Solo Diner visiting for 3 nights -- Help Please

[JRinDC]

I've searched the boards and narrowed down my choices: I'm going to be in town in October from DC for three days. I'm thinking Quince for Sunday night. Lunch at Zumi and dinner at Canteenon Monday. Tuesday lunch may be catch as catch can, but Tuesday Dinner maybe Danko or Ame.

Is that a good itinerary? Any other options that are "must tries" right now? I'm interested in getting to Chinatown -- not sure if I'm quite as adventurous as I need to be for Jai Yun, but I'm tempted (there is NO good Chinese in DC) -- or maybe Slanted Door.

That and my past reviews should give you a clue. I want one or two high-end type experiences, but I'm mostly interested in just the best possible food and experiences I can't get here.

I'll happily post full reviews after my trip. Thanks!!

[whiner]

I used to live in DC...

I would eat at the bar at Ame and Boulevard as your two higher end type places.

Laiola, A16 more 'mid-end'

[JRinDC]

My trip is coming up soon. Any final thoughts? How about more mid-end to inexpensive recs? I'm staying near the border of Union Square, Nob Hill and the Tenderloin at the Hotel Carlton (btw, is that hotel any good?)

[Ruth Lafler]

There are lots of Indian/Pakistani and Vietnamese restaurants in the Tenderloin, and lots of restaurants nearby on Polk St. My choices near your hotel would be Turtle Tower (inexpensive) and Bodega Bistro (mid) for Vietnamese and Darbar on Polk.

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Darbar Restaurant
1412 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Bodega Bistro
607 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Turtle Tower Restaurant
631 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109

[estnet]

Jai Yun isn't possible for single diner - I ate there a few months ago with a group and asked. They require prior reservation and said they won't accept single diner.

[JRinDC]

Good to know. Bummer.

[whiner]

mid-end+ if you want to stay in the area, Perbacco also works

[bindak]

re: your comment that there is no good Chinese in DC - have you tried Mama Wok in Rockville (9900 Key West Ave # C, [phone])? Really good Chinese food. I LIVE for their fish with green onions. When I visit the 'rents, that it is one restaurant that is a must-go to.

Went to Slanted Door a while back, thought it was overrated for the prices we paid. I've had better for less (in San Jose, which has fabulous Vietnamese food).

[walker]

Zuni is closed on Monday. Try on Tues and do have the caesar salad. I love Slanted Door, you could get there before dinner hr and sit at the bar for dinner. Fish is always very fresh and I always order the Imperial Rolls.

[Xiao Yang]

I wouldn't say Jai Yun requires you to be particularly adventurous, but it's somewhat problematic for a solo diner (as is Chinese food generally). The most prominent Chinatown choices are Great Eastern, Z&Y Garden, R&G Lounge and Louie's California Chinese Cuisine. I'd add Utopia Cafe and the unassuming (Chinese-Vietamese) San Sun on Stockton to the list, too. If you are in C'town at lunch time, just walking around noshing on see-food from the many walkaway dim sum storefronts is an option, too.

What happened to China Star in Fairfax? Is it no longer food? Or was it never as good as its reputation?

[JRinDC]

Thanks for the tips -- noshing in C'town at lunch seems to make a great deal of sense. (China Star got great reviews about four years ago, but it's been mixed recently -- I actually have never been). Last time I was in C'town, I ate at Nanking, which despite its detractors, we actually enjoyed immensely. I just let them decide what to serve.

[rworange]

Looks like you did some research. Canteen is closed on Monday.
http://www.chow.com/places/1223

You could have brunch at Canteen on Sunday or dinner on Tuesday. It is across the street from Chinatown in North Beach,but you might consider The House which is Asian Fusion.

You seem stationed downtown, but if you don't mind a long bus ride or cab ride up Geary to the Pacific side of SF, you might consider Aziza which is Cal-Moroccan.

You might check the board. There have been some negative Slanted Door posts recently. If you go, skip anything with corn in it as it seems those dishes have been disappointing.

[JRinDC]

Thanks for the tip on Canteen -- perhaps I'll plan that for Tuesday instead.