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snackboy Apr 24, 2008 11:49 PM

Toronto hound reporting back on SF trip (long w/pics)

Hey Guys,

I just thought I would report back on my recent trip to SF,

1st let me say your city is beautiful and everyone was incredibly friendly!!!...

Now to the food

We went to Swan Oyster Depot on the 1st day for lunch....I had 1/2 dz assorted oysters that were so Tasty . . . after that I went for the crab salad that was also 1st rate!! . . . My wife had a bowl of chowder which she loved as it was not too gloupy ( i've seen people say it is made from Campbells clam chowder,,,after tasting it I doubt it) . . . she also had the shrimp cocktail which she liked but there was too much sauce on it (see the picture below) all the staff were great and the beers were tasty . . . would definitely go back!!

Later the 1st night we walked down to a little restaurant on Polk street called The Rex Cafe . . . The Price Fixe was awesome as you got an app and entree for $20.00 I had the Tuna Tartar which was very tasty and had The halibut for my main . . . the fish was grilled beutifully and the side salad was very fresh and extremely tasty!!! . . . My wife had the vegetable chowder which was recommended by our waiter...It was fantastic . . . it had fresh asparagus, corn, peppers, and peas in a creamy broth with fresh thyme . . . she then followed with baked seafood orzo . . . My wife really liked this dish as it was full of calamari, shrimp and scallops and the pasta was perfectly cooked... it was baked in a butter garlic sauce with fresh herbs and lemon... . . . we will definitely go back again!! infact we liked it so much we went the next night!!

Day 2

Went to lunch at a downtown sandwich joint called Dillers which made a great sandwich . . . It was called the CEO and it had chicken, homemade meatloaf, bacon, avacado, tomatoes and topped with a chipotle mayo . . . The sandwhich was huge and really quite unique and very tasty... for dinner it was back to the rex cafe...(I told you we loved it!!) . . . to start I had the cured duck breast with a portuegese cheese and a sweet beet relish...The cheese was very runny and has quite a tang to it which I loved...the Duck was salted just enough with a hint of smoke...to follow I had the lamb Shank Ragu tossed in a perfectly cooked pasta...the lamb was so tender it melted in my mouth and the braising liquid had a great depth of flavour from some stock and red wine...we both loved this!!! . . .my wife had the catfish pogos which were very lightly battered and came with a fresh tartar sauce with capers...she the followed with the grilled sole served with a lobster sauce and a fresh mixed salad,,,the fish was perfectly cooked and the salad wes very fresh...we highly reccommend the Rex...especially for the price!!

Day 3

We went to the Slanted Door for lunch . . .I had the Mackerel Sashimi which was served with a ginger scallion oil . . . the fish was perfect but I found the scallion/ginger oil overwhelmed the delicate flavour of the fish...It was still very tasty but I would try something else next time . . . I them had the crab and glass noodle salad which was very delicate and very fresh with the addition of fresh lime and cilantro...we both loved this . . .my wife had the crab wonton soup to start ...this soup was fantastic!!!!! . . . we get a lot of wonton soups up here in Toronto but none as good as this one . . . It was enough for a meal and was only 6 bucks . . . this was followed by the chicken hot pot . . . which came in a broth that was both sweet and salty it was fantastic!!! we ordered a side of Jasmine rice to soak up the sauce,,,overall an excellent meal and of course you get a great view of the bay

For dinner we went to Brick Bistro on Sutter street....I had the the beet salad to start which was beutiful and then had the seared tuna on Green lentils served with a red curry sauce...the tuna was perfectly cooked and the lentils were so tasty as was the braised bok choy...the meal was great . . . the wife had the burger which was one of the best we have ever had!!! . . . The meat was so juicy and was cooked to a perfect medium rare!!! . . . the fries were great as well ...for dessert we had the marscapone cheesecake with a honey parfait and a chocolate wafer . . . the cookie was not great but the rest made up for it!! . . .

Day 4

Our food letdown day!!

We wnt to muir woods and went to the Pelican Inn for lunch . . . my wife had a subpar roastbeef sandwich and I had the crabcakes . . . overall the food was ok but we would not go back...the staff however were very friendly and the had some good beers on tap
for dinner we ended up in chinatown for dinner . . . we had walked all over the city and found ourselves starving so we picked a place randomly and hoped for the best . . . the place looked promising as we were the only non chinese people in the place . . . but the place was bogus!!! . . . everthing was subpar . . .we should not have ventured out without recs as we are used to some fantastic chinese food in toironto as we to have a very large chinatown

Last day..

Woke up and went to Canteen for Brunch . . . Overall it was ok . . .I had the spicy braised pork with scrambled eggs . . . the pork was not remotely spicy and it was swimming in the braising liquid!!! . . . I wasn't thrilled with the dish ,,,my wife had the eggs benny which was great . . . the service was not great as I had to ask for coffee +++++times to get a cup . . . maybe the server was new as the place was not too busy when we got there and she seemed to be flustered...I don't think we would go back as breakfast was 35 bucks and was just average.

and finally we ended up at macy's and went for a late lunch at the cheesecake factory...(i know it's a chain but we were there and we were hungry!) . . . It was a pleasant surprise as we both has two great sandwiches and our serevers were very friendly!!!

So that's our trip . . .All your recs were very much appreciated and all the recs were well liked..(maybe not canteen though)

We look forward to visiting your great city again very soon!!!

I will try to attach some picks of our meals

Thanks again everyone and if you ever need some TO info let me know!!

SB
 
 
 
 
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›6 Replies . Latest Apr 25, 2008 by snackboy
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     snackboy Apr 25, 2008 09:21 PM

    Hey Guys,

    It was my pleasure posting the report and thanks for appreciating it . . . I too appreciate it when other hounds report back on how their trips went and how they felt about our local food . . . It's all about sharing...and all of you have been so helpful...

    and thanks guys for posting the links as I had neglected to do so

    If you ever need some recs for Toronto feel free to ask

    Can't wait to return to SF

    SB

    P.S. We both cannot remember the name of the Chinese place ...if we find the bill we'll let you know
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    1. rworange Apr 25, 2008 12:41 PM

      I love your report ... really love it. Thanks so much.

      What is so great is you had some suggestions from the board but also took some chances ... which for the most part paid off. Thanks for that tip about Rex Cafe. Will have to check that out.

      Nice to hear good stuff about Brick as well. They got off to a rocky start and people for the most part seemed to drop them like a hot potato.

      My understanding is that Swan's doctors up the clam chowder with clam juice.

      And god bless you for admitting to eating at Cheesecake Factory. I suspect a lot more people on the board eat there than admit it. Next time, nearby, you might check out The Rotunda at Niman Marcus. Lovely spot that overlooks Union Square and about a half a block away.

      Do you remember what Chinese restaurant you stopped at?

      Anyway, you can reply to your own post and add pictures. However here's a link to your other post with photos
      http://www.chowhound.com/topics/512848

      That meatloaf/chicken sandwich from Dillers looks ... killer.

      What is nice when people report back, not only does it update info on the board but next time you visit we have a good feeling for your likes and dislikes and can make better recommendations ... we won't hold Cheesecake Factory against you.

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      Slanted Door
      Ferry Slip, San Francisco, CA 94111

      Swan Oyster Depot
      1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

      Brick - CLOSED, reopening as Fly
      1085 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109

      Dillers
      348 Pine St, San Francisco, CA

      Pelican Inn
      10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach, CA 94965

      Cheesecake Factory
      251 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
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      1. re: rworange
        rworange Apr 25, 2008 12:52 PM

        Forgot the link to Canteen. Next time you might give Dottie's True Blue Cafe a try. Bean Cafe has been getting some good mentions. I keep meaning to try Cafe Andre which is across the street from Canteen.

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        Canteen
        817 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
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      2. Ruth Lafler Apr 25, 2008 12:06 PM

        Darn, hit post before I added the places locator:

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        Rex Cafe
        2323 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
        ›1 Reply
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        1. re: Ruth Lafler
          rworange Apr 25, 2008 02:06 PM

          Seems like there was a change at Rex last year. Here's the Chron review

          http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article...
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        2. Ruth Lafler Apr 25, 2008 12:05 PM

          Thanks for reporting back, snackboy! Sounds like Rex Cafe was a real find -- very few mentions on this board.
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