My San Francisco Life

Archive for the ‘Culinary’ Category

Adding Some Healthy Spice to Nob Hill

I know, I know… I haven’t posted in ages.  How could I leave the city of San Francisco alone for so long, you must be wondering, and it’s true; I’ve been away MUCH too long.  The health stuff mentioned in my last few posts has been keeping me away, but I’m hoping to be back in full force this New Year, with better and better haunts for everyone to try.

A place I’ve recently discovered will definitely be added to this list, I’m sure.  I’ve gone on a gluten and dairy-free diet as of late, and this is one of the places that has options galore for a high-maintenance gal like me.  Thai Spice, located on Polk Street in between

Clay and Washington serves up some of, if not the, best Thai I’ve had in the City.  With rice noodles and coconut milk being their staple ingredients, Thai has fast become one of the food options that I can still go out and eat with naught a worry.  Not only is their establishment located in the fun and hip location of Nob Hill, but everything from the tables to the décor to the amazing dishes you are served are presented like, well, presents.  Wonderful ambiance and feel then leads you in to some downright amazing Thai food.  Not only do they have the best Pad Thai I have ever eaten, but their other dishes are equally as remarkable and leave you wanting to try everything on the menu.  Dishes to definitely check out – the Pumpkin Curry with tofu or chicken and the Spinach Rolls appetizer.  Both are simply incredible, and I have no doubt from the ooh’s and ah’s from friends that the other dishes leave nothing to be desired – except maybe a second helping (portions aren’t small though, so you really won’t even have to worry about that).  There are plenty of wines, beers, teas, and Thai teas to pair with these dishes, as well, which make for a fun outing anytime.

Service is easy and relaxed, where they know what is in their food and also can suggest favorites.  It’s not a pretentious, overly expensive place though looks swanky from all aspects.  I don’t know how they do it, but that God they do.  It’s rare to find an affordable, delicious, and all around relaxing spot in such a posh neighborhood, but Thai Spice is breaking the mold and doing it night after night.  Definitely check out this healthy and delicious spot that will keep you craving it long after you leave.

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Happy Hour Ace

For a fun girl’s (or guy’s) night out, with excellent happy hour specials on drinks AND food until 7pm, a definite Marina hot spot to check out is Ace Wasabi. While the staff is kind of that overly hip, more–snobby-than-the-clientele type of crew, the food and drinks (and price!) are worth ignoring them for.  If you get there before 7pm, you will enjoy draft beer at $3 and 6 different types of rolls for $3 a piece.  There are other specials on Nigiri, etc. – what a deal!  I have thus far left stuffed, and all for under $20, including tip.  I Blog - Ace Wasabi - 12.16.09could get used to that.  To add to the fun, they offer up Happy Hour Bingo, and if you win, you get a free food certificate!  Not bad in the posh surrounding that envelope it.

Keep in mind that this place in some aspects is more a place to be scene than a place to get the best sushi, and I don’t know if I would seek it out as a normal sushi place if they didn’t have such a great happy hour, but as it’s located cattycorner to the fantastic Chestnut Street shopping district and is in the middle of it all, it’s a place I’m sure I’ll be visiting time and time again – hopefully, though, each time it’s a weeknight… and before 7pm.

Peace and love Xo

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The Divey Brunch

Sometimes going out to a fancy brunch is just what the doctor ordered.  You hit up Mama’s in North Beach, grab some mimosas while you wait for a table, and enjoy the people watching.  However, after an expensive night out, which those in San Francisco can tend to be, sometimes the search for the affordable but delicious breakfast destination is much more desirable.  For the perfect rainy day breakfast joint, that’s also affordable, check out Joe’s Coffee Shop on Geary (cross street is 26th).  Not only does the average Blog - Joe's Coffee Shop - 12.13.09breakfast cost about $6, but it’s also delicious and fresh.  That’s the perks of small, hole-in-the-wall, family-owned establishments in a packed city.  It looks like a dive from the exterior and the inside isn’t that much better, however, it’s clean and tidy, which gives you a good vibe straight away.  It boasts only a handful of tables and about five bar type stools, but the wait is never too long.  The only way I discovered this favorite spot is that it was closest to my house after a late night of partying and I wanted eggs on the double.  Plus at $5 for what I wanted, I was sold.  Thank God the place was packed, as that’s always a great “insta-recommendation”, I say.  The eggs are the fluffiest I have ever had, and everything comes hot off the grill.   While the family who runs the small venue isn’t chatty, they are fast, efficient, and quietly friendly – perfect for a weekend breakfast.  I have converted several friends to this place, and you Richmond dwellers won’t regret making this your spot.  It’s cash only so come prepared, but for two people, including tip, you only need a $20, so the “cash prep” we experience in most local haunts isn’t required in most cases.  Enjoy this spot, and with the price tag, enjoy it often – perhaps you’ll start doing brunch daily.  Now there’s an idea.

Peace and love Xo

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