San Francisco treats for the serious foodie

Posted on Thursday 02 August 2012 in San Francisco

Yes, there's sourdough, and yes, there's Ghirardelli chocolate, but San Francisco's culinary scene offers more than just a loaf of bread and block of cocoa. How about tartines with farm-fresh eggs and salted asparagus? Sea urchin topped with kumquats and wasabi? Did someone say cardamom ice cream? Culinary possibilities in California's Bay Area are seemingly endless, and the chefs never stop coming up with unique creations to impress even the most seasoned critics.

Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Start by hopping on flights to San Francisco and get started with these fine establishments:

Commonwealth: For the sea urchin

Nicole Krasinski, a chef at State Bird Provisions, recently spoke with Conde Nast Traveler about her pick for the best entrees in San Francisco, and Commonwealth made the top of her list.

"So much thought and detail go into each dish, and it's incredible stuff at a great price," she told the news source. "Everything on the menu is fantastic, especially anything with sea urchin - it's sometimes served with beans, kumquats, a quail egg and a pickled wasabi leaf. The people who run this place make you feel like you're in their home."

Sea urchin isn't the only seafood on the menu at Commonwealth, and Aussies can feast their eyes and palates on albacore tuna, scallops and poached halibut while sipping a glass of fine wine.

Los Panchos: For the pupusas

Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish consisting of handmade corn tortillas, and fillings including Central American cheese, beans and either scrambled eggs or pulled pork. Open late into the evening, Los Panchos is a welcome sight for bar-hopping vacationers who want something to eat before hitting the sack at San Francisco hotels.

Even at 3 o'clock in the morning, residents pack the restaurant from wall to wall to satisfy their hunger for a filling meal. Vegetarians and carnivores both can eat to their heart's content with empanadas, carne asada and huevos rancheros. Watch out - diners may just find themselves eating more than their stomachs can handle.

Range: For the ice cream

Taking someone special for a night on the town? The best way to seal the deal is with a dessert at Range, which many consider to be the best pastry shop in the city. Owned and operated by Michelle Polzine, the lovely little bakery is known for having unique ice cream flavours like cardamom along with decadent bites like the bittersweet chocolate-raspberry souffle.

"[Polzine's] desserts have a cool, understated style, but the technique is deep," Ian Muntzert, chef at Commonwealth, told the news source. "She's one of the few chefs here to do a souffle - and it's simple yet involved."

Aussies looking for a nightcap can choose from a generous list of dessert wines, which are paired with an assortment of reduced seasonal fruits.

Mosto: For the after-dinner spiked mint

The mixologists at the tequila bar Mosto know how to make a drink. Parked in the middle of San Francisco's Mission neighbourhood, the lounge serves up dozens of its signature libation, El Mosto, each day. The concoction combines silver tequila with agave nectar and lime juice - it may sound simple, but with the perfect ratio, Aussies may feel as though they've been transported to the middle of Mexico City. Luckily for them, they're still in the beautiful Bay Area, and even at 2 a.m., the night is young.

Print this article »

Share this post: