looking for "wow"...

[porkbunny]

we are foodies/wine-ies seeking inspiration for a tuesday night out on the town. technically it can be anywhere in the bay area... what are your favorite favorite favorite places to dine??? this is a way belated birthday celebration & we're trying to nail down the most perfect place ever! so please! your ideas................ thank you!

[whiner]

SF proper, Fleur de Lys.

Bay area you might also try Manresa -- but bring your own wine as per a recent thread.

[gemster]

i'd go for the chef's table at quince... i still can't stop thinking about their homemade pastas.

[ccbweb]

Haven't had the chef's table experience, but wow did we love our meal at Quince; I'd certainly second this one for "wow" factor.

[zin1953]

I've been at the chef's table three times -- great meal, each and every time . . .

[mofo313]

Is the Chef's table by special reservation? I'd like to take my girl there for her bday in July...this sounds like a good fit.

[scenicrec]

Yes, indeed, with a minimum of eight guests required (as of a year and a half ago).

[zin1953]

Sorry for the delay in my response; been on vacation . . .

Yes, to the best of my knowledge, it's still 8 min.

[laurafrofro]

Went to Coi for the first time recently and loved it. I agree with gemster, too - Quince is always a good choice - I've been to two birthday dinners there so far and both were wonderful.

[Chuckles the Clone]

>> what are your favorite favorite favorite places to dine???

The two Tacos Sinaloa trucks on International at 22nd. A torta de carnitas
from the one in the front and a tostada de ceviche from the one in the back.

Then a walk around the lake or a movie at the Parkway (where decent wine
is served by the glass for less than a pack of milk duds at a regular theater).

Parkway: http://www.parkway-speakeasy.com/index.php
Tacos: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://...

[ML8000]

I like the Sinaloa trucks but what I've never figured out was the sit-down restaurant on the same lot. After going to the trucks for a long time, finally ate in the sit-down...and it wasn't good to put it nicely yet the trucks are fine. It makes no sense...always wonder if the same family/people own the sit-down and the trucks or what? ....

[Chuckles the Clone]

I think you are the first person in history to eat in that restaurant.

I've never seen anyone in there. I don't know if I've ever seen it open; even though the doors have been open and there's been food-looking stuff inside. Something about going inside gives me exactly the same feeling as going inside the changing room at a public swimming pool. Maybe it's all the cinderblock and long low wooden benches?

But no, don't know anything about it.

[Ruth Lafler]

I actually ate there once -- I wasn't impressed. I don't remember what it was that I ordered, but whatever it was, it was dry and tasteless. And actually, those aren't my favorite taco trucks, either, so I rarely stop there.

[sgwood415]

Can you tell us a little more about what type of experience you're looking for. There is everything from taco trucks to 5-star restaurants that could "wow" you depending on what you're looking for. What are your criteria for "perfect place"?

[porkbunny]

okay... so you are right to assume a range here. "wow" leaves a lot of room. these are fantastic suggestions! thank you. let's see if we can narrow it down.

even though i'm a huge fan, it's probably not gonna be taco truck/parkway night.
NOPA is too hectic... at the same time nothing too stuffy either.
i've been meaning to get to manresa & will run it by the others. we have wine, so a place where we're encouraged to bring our own is good. ad hoc isn't open tuesdays.
quince might be perfect if we can get in.

basically we want to be able to really enjoy the ambience, the food, and each other's company for the evening... and maybe check out a new or oft forgotten favorite. thanks again for the feedback.

[sgwood415]

Well, one of my oft forgotten favorite is the Buckeye Roadhouse. I think that might fit your "nothing too stuffy" idea, but they do a great job on American classics. Definitely the kind of place you can sink into and enjoy the company at your own pace. And corkage is only $20 per their online menu.

www.buckeyeroadhouse.com

[porkbunny]

love buckeye! good idea. quince was able to squeeze us in... so for this occasion, i believe we have our place.

[PulledPork]

Such great calls all around! Aziza, Quince and the Buckeye are all thee of my favorites. Well done folks.

[Lori SF]

I am still wowed by Bar Crudo.. there is nothing like it in the city. Not fancy, but very cool.

yes Quince would be more of a special dinner place.

[Maya]

I'd really go with Aziza. Great ambiance, quiet, beautiful, and the food just keeps getting better. The service is out of this world. Plus, if it's important to you, the best cocktails in the city.

[zin1953]

I'll second the recommendations of Quince and Fleur de Lys, and add Gary Danko. Wasn't all that pleased with Coi -- it's difficult to explain, but I don't want to have to think that hard what I'm eating -- and I'd avoid NOPA.

Manresa is a great place, but pay the corkage -- it's cheaper.

But all these places are $$$$, and "sgwood415" is quite right: there are "wow's" to be found from a taco truck to a ***** restaurant! What are you looking for, specifically?

[Paul H]

"Wasn't all that pleased with Coi -- it's difficult to explain, but I don't want to have to think that hard what I'm eating --"

An excellent comment! Interestingly (to me, at least) this is one of the things that I love about Coi. The food is just as interesting intellectually, as it is delicious. It is difficult to explain, but great food should be like a relationship; it should be comfortable and at the same time have the ability to endlessly surprise and engage your interest.

[zin1953]

Thanks, Paul -- I think you do understand my comments in the way they were meant. And I agree with you, that one needs to be "engaged" with your meal, the waitstaff, etc.

Just to be clear, the food was very good, but Coi ***is*** intellectually demanding -- sometimes you're in the mood for that, and other times you're in the mood to just have a great meal and relax . . .

Relaxation is impossible, as the food does demand your focus and attention. (This isn't to say a place like Manresa, Gary Danko or The French Laundry does not, but Coi does it in a different [and more demanding] way.) We should probably return on a weekend, when we not having our meal after a long day at the office . . .

[Fussy Foodie]

I was wowed at Kokkari. The rotisserie is really good. And the restaurant itself is beautiful, maintains coziness even though it's fairly large.

I love the saghanaki, pan fried cheese with lemon, and the grilled calamari with feta.

For entrees I would stick with the lamb or steak, or the daily rotisserie but it sells out early.

My one knock is that the wine markup seems high.

www.kokkari.com

[Grubbjunkie]

Myth can deliver the experience you seek: Great setting and atmosphere, exciting food, good wine, and helpful, unobtrusive staff. They can easily accomodate larger parties too.