375016 Mon Feb 26 08:47:16 -0800 2007 0 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 2329879 Having suffered a romantic reversal, I sought out comfort foods and warm, friendly service that might do much for a deflated heart. Luckily, there’s a lot to choose from in San Francisco, and I found exceptional food at the following, mostly in my immediate neighborhood: Bi-rite If you’re looking a bit ragged and wish to dine in the comfort of your home (or in Dolores Park on sunny days), Bi-rite is an excellent (if pricy) little market for your supplies. I bought an Acme baguette, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog cheese, and a bottle of 1996 Cascina Morassino Barbaresco “Ovello.” They have an olive bar with about 10 selections you can mix and match and a nice selection of prepared foods. They have some house-baked desserts, but I recommend strolling across the street to Bi-rite Creamery if your grief leads you in a sugary direction. Lotus Garden I’d read susancinsf’s recommendations for Lotus Garden many a time, but had not found the opportunity to try it until now. I started with a soda chanh, which had a nice soda to lemon juice ratio. I was in the mood for banh khot, but didn’t see it on the menu, so I inquired with the exceptionally kind host/owner, Kathy. She noted that it used to be featured on the menu, but was so time-consuming they couldn’t always offer it. She had the kitchen whip me up a batch anyhow. These were the best banh khot I’ve had—warm, rich, and crispy on the bottom. The place was mostly empty when I was there, which is a gross error—Chowhounds, you should try this place. Perhaps I’ll organize a chowdown at Lotus Garden—e-mail glossop @ gmail dot com if you’re interested. Chava’s Birria at Chava’s is always a fine addition to your day, but it’s particularly nice when you’re in a lousy mood. A thick, spicy goat stew served with tortillas, onion, cilantro, and lime, this really hits the spot on rainy nights when you’d rather not watch Pride and Prejudice for the eleventh time. Note that Chava’s is cash only. El Delfin Remarkably, "The Dolphin" is equally adept with land and sea-borne creatures. The caldo de pollo is particularly wonderful, with chicken on the bone, big chunks of vegetables, and a nicely fatty broth served with tortillas and rice. The guacamole is excellent, mixed with lots of freshly chopped cilantro. Again, the owner/server at El Delfin is a remarkably nice lady. Hidden City Sometimes grief is best managed with a stiff upper lip and a stack of pancakes. I went out to Point Richmond to try the breakfast that has been widely praised on this board. The short drive from San Francisco is entirely worth it—the small, unpretentious restaurant situated in downtown Point Richmond offered a number of special egg dishes that looked appetizing, but it was the pancakes I was after. I ordered the special: a blueberry and banana buttermilk stack. The pancakes were thick, fluffy and flavorful, with big chunks of moist banana and blueberries sprinkled throughout. And real maple syrup! My god, I am so sick of having to special order the real stuff at Boogaloos. There is a lot to love here—bacon was fantastic and cooked to order (extra crispy), the home fries were divine. Service was very friendly here as well. Mon Feb 26 08:47:16 -0800 2007 19097 pane