February 25, 2008

Best things to eat in the San Francisco Bay Area

This would be a really tough list to rank an individual entry relative to another, as the standing often depends on my mood, my location, the time of day, even the availability of the vendor. It's also probably one of the lists, or rankings, that causes me the most trouble with my friends, because I'm sure I've put more than five of these at the top of a list being declared at any given time. As a result, it's just a list and not a ranking, but it can represent a great way to experience the Bay Area and all of the culinary delights we have to offer.

I'd love to know some of the items that would go on your own list so that I can add to my own, so I invite a robust discussion...

My favorite things to eat in the Bay Area (a key prerequisite is that someone else either prepares it for me or serves it to me, i.e., not raw ingredients I could serve myself -- that's another list):
  • Lasagne at Dopo in Oakland
  • The morning bun at La Farine in Berkeley
  • A kusshi oyster at Hog Island Oyster Co. in the Ferry Plaza
  • Grilled cheese at Hog Island
  • Coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee Co. in Hayes Valley or the Ferry Plaza
  • "Scott's Special" at Zushi Puzzle in the Marina
  • Fish and chips at Barbara's Fish Trap in Montara
  • French fries at the Alpine Inn (Risotti's) in Portola Valley
  • Cream of tomato soup en croute at Bistro Jeanty in Yountville
  • Fish tacos at the bar at Redd in Yountville
  • A burger at Zuni Cafe in the Castro/Market
  • Cappucino at Caffe Trieste in North Beach
  • A Louisiana hot link in the bleachers at a Giants game
  • General Tso's chicken at Su Hong in Menlo Park
  • Chicken tacos at La Taqueria in the Mission
  • Bacon at ACME Chop House in China Basin
  • Kielbasa at Top Dog in Berkeley
  • Vegetable samosas at Vik's Chaat House in Berkeley
  • Pancakes at Bette's Diner in Berkeley
  • Minced chicken in lettuce cups at Mandarin Oriental in Palo Alto
  • Eggs Benedict at Jimmy Bean's in Berkeley
  • Freshly roasted Diestel turkey breast at Golden Gate Meat Co in the Ferry Plaza
  • Bananas foster at Gary Danko in Ghirardelli Square
  • T-bone at Harris' in Russian Hill/Van Ness
  • Roast fingerling potatoes at Zuni Cafe in Castro/Market
  • Tuna crudo at Dopo in Oakland
  • Salumi platter at Dopo in Oakland
  • Figs with aged, home-made balsamic vinegar at Oliveto in Oakland
  • Onion strings at Mustard's Grill in Oakville
  • Pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw at Taylor's Refresher in St Helena and the Ferry Plaza
  • A cacao nib at Scharffen Berger factory in Berkeley
  • Table made s'mores at Market in St Helena
  • Southwestern corn chowder at SF Soup Co all over the city
  • Barbeque pork buns at Ton Kiang in the Richmond
  • Butter fish nigiri at Zushi Puzzle in the Marina
  • Blue fin tuna sashimi at Kabuto in the Richmond
  • Chocolate souffle at Chez Panisse in Berkeley
  • Ricotta souffle at Delfina in the Mission
  • Cheese platter at Gary Danko in Ghirardelli Square
  • Huevos Rancheros at Miss Millie's (now Somerset in Oakland)
  • Cinnamon doughnut at Maverick in the Mission
What do you love to eat?

7 comments:

Unknown said...

You're missing froyo!!!

Unknown said...

How about French Toast at Fred's in Sausalito - get out of the city every once and a while and broaden your horizon...

Anonymous said...

I am fundamentally opposed to posting lists instead of rankings on TheRanker! I need to know what the number one best item to eat is in the bay area. So, actually, maybe a list is ok, but please give us the number one that tops them all!!! Thanks!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Scott....

I can honestly say I don't think I've eaten at this many restaurants in my entire life... At least not that I can remember

I stand in admiration..

Next time Im in the the Bay Area I insist that you take me out for a meal...

Dom

Sarah said...

I LOVE the shout out to Su Hong. You're making me homesick!

Heather said...

OK. I am not cooking for you. I am taking you to Luka's for a burger Wednesday. Zuni's is good, but Luka's is mind altering. Candace and some other folks did a bay area burger taste off. Luka's won hands down. Zuni actually came in 3rd.

Where is my list of cheap eats?