565806 Sun Oct 19 07:43:43 -0700 2008 0 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 4114096 I think I might be completely smitten with La Mar. And it's been awhile since I've been smitten by a restaurant. Maybe I've been stressed out lately and was ready to fall in love. Maybe the unseasonally warm weather makes cebiches and cocktails especially appealing. Maybe I'm a sucker for a waterfront view complete with old-timey imitation Mark Twain riverboats. Or maybe La Mar is just a really great restaurant that offers something no other restaurant in SF does, plus friendly service in a beautiful environment. My favorites continue to be any and all of the cebiches. My husband tried to press me for a favorite, but I said chosing a favorite was as impossible as choosing a favorite dim sum item. I might have a handful of favorites, but no meal would be enjoyable or complete with a single item. The antichuchos (grilled octopus) are simply astounding. The rice criolla was a gussied up fried rice, quite delicious if you have no qualms paying $18 for fried rice. Granted, it had plenty of quality seafood in it. The pisco sour reigns supreme as best cocktail. And disappointingly, the pasta dishes continue to fall flat for me. I've had both the criolla and picante. The criolla was tasty, but basically a vegetarian pasta for close to $20. The picante had potential, but was not at all spicy and was served lukewarm. In my book, that means it was anti-picante in two different ways. I still have a long ways to go before I work my way through La Mar's menu, but I'm looking forward to it. Do others have favorites? Has anyone explored the sake or dessert menus? And, finally, photos: http://www.chezpei.com/2008/10/la-mar-and-tartine.html Sun Oct 19 07:43:43 -0700 2008 11577 Pei