LA Chowhounder In Town For The Holidays

[Silverlaker]

Hubby and I will be staying by the Wharf for four days and wanted to get feelers out for what's new & also suggestions for good mid-price restaurants. We love holes in the walls, restaurants where the locals go, etc.

Also -- last time we visited (two years ago) we ate at this terrific restaurant known for their roast chicken and I'm blanking on the name -- it's quite known -- so if someone can throw that out to me, would be great.

We like pretty much everything sans Indian and probably not sushi as we eat a ton of terrific sushi here -- thanks all!

[groover808]

Here's a quick report of my recent trip. You definitely have to stop by Tartine, fantastic! Also, if you're serious about getting some serious drinks, the Alembic was nice.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/665100

[Silverlaker]

Is A16 still good? That was sorta the new'ish, hipish place we went to on last trip (2 1/2 years ago).

[Robert Lauriston]

A16's chef Nate Appleman moved to NY but I haven't heard anything to make me think it has changed much, unlike the other restaurant where he was also chef, SPQR, which has had a pretty radical makeover. Their pastry chef is also leaving if she's not gone already.

[toitoi]

Are you thinking of Zuni Cafe on Market?

[Silverlaker]

Ding ding ding! Is it still good? There was also this great place we got clam chowder in the Castro -- upscale diner'ish.

[Robert Lauriston]

Zuni's as good as ever. I had a couple of my best meals ever there in the past year.

Clam chowder in the Castro could be Woodhouse or Anchor.