to ring-in the new year Vegas style!
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Betelnut Restaurant is the only truly authentic Pan Asian restaurant. Chef Alexander Ong has travelled through Asia and has brought back authentic recipes like the beggars chicken, sea bass cha ca la vong etc. Not to mention that Betelnut is a Chronicle top 100 retaurant.
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Roe Nightclub and Lounge is the best night club on New Years Eve. Their Sin City (Las Vegas theme) party rocks!!!
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I've always wanted to go to Vegas for New Year's Eve. I guess this would be the next best scenario. How is it like?
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This would be the year to go to Vegas for New Years. @Marquee night club at The Cosmopolitan hotel is hosting Kaskade this year!
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I've always wanted to see Kaskade live. This sounds amazing because The Cosmopolitan is such a nice hotel/casino.
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NYE this year in Vegas looks so awesome! I'll be there ringing in the new year. The line-up is great, from Kaskade @Marquee to Afrojack @XS...to deadmau5 that weekend & Avicii!
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Comstock
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Bourbon and Branch but the Monday night bar tender at Marengo makes some mean brown liquor cocktails
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yum what are your favs?
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I would have to say for buffet Gaylord India Restaurant and for delivery Little Delhi.
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There's a New Delhi neighboring Little Delhi. Ever felt the need to try something New?
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I have done my share of traveling throughout Italy but I have to say my favorite pasta dish anywhere would be Mark Vetri's Robiola Francoboli, served at his restaurant Osteria in Philly. I have a feeling that when I finally make time to get over to Thomas McNaughten's flour + water, something on his menu is going to rival Mr. Vetri's unforgettable dish. In the mean time, I have to say, my current favorite pasta dish in SF is not prepared by a James Beard nominated Chef or a restaurant reviewed and praised by Michael Bauer. I really love the Eggplant Fusili over at Pane E Vino on Union Street. The place is casual and affordable. It has friendly service and a great neighborhood vibe. I dine there alone all the time and usually the people sitting next to me strike up a conversation while we are eating. And the food is very good.
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Ottimista Enoteca-Café Enoteca Cafe on Union is a great spot for wine and bar snacks, don't miss the arancini! The have a nice selection of Italian wines, and are among some of the very few places to have a glass offering of Lambrusco on the list. Bin 38 however is probably my favorite, they have some killer Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, the new chef is really great (if you haven't been in a while, I highly suggest you give the food a second chance), the outdoor patio is also very nice. And, for those wine lovers who may be out with others who are more into beer, Bin 38 has a surprisingly wonderful selection of international beers. Sometimes I have a hard time deciding between wine and beer when I am there.
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Ottimista Enoteca-Café is always a good time
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I am a sucker for a good dry aged steak. I really enjoy the steak at Harris' Restaurant (and the Jazz), although it is a little too stuffy in there to be my regular "go to" steak spot. I do however love their presentation on my go to drink, The Manhattan (they serve it with a little glass container kept in a wooden barrel of ice, which keeps it chilled nicely). Boboquivari's is a close second, with a much more comfortable feel and a lounge where I can dine and not feel like I stand out because I am dining alone (as I do quite often).Honestly though, the filet mignon on Chez Spencer's brunch menu is probably one of the best steaks I have had in SF, but brunch is not really the time of the day most of us are out looking for a steak, so I can't rank it as my #1 choice. If Pinchit finds its way to Miami Beach however, Prime 112 is still my absolute favorite steakhouse of all time. Who doesn't love a spot with glasses filled with applewood smoked bacon as the "bar snack", an offering of truffle butter as a steak topping, and the best green goddess dressing imaginable. The ambiance is also perfect. It is a mixture of old school east coast steak house with a vibrant, youthful vibe...only in Sobe.
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Hmm. I must not be up to date on the steak lingo. What is a "dry aged steak?" Does it mean exactly that: a dry old steak? Starting to sound like beef jerky.
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Miette is the best followed by That Takes the Cake
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I have sen Miette but have never been. Can you recommend something for me to try?
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Its so hard to pick one! Artesa Winery for sparkling, V Sattui Winery for Madeira, Georis Winery Tasting Room for Merlot, Talbott Vineyards for Pinot Noir and JAQK Cellars for Syrah. And Chardonnay, that's tough, Chateau Julien Wine Estate, Far Niente, Cakebread Cellars..but Unti Vineyards Rose is my absolute favorite.
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A girl about wine! I must ask, what are your favorite wine towns?
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Fish & Farm, there are two really nice private dining rooms and they take reservations. Betelnut Restaurant and Mamacita are also good places for groups.
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Heather, what separates these 3 restaurants from one another?
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Fish and farm is a great Place for pre-theater dining, for weddings or corporate dinners, the food is very good quality, all American Cuisine. The separate dining rooms leave a lot of room for privacy. Betelnut has excellent Pan Asian Cuisine, which is served family style but the place is a lot more of a scene with higher noise levels. Mamacita also is a little noisier without private dining rooms but the food is wonderful California Style Mexican and it is the kind of place you can share plates too. I would choose Fish and Farm for a more serious outing and would go to Mamacita or Betel nut for a more festive evening like a bachelorette party or a birthday celebration with heavy drinking.
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I'll sway for Betelnut Restaurant for a great birthday bash with good drinks. Thank you for all the different perspectives, Heather.
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Fish & Farm, for four years the Taylor Street Margarita, made with partida Tequila, freshly squeezed lime and agave nectar has been their number one selling specialty cocktail...making drinks with good quality liquor and fresh ingredients makes a big difference. The other awesome thing is Fish and farm is offering a "late Night Happy Hour" every night at 9 PM!!
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Happy days! Happy hour at night! And, you've painted a pretty picture of their margaritas. If you manage to put down your drink and pick up a fork, what do you order? I heard the fried chicken is nice.
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The Fried Chicken is very good, made with organic free range chicken from petaluma and they serve it with house made madeline corn bread that is baked in house...but my favorites are the Bacon Wrapped Scallops and their steaks that are served with an amazing horseraddish based steak sauce and allium butter...yum!!
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Fish and Farm
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I still think the Balboa Cafe burger is the best.
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What do you like about it?
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Mikaku on Grant
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What makes this place your go-to sushi restaurant?
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Floating Sushi Boat is just down the street at 700 Grant. As I'm sure the name betrays, they've got sushi boats locked in a circuit of never ending deliciousness. They charge by the plate, so beware, the tab can get lofty.
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It is close to my office near Union Square, they have really great house specialty rolls, they have Sake flights, which is a lot of fun and it seems really clean inside, which is key when eating sushi.
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If the sushi is outstanding the price is of no significance, I wish we had a geisha House in SF like the one in Hollywood, that place is so good and worth every penny.
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Not much of a football fan. If I have to watch sports I think the Wreck Room would be the spot, love that bar!
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I have yet to go there, mostly because it shares a name with the diviest of dive bars that ever dove in my hometown.
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What? Dive bars are the BEST. Love 'em.
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They have all kinds of games in there. Fun spot...
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I have got to say Chez Spencer was off the charts when I was there a couple weeks ago. Puff patry with poached eggs, mushrooms and truffles, Marriage Freres Tea, Filet Mignon with morels, it was the best brunch I have ever had outside of Paris.
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Chez Spencer! They have a food truck, too, right? Is this the tiny spot on 14th street or is there another location?
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I Love Chez Spencer!
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Chez Spencer is the best Brunch, no contest. They have delicious food and even offer Marriage Frere teas (The Bourbon Vanilla is my favorite!), which you do not see every day. The only place I would rather dine is Marriage Frere's restaurant in Paris (but that is not in SF!!) I am also a huge fan of the brunch at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel downtown.
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I'm a sucker for anything Chez. It adds a certain "je ne sai quoi" to the experience. It also tends to add to your tab. Ever tried the Chez Spencer satellite, Spencer on the Go?
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No. but I will add that to my list. Some things are worth the price, kinda like dinner at Wayfare or Park Tavern.
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I completely agree, I love Chez Spencer. I have yet to try brunch here but will definitely keep this in mind for a future date!
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Blue Barn Gourmet on Chestnut has great sandwiches with fresh, organic ingredients, I especially like "The Rooster", The Turkey Club at The Grove is a second favorite and, of course, being that I am from PA, I love Giordano Bros. Pittsburgh style sandwiches that mimic the Primanti brothers with the fries and slaw inside, the Molinari Salami is my favorite.
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The bread at The Grove is awesome!
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Bri, what would you recommend?
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I am a big fan of Blue Bottle Coffee Kiosk which you can find in the Ferry Building and in Hayes Valley; I also think Four Barrel Coffee is great, try Jane on Filmore and get a slice of coffee cake with it or order it in a French Press at the Local Mission Eatery (Jake Devoignes is a culinary God!) or I like It's a Grind when I need a place to enjoy coffee and do some work on wifi without time limits, there hazlenut coffee is good and they serve Seattle Style mugs, which I love. Mojo Bicycle Cafe and Verve are also excellent coffee roasters and a must try. There is absolutely no point in going to over priced, underwhelming Starbucks with all the great roasters in the local area!
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what's your drink of choice?
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Amen, sister.
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I constantly pass Jane on FIllmore and have yet to go in. I think I'll have to make in it in there at some point this weekend.
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Hog Island Oysters at the ferry Building
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Yes, but I think they only have happy hour on Mondays and Thursdays.
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I will tell you after the festival this weekend
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Saturdays at the ferry Building, Sunday mornings at Lindy in the Park, Crawl SF after parties, running at Chrissy Field, Blue Bottle coffee, Wednesday nights at La Colonial, Magners and Cheese at Specs, the awesome beer selection at Bin 38, the Virgin America terminal at SFO and much more than I can list here.
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Tipsy Pig Seconded. Spicy Mary for the kick, and a belgian waffle to soothe the taste buds.
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yes. The belgian waffle does rock
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Osteria in North Beach
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Hi Heather. What's your favorite thing on their menu? I've never heard of it. Is it Italian?
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Wreck Room
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Wreck Room is my favorite sports bar! The shuffle board and the electronic basketball game could keep me occupied for hours. :)
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If you like the Wreck Room, check out Danny Coyle's in Lower Haight as well. They have a giant window to watch foot traffic from and giant tv's to watch all sports imaginable on.
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Tipsy Pig, if it doesn't work out at least you can get drunk and party on Chestnut Street!
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I like your style! Have you tried their Strawberry Fields cocktail? It's delicious!
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Now there's a backup plan.
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Yes I have but I usually enjoy a Templeton Rye Manhattan....it is my go to cocktail at Tipsy Pig
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Always have to have a back up plan, life is too short not to have fun.
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I will have to check it out. Strawberry fields can get little sweet after one drink.
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NYC
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I love NYC! It's kind of like an enormous SF. Where are your favorite places to go there? Bars? Restaurants? Hotels you'd recommend? Or shops?
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Vegas
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what's your favorite place to party in vegas?
Yes... need to learn to like it. Get stuck there for conventions. Tips?
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Jonny Foley's
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What do you enjoy about Jonny Foley's? Favorite drink or bartender?
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Nopa, Brazen Head or Sauce for an actual late night meal are always great and, although I have not been yet I have heard that Boxing Room is awesome (in the old Citizen Cake Spot in Hayes Valley) and serves late night...otherwise Pizza Orgasmica, of course!
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Wayfare Tavern of course!
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Headed there tonight! What to order?
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The deviled eggs are the bomb and the pineapple upside down cake is a must have, worth every freakin calorie dessert!! Really all is good, I especially have enjoyed the different halibut preparations throughout the year and the pork chop. The Hangtown Fry at lunch is always a good choice as well. Is there anything Tyler Florence cannot make absolutely fabulous?!
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Ok, so I tried the deviled eggs and they were amazing. I had the fried chicken for my entree, which I highly recommend if you haven't tried it. I'm not usually a fan of chicken, but it was cooked to perfection!
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Are you going this year?
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definitely!
What day?
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Not sure yet...maybe more than one day.
Heather hasn't added anything to this list yet.
Heather hasn't added anything to this list yet.
Heather hasn't added anything to this list yet.
Heather hasn't added anything to this list yet.
Heather hasn't added anything to this list yet.
Heather hasn't added anything to this list yet.