26418 Wed Nov 05 17:32:01 -0800 2003 5 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 107428 Will be in town next Friday and Saturday after a business trip and would love some suggestions for casual places that I can go to by myself. I will be staying in the Union Square area, but open to traveling locally. Particularly interested in whatever the local specialties are? Will definitely return the favor if anyone ever needs NY recs. Thanks in advance. Wed Nov 05 17:32:01 -0800 2003 0 Eva L. 1 107429 If by next Friday you mean the 14th, Dungeness crab season will have just started. You might want to check out Swan Oyster Depot on Polk St. and see if they've got some fresh local catch in. Swan is very casual (counter service only) and closes at 6 pm. For more "local" flavor, you should also try Tadich Grill, the oldest restaurant in San Francisco, and try either the cioppino or either the Petrale sole or Sanddabs. If you want to try some classic California cuisine, I recommend trying to get a seat at the counter at Boulevard, another great place to eat solo. Finally, you might want to do a search for "Union Square" -- you'll find lots of suggestions we've given visitors in the past. Wed Nov 05 17:47:43 -0800 2003 107428 0 Ruth Lafler 2 107442 And here is a discussion on good solo dining spots in the area. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/24434#95246 Wed Nov 05 18:32:30 -0800 2003 107429 0 nja 2 107447 Oh, and on Saturday, don't forget the Farmers' Market at the Ferry Building, and a visit to the food-oriented shops inside. Hog Island Oyster Bar is now open, so you can sit by the Bay and slurp oysters. Acme is in my opinion the best bakery in the Bay Area -- I just tried their new "rustic roll" and it was wonderful, and I'm addicted to their ham and cheese croissants. Their rye raisin rabbits (rolls) have many fans as well. Skip Miette and McEvoy, but do splurge on some Michael Recchuiti chocolates on the south end of the hall. The Frog Hollow store is now open in the building, too. I picked up some Warren pears today that are scrumptious, and their preserves are top notch. Wed Nov 05 18:43:37 -0800 2003 107429 0 Ruth Lafler 3 107470 I think "best bakery in the Bay Area" is an understatement for Acme. I'd characterize it as the best bakery this side of Montreal. (Not for sweets, but for the breads.) Wed Nov 05 23:38:57 -0800 2003 107447 0 Gary Soup 2 107467 I think Piperade is a wonderful place for a solo diner- at the bar. The food is outstanding. We were in New York a few weeks ago and felt a little let down by the quality of the food for the first time (I posted on the NY board). Hope you enjoy your Bay Area eating! Wed Nov 05 22:38:09 -0800 2003 107429 0 Oakland Barb