San FranCelia

I’ve recently tried to cut down on my meat consumption, mostly for health reasons, but also because industrial farming gets worse and worse by the day, and it just makes me sad (and sick to know what I’m eating via animal fat…seriously.  Watch Food, Inc. Ew.).   During this valiant effort, I’ve gotten to check out some great vegetarian restaurants, which is a definite bonus!  One of the best parts of eating out in San Francisco is the ambiance.  Each neighborhood is so unique and has it’s own vivacious glow that pulls you in every time.  One of my favorite districts, which is kind of random but super central and hip, is NOPA (that’s north of the Panhandle for all of you out of towners).  There are some great stores, restaurants, and even a great Sunday Farmer’s Market in this little pocket of the City.

I recently tried the vegetarian eatery Herbivore in this locale, and it was delicious and super fresh.  They have a massive menu, so you don’t feel limited, and there are options for people on more than just a veggie diet – gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.  Very awesome!  I had a delicious salad full of rice noodles, fruit, and nuts, paired with a fresh organic berry smoothie.  I felt healthier after eating, which if you are like me is usually not the case.  It’s affordable, too, at under $10 for most lunch options.   And remember that ambiance is key – outside patio seating is available in the back AND front at this trendy joint.  Eating in the back is slightly more subdued than the front, which in this neighborhood allows for some great people watching.  And trust me, in this region of the City, you will NOT be disappointed at the people to watch – and lucky for us, with a spot like Herbivore, you won’t be with the food either.

Peace and love Xo

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Tsunami Sushi Panhandle in the Western Addition/NOPA district leaves you satisfied, and is a real treat.  Went there for my friend Liza’s birthday dinner, and we started by ordering a ton of appetizers, sashimi, and champagne (of course!).  We had these fried sweet potato wedges, with the ‘magic mushroom’ salmon sushi starter, and Cajun Ahi.  All melted in your mouth and left you with a warm feeling inside (you know that feeling you get from either great food or great sex…yeah that one.)  The service was a little bit eager when we began – she kept asking us if we were ready, when we not only had just gotten there, but also were clearly not ready.  I hate pushy service.  If you’re paying a lot or are a big party, I think restaurants should be like the French and let that group own the table for a time without feeling rushed.  She did ease up after a few minutes, however, so it was really fine in the end.  I ordered a glass of Pinot Noir since I can’t generally do too much champagne, and we all started to enjoy the ambiance.  It’s got dim lights and house music playing in the background with a bustling crowd to add to the surroundings.  We sat in the window booth for a large group, and the only complaint was that the shape of the booth and the music speaker location made it kind of difficult for the entire table to chat without getting a little loud. 

Everything that came out after the appetizers was amazing, as well.  Each of us ordered a roll, and then we ordered a couple more for good measure and decided just to family style it.  When it came out, the presentation was flawless and it looked beautiful (well at least as far as food goes – I really like to eat, so I suspect that’s why I see it as beautiful).  Some highlights – the Scorpion Roll, the Volcano Roll, The 5 Sisters Roll, and the Mama San Roll… delicious!  You could taste the freshness in the fish – when you can eat the fish without soy sauce and it’s amazing, you know it’s the good stuff.  I also love Inari when it’s done right, and they do it right.  For dessert we ordered the green tea mochi and cheesecake, and I’ve got to say, my new favorite dessert may be green tea cheesecake.  It was amazing – the perfect amount of cream, tea flavor, and crust… my mouth is watering as I write this… yumm! 

Cool spot overall, and the servers there turned out to be really nice, helpful, and hip – they could have had a little more of an clothing code for the atmosphere they are trying to portray, but it was ok.  Pricing was a little bit much ($30 and under – rolls start around $10), so only worth it on special occasions for the ambiance and scrumptious, fresh rolls.  One of the best things about this city is it’s amazing variety of restaurants that are really rather good.  This is another to be added to the list.  Go with friends and take you’re time when you’re there – it’s a perfect spot to for having a fun group dinner.

Peace and love Xo 

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