www.thecounterburger.com

369 California Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 321-3900

Strangely enough, even sitcoms are doing episodes about the perfect burger experience.  But ask yourself, are you a true burger connoisseur?  Do you even know the difference between a McD’s or an In-n-Out or a backyard grill or a gourmet?  Can you even appreciate eating a burger made of meat that has never been frozen?  My sister literally calls this the “best thing to happen to Palo Alto in a decade,” and as a Stanford alum, that is saying a LOT.  The Counter is cool and gets a big thumbs up.  Once you have built your own burger you can then spend the next few minutes anticipating it while you down a malt made before your eyes and inhale about a basket full of sweet potato fries that epitomize the delicate balance between crispy and chewy.  The staff is great; rarely do you see such accommodating folks.  Just check it out.  

(LC and me)

http://www.escapefromnewyorkpizza.com/

333 Bush (btw Kearny & Montgomery)

First note that I will not often stop to talk about chain fast food pizza. 

This is an entry about the wonderment that comes from just looking up.  I find that relaxed people will do just that.  They are not in a hurry, they take their time.  They notice the sky is blue today (this is unusual because it is San Francisco).  They wonder how the skyline will look in a few decades with 17 more glass buildings.  These lucky individuals see things that the speedy passer-by has become immuned to.  So now somebody please tell me, why can’t we be looker-uppers during the week?  There’s so much to discover!  Now consider me.  A rather clumsy person, who out of nothing more than courtesy, not wanting to trip into people, combined with a fear of ruining her flats with feces, has trained herself to always look down.  But on this particular day, she has time.  She is hungry.  She has 20 minutes until what soon becomes known as that traumatizing doctor’s appointment.  She sets off for lunch and ends up seated with a slice of pesto pizza.  She has a penchant for both pesto and pizza; combined the temptation is 2% too much.  She takes her first bite, and in looking up, sees for the first time giant poetry on the wall of this otherwise average looking pizza joint.  Now that’s different, she thinks.  She reads the length of the verse, then reads it again.  She still has 10 minutes after all.  Finishing up her last bite, she turns to throw away her plate, and she sees another verse on the opposing wall.  Cool, almost like a museum…but there are probably hundreds and hundreds of people who order a slice and turn right back around and leave, without looking up, without noticing.  Readers, please pay attention to the decor.  Someone has worked hard to put it there for your viewing pleasure.  Thank you.

www.lecharm.com

315 5th St
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 546-6128

In my first entry, I took a picture of a chandelier that made an impression on me.  Here again I’ve chosen to pay tribute to another illumination.  Growing up, my father was a stickler for good, strong lighting, and although he would not approve of this photo, I have found that his extremist fluorescent tendencies have actually enhanced my appreciation for a softer, smoother ambiance.  (Nobody likes to see the pores of the person inhaling French food in front of them, agree with me here!).  Le Charm was a surprising SoMa find.  It was a gamble certainly, as I had never been before and had chosen it to be the venue of my most loyal reader’s birthday bash!  Quite daunting, but I’m pleased with the result.  Le Charm charges only a modest corkage fee.  The coziness of the room, tucked away from the grime of the street it sits on, is so pleasant that you almost forget that you’ve had French food before.  The back patio looks promising too, for rental and for warmer weather.  The staff is gracious and kind; that makes for half the memorableness I would say.  I have only fond memories here.  Happy Birthday, and you know who you are!

(Matt, Kim, Luci, Jasemin, Wendy, Randy)

545 Mission St., San Francisco, CA

415.543.8900

http://www.salthousesf.com/

I finally made it to Salt House.  The restaurant, rather inconspicuous from the street, is actually quite large and boasts an upstairs room as well as a main dining hall, all dedicated to an ambiance worthy of the seafood it sells.  It’s hard to tell, but this picture actually represents part of the “at-sea” theme, as the waiters bring the bread to the table, wrapped in brown paper, as if it is the catch of the day.  The bread is good, but the food is even better, surprisingly flavorful and fresh for a place that so few people even see as they bustle past on the busy street.  This was a night of fine dining, work colleagues, and special occasions.  Here’s to a paycheck that can buy a nice dinner for two.  CL, I know the appetizers scared you away, but I wonder if you’ll give the place a second try?

(AH)

http://www.schnitzel-haus.net/

294 9th Street, San Francisco, 94103

Today, at work of all places, I found myself in a conversation with Wort Up Brewery http://www.wortup.com/ about Schnitzelhaus, and I found myself craving schnitzel (even after three consecutive bbqs this past weekend).  There are not a lot of recommendable foodie pit stops between SoMa and the Mission, so please stop here and receive dinner and even a little entertainment for free!  The rowdy crowds, the theme-park style music, the animated owner–tip: he is even more animated if you can manage to bust out the native tongue!, the glass boots (not mugs) full of beer…there are several factors of success for this bustling diner, but it is better to experience it yourself than have me finish this list.  Now, a little more on the beer in this joint.  There is nothing wrong with drinking beer out of a shoe, as long as that beer is Franziskaner!  Now, I have two good German friends who have personally vouched for this beer!  So, three Germans in a row cannot possibly be wrong, can they?  Folks, I am not even passionate about beer like the rest of you, but I will put Franziskaner second only to Wort Up http://www.wortup.com/.  And now you’ve learned how to spell Schnitzel to boot! (thanks for laughing at the pun). 

(MB, Jasemin)

335 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 397-9222

http://www.michaelmina.net/

Well I must say, the hype killed it for me.  As a third child, I couldn’t help but love the trio plating concept, but honestly, I expected more.  Presentation isn’t everything, as you can see from my melting dessert.  On this particularly warm evening, while awaiting my very late friend (ahem jadedpalette.com), I happened to be seated next to a young sous chef from Vancouver.  An ambitious foodie targeting his own restaurant by age of 30 (4 years to go), this friendly gentleman patiently endured the two of us in our quest to better understand the back ends of restaurants of the world.  He was on his third foodie tour of San Francisco, and because he shared several similar insights into great restaurants and had ventured out on his birthday to dine solo at this famous spot in Union Square, we couldn’t help but add him to our party (after all, it was his birthday, and any decent human being would’ve done the same); and so the trio enjoyed three trio pre fixe courses.  And eagerly planned out the next foodie journey.

(WN, unnamed rising star chef from Vancouver)

1517 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, California 94709

Café Reservations: (510) 548-5049
Restaurant Reservations: (510) 548-5525

http://www.chezpanisse.com/

Dear Alice,

Someday I hope my name will invoke awe as yours does.  I dream about a time when seating hosts will know me and clear the best table in anticipation of my arrival.  I hope to inspire back-end kitchen flurry and savor the best that modern dining has to offer.  When I get to this point, it would be fun to sit with you and discuss the future of the food universe as Foodies emerge.  How about it?  For now, let me say this.  I picked Chez Panisse for Mother’s Day this year 2008.  It was nice sitting next to the kitchen, because I was able to capture this shot of your pretty bread basket, but the table was a little drafty to be honest.   The food was wonderful obviously.  But next time can we be towards the window?  Hey restaurants, you know you’ve made it in my book, when I allow my mother to enter your premises.  Know that and be on the lookout for me.  World, here I come. 

About me: I like warm fresh bread with cold hard butter.

(Me, mom, and LDC)

10 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 527-4060

www.thevermilionrestaurant.com

Vermillion, as described by the owner, is a brilliant red hue worn by Indian women as a dot on their forehead.  It is a symbol of power, strength, beauty.  And I thought it was just a color.  At this particular womens networking and leadership event, I was astounded by the vibrance of the crimson decor.  It was a special treat to hear the story of the restaurant from the owner,  who discussed its history from concept to creation.  On this particular evening, I was seated at a table full of lovely, intelligent ladies from D.C. to CA, from all walks, and from that evening began the incessant mockery from a close friend that I-heart-Chicago.  It’s true, I now do.  I’m ready for more.

(BT, VC, and a hundred or so great women)

 1 Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 861-8032

Art tea is no ordinary brew.  Served in a wine glass to showcase its delightful presentation, one can watch the splendor of the unfolding flower while contemplating entrees to come.  Of course, if you’re here because you’ve forgotten that the other Ferry building restaurants close up shop early on the weeknights, then you must also be content to have snapped up the last two consecutive barstools amidst a row of other fine diners.  The bar is a nice spot for an elegant weeknight bite and bit of chit chat.  Dallas, Los Angeles, London, just a few of the cities we’re thinking about tonight.  And the babies we remember in each one.  Why does the world seem so large and yet so small at the same time?  Thoughts are more than welcome.  In the meantime…Copenhagen…Sydney perhaps…here we come. 

Chances of coming back: Having a reservation is a good idea, otherwise get cozy in the lounge while you wait two hours.

Why here: Elaborate drinks, hip crowd, guaranteed good food, the satisfaction of actually having a reservation, perhaps, the need for a mid-week pick-me-up?

Belly buster?: Save room for dessert; it’s always a tight squeeze by this point…but so worth it.

(Wendy)

Mountain View…home to Google, outdoor amphitheaters, and yes, Amber India, the first…Even if you don’t live or work here, trust me, you’ll drive from wherever you are.  And it’ll be so satisfying when you do.  The lunch buffet is the “best” (quote from several Indian friends who know their stuff).  Other things we can’t get enough of?  The mango lassis, the butter chicken, and the friendly wait staff.  Don’t get me wrong, we’re happy that the Santana Row and soon-to-be SF venue exist / will exist.  But mainly because we like that the traffic will be diverted from our local spot.  Just when you think life is good.  Then you have dinner with a friend who reminds you that it is great.  Thanks for the new perspective on how things should be.

Chances of coming back: Inevitable as this is the best…the best, do you hear?

Why here: Because it is just that good.  Stop asking questions, just go already.

Belly buster?: Took the leftover lamb home.  Why waste a good thing?

(Kevin)