512729 Thu Apr 24 14:52:31 -0700 2008 2 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 3627100 I know it's only been open a couple of days, but has anyone been? This is the new (mostly seafood/oyster) place from the Town Hall/Salt House folks. I walked by last evening and the space looks nice. Planning to try it out before it gets too busy. At 5:30 pm it was still virtually empty. Anchor & Hope 83 Minna Street San Francisco Thu Apr 24 14:52:32 -0700 2008 10125 Frosty Melon 1 3675674 Went last night with several friends. It's loud, loud, loud, LOUD. The design is definitely interesting upon approach from the outside. The fact that it used to be an auto repair shop is obvious, but in a good way. The room is one big square with a bar to the left and a bunch of tables that are a *little* too close together. Of the three Washington/Rosenthal ventures, this is definitely my least favorite. There's nothing cozy or comfy about this place. It's all hard edges and grey colors. That's not to say it doesn't have its charms, but it left me cold in more ways than one. The food, oh yes - the food...good, but overpriced. The BIG HIT was the sea urchin appetizer, which was truly exquisite. The ceviche was also perfectly prepared...someone has excellent knife skills in that kitchen. The verdict on the entrees was mixed. The sea bass was bland bland bland, the lobster roll was also pretty eh and hardly worth the $22 price tag. But the stuffed guinea hen with morels was a wonderful dish and offered quite a big portion. The Portugese stew was also wonderful. Really complex flavors in a very satisfying broth. Service was okay. Knowledgeable and friendly, but the timing was off with the kitchen. All apps were *just* warmer than room temperature. There was a big lag with the drinks. Wine list is smallish, but diverse and well priced. Desserts: there were only three, some chocolate cake thing, a peach bread pudding, and a cheese "heart of sweet cream" with fresh strawberries and lavender short bread that was amazing!!! The peach bread pudding was not.good. It was sort of like a warm cream soup with cubes of peaches and disintegrating pieces of bread. Ug. I'd go back for the sea urchin, maybe some raw oysters or ceviche and a drink. But early, before the crowd gets there and it gets deafening. Sat May 10 19:07:34 -0700 2008 3627100 10989 Absonot 1 3675818 The missing link.. Sat May 10 20:38:50 -0700 2008 3627100 11277 Paul H