With major focus on recapturing some nostalgic food experiences and dishes from bygone years, I have spend the past month eating at places all over the Orient, ranging from food streets, sidewalk Dai Pai Dong, Hole-in-the-wall eateries to private ‘members only’ clubs and Tabelog 4.0+ / Michelin 3* fine dining establishments. Results had been erratic, both ups and downs, spanning from major disappointments to sheer culinary ecstasy, packed with wow factors.
Part 1 - San Francisco
Before crossing the Pacific, a few days were spent in this culinary hub, visiting decades old friends. Deal to uncertainty in our initial schedule, Michelin stars establishments, requiring pre-paid deposit, were bypassed. Instead, less stringent reservation requirements, culinary stalwarts were chosen.
Stand out dish must go to the unrivalled, house special Berkshire Pork chop of the James Beard winner Nancy Oake’s iconic restaurant ‘Boulevard‘ …..well seasoned, gorgeous crust and super juicy……still uber delicious after all these years!!..25 years to be exact!! Other dishes were equally well executed. The fish and seafood cooked to perfection.
No visits to this foggy city by the Bay can be without trying their famous Cioppino Seafood Stew. My excellent, delectable and generous version was at Hog Island Oyster Co on the waterfront.
Before leaving town, my old friend brought us to a newly opened Vietnamese Fusion place - Le Soleil, where some really delicious, unique and outstanding surprise creations were offered. Highly recommended!
Lastly, a few photos of the city’s attractions, taken from a few different perspectives and vantage points, are enclosed.
Despite being close to a relatively seedy part of town ( Market & 6th ), our boutique hotel - ‘Timbri, Curio collection by Hilton, walking distance from the Fourseasons, was an excellent, modern, clean and comfortable sanctuary!
