SF Restaurants for Baby Boomer Visitors

[Amuse Bouches]

My parents are heading up to San Francisco this weekend, and in an effort to convince them that the internet is full of useful information and not just plane tickets and the unreliable Wikipedia, I offered to ask Chowhound for restaurant recommendations. They are not-super-adventurous hounds -- they love good food, and are picky about preparation, but they're not going to be happy with a hole in the wall Vietnamese place in North Beach. Living in Los Angeles, they visit San Francisco often -- some of their favorites have been Jardiniere, Tadich's for lunch, Bistro Jeanty, Hog Island Oyster Co., and Yank Sing for Dim Sum. They're staying near Union Square and are willing to take a shortish cab ride. Oh, and if I know them, they'll probably eat at least one dinner at Morton's, since my dad is a steak fanatic. Any suggestions for places they should try?

[vinoveritas]

Bix is the perfect place to take your parents. It's a classy supper club just off montgomery on Gold Street. It serves classic upscale American food with a kind of organic twist. The short ribs are amazing, as are the delectable potato pillows. Not only is the food delicious, the atmosphere is elegant. There is a live jazz band that plays all the classics. If they liked jardiniere, they'll like Bix.

[Robert Lauriston]

Surprisingly expensive, though.

http://www.bixrestaurant.com/flash/pd...

[NoeMan]

Wow. A post about baby boomer visitors and it's for the OP's parents. Never expected that. Man, I am getting old. It reminds me of identifying with Bart Simpson for years and then watching an episode where Homer reminisces about his high school graduation -- the same year as me ! ... I was devastated.

I think they'd have enjoyed the Washington Square Bar & Grill as well for the old SF vibe and solid chow.

[Amuse Bouches]

Thanks for all the recs -- they have reservations at Aqua and Myth (not Mortons!) I'll report back when they're back.

[Amuse Bouches]

Apparently Aqua they thought the food was interesting - fantastic apps, mains a bit too fussy, but the room was WAY too loud. But Myth they both loved - the ambiance and the food.

[Calvinist]

Boulevard, Perbacco, Piperade, and Rubicon would be my suggestions. Boulevard probably #1 for the decor, location & of course the meal.

[Calvinist]

And if they like Tadich they chould try Sam's for lunch.

[Robert Lauriston]

Given that list of places, they'd probably like Acquerello.

[chaddict]

I would recommend Zuni. They can take the F car straight down Market street.

[rworange]

Oh yeah, Zuni. That's brilliant. If they haven't been there before, they will love it. The Zuni mantra ... order the roast chicken.

A slightly offbeat suggestion ... Chez Spencer. They'd have to take a cab since it is on the border of the Mission (14th St). They will probably think you are nuts when dropped off. However, once in the door you will probably get points for directing them to this little-hyped gem.
http://www.chezspencer.net/

[Paul H]

Given they like Jardiniere, Tadich's, Bistro Jeanty, Hog Island Oyster Co., and Yank Sing, I'd suggest. Ame, Aqua, Cafe Claude (lunch), Gary Danko, Perbacco, Pesce, Piperade, and Rubicon as places to try.

[Lori SF]

also Boulevard nothing like it in LA

[grishnackh]

How about taking them to Harris or Bobo's for their SF steak experience. Even Acme Chophouse would provide more local flavor than Morton's.

[Robert Lauriston]

Yeah, really, there are five Morton's in the Los Angeles area. Alfred's is the local counterpart.