Dinner with Folks

[Dana B]

My parents are coming for a visit this weekend and I want to take them somewhere new. I'd even try something new myself.
My dad is up for anything, my mom is a little more picky.
Good food. Nothing too unusual. Good prices....atmosphere counts. Nothing too loud.

I thought they would like Range (which I love) but I can't get in at the time I would like.
Perfect combo of semi casual atmosphere. Good small menu. Great food.

I have reservations at Incanto (haven't been yet) and at Antica Trattoria (or here).
I made the reservations at Antica for two reasons: Incanto may have to much offal on the menu, which my mom won't eat. Is there usually a fish option there?
And, we live in the richmond, so noe valley is a bit farther out.

Where we have been over the years and they liked:
- Aziza
- Chez Nous (when it was here....rest in peace)
- Mandalay
- 2223 Market
- Bistro Aix
- Alegrias
-Greens
-Chez Panisse

Any thoughts? Go to Incanto?
Somewhere on hyde? Town Hall?
Love any input.

[Euonymous]

Your mom should do fine at Incanto. While Chris Cosentino is famous for his use of offal, the menu at Incanto usually only has a few dishes (mostly starters) that include it.

They usually have roast pork, chicken of some sort, delicious whole fish, and fabulous pastas. Check the sample menu at http://www.incanto.biz/sample_menu.html

[JasmineG]

Town Hall has good food, but it's really loud, so I don't think it's good for this dinner. The Cafe at Chez Panisse would work, if you can get reservations. What about Bar Tartine, it's gotten great reviews on this board lately, and there seems like there would be something for your mom.

[Dana B]

Would rather stay in the hood if possible.
Went to Bar Tartine this weekend. Excellent food, but definitely very loud and a bit cramped. Not great for groups.
Also, pretty unusual offerings, so not great for mom....although she would love it once she put it in her mouth.
We had the most divine bone marrow ever. I am definitely going to have to make it.
Has anyone else had it? I assume roasting for an hour or so should do the trick? (with a garlic parsley topping?)

No one has any thoughts on Incanto?

[Ruth Lafler]

La Ciccia -- Sardinian cuisine is a "twist" you won't find other places, the food is delicious, the menu is fairly small, and the atmosphere semi-casual.

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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

[Husky]

Piperade
Perbacco
Laiola
1550 Hyde

[Dana B]

Thanks for the rec. I was just at Perbacco. Piperade has a private party.
I heard great things about 1550 and the menu looks delish, but reviews say it is a bit cramped and loud? no?

[Husky]

1550 can be a bit loud, but nothing like Bar Tartine or other larger spaces...it's a small, owner-operated place with a nice wine list and great food...