MIA-SF

[ladygerard]

I am visiting the city for the first time this weekend. I have one day to explore. Any suggestions on moderately priced to slightly more than moderately priced places to go? If any one has been to Miami, I am looking for Gigi, Michy's, Michaels Genuine type places, for either lunch or dinner. Also, what is the best dim sum? Thanks!!!

[wolfe]

I was afraid this was a replay of this thread
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/719240
but MIA is Miami not Missing in Action.
Yang Sing, Rincon Annex search it and observe precautions about ordering.

[rworange]

That was EXACTLY what I was thinking. The OP has time to change it if reading to MIA-SFO

If you are here on Saturday morning, you really have to visit the Ferry Plaza farmers market which is about a block or two from Yank Sing. I have read that Florida has some sorry farmers markets and even people from areas with top markets, this is probably the best with lots of gourmet food vendors. It will give a real flavor for SF.

Hmmm ... Dungeness crab season just started. Maybe follow the thread on that.

It might be good to describe some of the restaurants and what you like because many people here are probably unfamiliar with those restaurants.

[ladygerard]

Thank you! Yes, I meant Miami to San Francisco. Gigi (Jeff Mcginnis) is asian inspired, small plates, reasonably priced. Michy's (chef Michelle Bernstein) and Michael's (Michael Schwartz) are a bit higher end, but not outrageously expensive. More new-American, Latin, and European inflenced. Anything Spanish style would be great too! Thanks for the tip on the farmer's market, we are sorely lacking them here in Miami!

[Ruth Lafler]

I wouldn't bother with Latin/Spanish in SF -- Spanish is not a strength, and I'm guessing that Latin American is better in Miami.

Eat local: California cuisine.

[rworange]

Along the lines of going with California Cuisine plus some of the OP's requests , here's the day I'd suggest. if it is Saturday.

Morning at Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (right on the Bay with a lovely indoor area with all sorts of shops and restaurants)

Walk over to Yank Sing for dim sum

Dinner at Zuni cafe and have the roast chicken

When people visit me from out of state, Zuni is my usual go-to place.

http://www.zunicafe.com/menus.html

The chicken is always on the menu. But given it changes every day and it is crab season, they might have something crabby on the menu. However, only get it if it is an appetizer. You want the chicken. Too bad it isn't summer as you will miss the peach dessert.

Aziza is another place I'd recommend as it is different. However, it is way up on the Avenues. If you are driving around, you could have a drink at the Cliff House for the view (do NOT eat there) and then go over to Aziza for dinner. It is Cal Moroccan and has a Michelan star. Their menu changes frequently also, but they keep the website updated. Very creative cocktails.

http://www.aziza-sf.com/food.html

Let us know where you went and how you liked it. If you revisit we will have recommendations in tune with your taste.

[steve h.]

I'm a fan of both Michy's and Michael's. The vibe of both places is important to the dining experience as well as the food. Some San Francisco restaurants with a similar vibe could include Cotogna, SPQR, Barbacco. All three excel at small plates, very good wines and, in the case of Cotogna, cocktails. All three feature California produce. Check 'em out.

-----
SPQR
1911 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

Barbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Cotogna
490 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

[wolfe]

Here are some Yank Sing ordering tips.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/732146

[walker]

Number 1 for me would be Yank Sing at 101 Spear (near Ferry Bldg and Embarcadero. They take reservations. Only open til 3 or 4 pm, best to go by 1 pm, there's more variety Sat & Sun.

I also think you'd enjoy Betelnut on Union St. There are tables and a counter where you can sit. Very popular with locals -- the chicken in lettuce cups, also, spicy green beans, excellent.

-----
Betelnut
2030 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

[ladygerard]

Thank you so much everyone!!! I'm just sorry I won't be there long enough to try them all out!!

[ladygerard]

Thank you all again for your wonderful suggestions! I only managed to get to Betelnut, as we were a large group and difficult to seat that many on a weekend night. Anyway the food was amazing and I hope to go back soon!!

-----
Betelnut
2030 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

[bbulkow]

No dim sum for you? Come on back, y'all!