Lorraine F.'s Profile

No scintillating conversation.  No frills.  Just a great cut and color at a quarter of the price you'd pay in a downtown salon.  

Don't be put off by the exterior.  Cindy knows what she's doing!

When my friend said she wanted to grab a quick bite before catching a movie at the Bridge, I groaned 'cos I knew that there is nothing in that neighborhood that meets our nit-picky requirements of great atmosphere, good food and yummy wine or cocktails.  Well I was wrong!

We had a delicious bottle of Sauvignon Blanc with complimentary nuts and olives (good ones at that - not just icky peanuts and canned olives), accompanied by a platter of cheese and charcuterie... which was several very good cheeses, salami, prosciutto, apricots and cornichons - generous portions, too.  Our server was lovely.  

Great photographs on the walls... nice lighting/ambiance and music.  I have to say the only downfall was the rather uncomfortable stools.

Otherwise, loved every moment and going back again this week!

One of the best facials I've ever had.   I walked out with my skin glowing and a couple of wonderful all natural products that I've been using ever since and love.

Thanks Andrea!

For a change of venue, propped up the bar Friday night with a friend, hoping that we might meet some men.  We did.  They were all with their wives!  So, definitely not the single scene that was promised, but fun nonetheless.  The house red, which, if you know me, is likely the last thing I would order, was yummy and affordable.  That much was a pleasant change from San Francisco.  However, I would have to be shown proof to believe that the kobe beef burger was really kobe beef.  Kind of tough.  I did manage to work my way through the entire basket of truffle fries, which were yummy.  My friend loved her lobster spaghetti.  And the flirtatious gentleman to my right, who was probably in his 70s, thoroughly enjoyed his crab cakes.

Maybe the crowd was different than usual because of the Mill Valley Film Festival.  I will definitely give it another try!

I've been meaning to write up this fabulous find in the Mission since going there for my birthday in August.  Unfortunately, I've since lost the list of dishes we ordered - which was a lot! - but suffice to say everything was delish.  While the lobster salad stands out in my mind, me and my picky friends enjoyed every single bite.  This place rates with Katsuya in Los Angeles - perhaps not for the decor, and honestly the lighting kind of sucked - but definitely for the food at a tenth of the price.

This may be my new favorite restaurant.  Everything was perfect, from the minute we walked in the door and were greeted by two charming French men!  We had set out to go to 54 Mint which was overly bright and had no seats at the bar.  Silly maitre d' sent us across the street for a cocktail and we never went back!

The interior is gorgeous... perfect lighting... tres romantique, plus we could have a conversation and hear each other without having to shout.  I thought initially that the table was a bit big but by the time all our dishes arrived we needed every inch!

The purple, green and white asparagus salad was awesome, as was the roasted bone marrow with croutons.  I'm not keen on swordfish, but the waiter (David by the way - who was amazing!) completely changed my mind and it was delicious.  We ordered the day's special fois gras two ways and was presented with a muscat to accompany it... on the house - thank you very much!  The caramelized cipollini onion tart was yummy... my friend loved her mussels and I *loved* the french fries, being the french fry maven that I am!

It took me a couple of tastings to get the right wine but when I did... OMG it was divine - a York Creek Cv. One NV that I didn't even pick out.  David did!

5 enthusiastic stars - I will definitely be going back!

By the way, I was at their other location on Potrero a month ago and while the ambiance was more casual, the food was just as good and the service just as friendly.

I was there on the first night open to the public and was surprised that we almost walked passed the place because the street was so empty!  I had expected the bar to be 5 deep and the restaurant totally sold out, not practically empty... which, as it transpiresm was good for us - seats at the bar, no less!  The drinks were okay, not the best in town.  The menu looked interesting but maybe too much so... perhaps strange is a better adjective.  We left and went for sushi... raw baby octopus - yum!

I have to smile at Bonnie's review - I also  thought people were talking to me in the loo!

Had the opportunity to revisit and had a completely different experience.  Though I walked into a completely packed restaurant I was immediately noticed by the attentive and friendly staff.  My friend arrived in time for two seats opening up at the bar.  We were given advice (and tastes) on different wines by a helpful bartender who turned out to be the owner, Boris.  We ordered the prosciutto, sunchokes and a pizza with a bottle of wine.  Again, the food was tasty with generous portions.  The wine was a deal.  I noticed that very few people had left since I'd arrived and I would have gladly whiled away another hour or more at the counter but my friend had a 10 pm business meeting, for which he was late.

As we approached Contigo, we were startled by a pierce shrieking that sounded like a parrot with its knickers in a twist.  We opened the door to see a petite woman (who, as it turns out was one of the owners Elan) panic stricken on the phone while she punched buttons on a console. "I'm sorry," she mouthed.  We were sorry too and stepped outside to protect our ear drums from being shattered.  

Anthony was bummed; he'd been looking forward to trying out the new place in his 'hood as he'd been to Beretta one too many times of late.  I encouraged him to wait.  By the time calmness descended we pretty much had our pick of the place.  We chose a table at the back next to the windows, which we discovered opened, so we enjoyed a nice balmy breeze.  Our waiter Andrew was very patient and helpful as I tried to find a wine to my liking.  I was not a fan of the Alfrocheiro Blend, but think it would probably go down nicely with some cheese and jamon.  The Cabernet was smooth, but nothing special, and while the Tempranillo was fine, $9.50 is too much for a glass.  The Carinena Blend, Montsant, 2004, was perfect... yeah, I had three of them!

We loved the Beets and Will's Pixit Tangerine salad.  The Fava Greens Catalan Style were on the bland side.  The Asparagus with mojama was yummy - could have used a bit more green garlic. The fried little fish were a little on the large side, but delicious nonetheless, and on the opposite side the fava pods were so small I thought they were green beans; also could have used a bit more lemon in the mix.  The patatas bravas were outstanding - hands down beats Cha Cha Cha any day!  The lamb and pork meatballs were original and delicious.  The flatbread with wild morels was tasty enough but lacking zing... it could have used a smidge of grated cheese, but Andrew explained it was the only item on the menu that was 100% vegan...

They gave us a small discount, presumably for either our inconvenience or patience...

All in all, we give it a solid 2 thumbs up... allowing some room for improvement.  

By the way, the interior is lovely and I wouldn't mind propping up the bar on a busy night with a glass of wine and some cheese.  Wish it was in my 'hood!

This is an update to my review of 3/17 - I am no longer in pain thanks to Jessica.  It is truly amazing!  Chronic pain is like carrying a ball and chain around - without it, I feel lighter in every way!

After six years of living in chronic pain with many visits (and lots of expense) to numerous massage therapists, a non-invasive orthopedic acupuncturist (yes, there is such a thing) and a Japanese acupuncturist (who uses needles), I found Jessica and finally... there is light at the end of the tunnel!  

Jessica specializes in myofascial release and sports rehabilitation, as well as women's health.  Her knowledge and skills will blow your mind.  I cannot recommend this woman highly enough.  I am still in pain but each week i get that much closer to being out of it and can confidently look forward to the day I will return to full health.  

I will be able to do backbends in yoga - something I'd given up hope of ever doing again - yeah!!!!