Kelsey E.'s Profile
DateSan Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 374-5546
Mr. Pollo
Category:
Latin American
Neighborhood: Mission
Listed in: I Have No Money, The Mission at its Finest
1 Previous Review:
-
9/17/2010 ROTD 1/19/2011
I'm almost embarrassed to admit that for five months, I've lived 1/2 a block away from Mr. Pollo, walked by it every day, and only ever saw it as another shabby Mission dive serving cheap Mexican food. Little did I know that this restaurant serves some of the best arepas in San Francisco.
Ya ya, I know, I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but because of its tiny interior, bare-essential decor, and proximity to the Mission McDonald's, I couldn't help but have some preconceived notions. Once inside, it only took one bite to realize that I had been a complete idiot for letting Mr. Pollo's appearance deter me from popping in.
I could never tell the story of how I learned to love arepas and why I fell in love Mr. Pollo in a Yelp review. Which is exactly why I published a detailed article about my experience on my blog, entitled, "A Tribute to the Men Who Arepa'ed Me - Part 1." You can read it by going to my website, http://KelsEats.com.
As for a quick synopsis, just know this: Mr. Pollo may seem divey, but it is as good as Caracas Arepa Bar in New York City, and the best arepa destination in San Francisco. The owner/chef, Manny, has worked in some of the country's finest kitchens, including SF's Quince and Coi, and now uses his expertise to create authentic Venezuelan cuisine.
It may not be as quick as a taqueria or open late for the drunk crowd, but the quality of the food is well above the cliche, cheap fare served at most Mission restaurants. While a greasy quesadilla may sound tempting, take my advice and skip it. It just simply can't compare.
My problem is that, frankly, it's just not my favorite style of pizza. Yes, of course a panna and prosciutto pie can be magically delicious, and yes being presented with pizza menus that actually change depending on the season keeps things interesting. Hell, I've even been to Naples and had the real thing! And you know what? I just didn't understand what the craze is all about. I understand that the perfect Neapolitan pizza has a special place in the hearts of many SF inhabitants, but you know what I have to say? F*** Neapolitan pizza.
Sometimes I just want a big, thick, overly-mozzarella-cheesed, greasy slice of heaven. So you can imagine my excitement to find my very own neighborhood version of Round Table Pizza just around the corner from my house in the Mission.
Serrano's Pizza serves up just what I like: incomparable slices of hot, chewy, pepperoni-covered pizza large enough to feed a small family. Actually, a large is so large that I was able to feed two people a satisfying lunch and dinner for two days straight. Of course, those two days were so spectacular that I thought, "Why stop at just two?" and kept going for a full four days in a row.
And no, I'm not ashamed.
Listed in: I Have No Money, The Mission at its Finest
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 896-5222
CocoaBella Chocolates
Category:
Chocolatiers and Shops
Neighborhoods: Union Square, SOMA
Not only is this the best chocolate I've had in San Francisco, it's also some of the best chocolate I've had - and that coming from a girl who went on a chocolate tour of both Brussels and Paris...I called it my "Obesity Tour." Basically, CocoaBella has chocolates imported from all over the world and brings them together in one convenient location so that you can save all of that flight money and put it towards buying chocolate.
Unlike many chocolate boutiques, all of the chocolates taste as good as they look. And their selection is impressive to say the least. I think when they were coming up with the concept for their store, they made a list of everything you can put in a chocolate and decided to stock at least one of each. From traditionals like dark chocolate or hazelnut truffles to non-traditionals like olive oil or cayenne pepper treats, they have something for everyone. A perfect place for picking up a gift that tells your friends and relatives "I'm classy, and you're lucky."
Also, the customer service was impeccable. Quick, attentive, and patient as I was being extremely picky and saying no to about 1/2 of her suggestions. Even after pacing back and forth through the store roughly 246 times trying to find my ideal chocolate selections she kept a smile on her face and stuck with me.
It's a problem when I can go through a 20 piece box in a day and a half, and that was when I was exercising some self control! Otherwise they would've been gone in an hour flat. It's also a problem when as soon as I'm done, I go onto their website to find out how I can get more.
Didn't you hear? Being a size 2 isn't fashionable nowadays anyway - chocolate is in.
Listed in: My ROTDs
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 864-8643
NOPA
Categories:
American (New),
Modern European
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
I had been hesitant to try it out for a long time, after hearing from a few people that they thought it was relatively overrated. However, as soon as that first bite hit my mouth I knew those people were just flat-out wrong: NOPA deserves all of the attention it has received.
It's not reinventing New American cuisine, and it's not trying to be one of the most refined restaurants in the City. There is value in simplicity, and NOPA offers straight-forward, seasonal, well-composed dishes that taste fantastic. Bruschetta with butter beans ($11), Sun Gold tomato, and grilled calamari isn't shockingly original, but the execution and flavor is spot-on; serving up a grass-fed burger ($13) may seem commonplace, but served at a perfect medium rare with pickled onion, gruyere, house-cured bacon, on a house-made brioche bun makes something simple into something absolutely mind-blowing - arguably the best burger in the City. And, I hate to compliment the Flat Bread because it's just so easy to cover it with bacon and make it taste delicious, but damn that flat bread is good.
Add in a full bar and one of the best cocktail menus in the City, and it's easy to see why it's been one of SF's most popular restaurants for so many years. The only problem with being so popular is that, even though the restaurant is sizable, there is almost always a wait. During the peak hours of almost every night of the week, expect to feel like a wolf, eyeing your prey and ready to attack as soon as someone gets up from their bar stool.
If nothing else, NOPA is the definition of consistent. Dishes are never overworked, flavors are always clean, and every item is beautifully cooked and seasoned. No matter what the season, or what modifications have been made to the daily-changing menu, at NOPA you can always expect solid food and solid cocktails.
Listed in: Burger Binge!
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 633-3000
Seasons
Category:
Steakhouses
Neighborhoods: Union Square, SOMA
Because Seasons isn't situated on the ground floor I didn't even realize there was a notable restaurant in this hotel. But what the fourth (or possibly fifth) floor has that the street lacks is a beautiful view of the city. Having recently changed the menu's concept from what I like to refer to as "seasonal power lunch" cuisine to one found in a more traditional steakhouse, I was excited to see if the transition was successful. After 2 dinners, it's clear that Seasons should only have 1 season: steak season.
To begin, the cocktails are delicious, and with such a lengthy selection you're sure to find something to quench your thirst.
In terms of cuisine, the focus may have changed but there is still a strong sense of upscale seasonality that doesn't come in the form of steak on the menu. In fact, the majority of the menu is steak-less.
Take the appetizers for example: Seared Foie Gras "Pot-au-Feu" with roasted red flame grapes, or Seared Scallops with Asian pear, parsnip, chanterelle, warm pancetta vinaigrette, and young cress. The Foie would be more successful if less emphasis was placed on the accompaniments and more on the foie itself. On the other hand, the scallops were perfectly cooked, however, the creativity and composition of this dish didn't blow me away - a solid dish that tasted like it should, but not overwhelming. Similarly, the Baby Organic Greens and Sweet Gem Lettuce Salad (with a wonderfully assertive white anchovy dressing) are both nicely composed and tasty, but again not entirely memorable.
The beautifully cooked Loup de Mer followed, accompanied by one of the highlights of the meal: the Rancho Gordo beans. While beans may seem insignificant to some, they were perfectly seasoned, not cooked into mush, and are the cornerstone of this dish. But again, despite being a solid entrée it didn't really leave a lasting impression.
It was the most cliché item on the menu, the steak, that left the deepest impression. The 28-Day Dry Aged Ribeye ($48) was nothing short of velvety meat butter encased in caramelized complex sugars and dripping with mouthwatering, natural juices. At the time I described it as, "knock-me-on-my-ass good," and it was this meat, and this meat alone, that drove me back and left me equally impressed just a few weeks later.
That said, the sauces were a different story. Of all five options, the only really appealing sauce was the hollandaise with freshly shaved horseradish and thyme -a wonderful complement to the meat.
Similarly, the sides (the black truffle, hazelnut and parmesan Spätzle, and the Braised Greens with 63 hen egg) were too overcooked to thoroughly enjoy.
Finally, dessert was decadent, flashy, and delicious. Although selections are somewhat traditional (Dark Chocolate Mousse with salty caramel ice cream and a Lemon Raspberry Tart made of lemon curd, raspberry gelée, and crème fraiche ice cream), they were exquisitely executed. It's this type of execution that reminded me that classic desserts are labeled "classic" for a reason.
When the extremely attentive service and broad wine list are factored in, the question remains: would I go back or recommend it to friends? For a full meal? Probably not. If I wanted to pay those kind of prices, I would probably opt for something more consistent. For drinks and dessert? If I'm in the area, sure. For steak? Seeing as how I've already made a return trip, I think so.
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 775-8508
Cotogna
Category:
Italian
Neighborhood: Financial District
Clearly, Cotogna has a lot going for it - and many people have noticed. This establishment has attracted a huge amount of attention, so much that on my first visit there was such a cloud of hype surrounding this restaurant that it was hard to even see the front door. Having dined at Quince several times, I had always left with the feeling that, while delicious, it never quite lived up to its widespread publicity. So, in all honesty, I walked into Cotogna with a bit of an attitude, entering with my chin held high as if to say, "Okay hot shot. Impress me."
And let me tell you...it did. As much as I wanted to be underwhelmed, everything about my three dining experiences amazed me.
Although the menu may seem rustic and relaxed, the plates that come out of the kitchen are sophisticated. I was hooked as soon as I took my first bite of the starters: a Salad of Chicories with pomegranate, olio nuovo & burrata ($10), and a serving of Grilled Monterey Bay Squid with grapefruit & puntarella ($10). The salad, while uncomplicated, was perfectly balanced, refreshing, and not overly dressed; much can be said about a restaurant that serves impeccable salads. The calamari was perfectly executed - not rubbery at all and incredibly juicy.
Next came the pastas, the most notable of which is the Farm Egg Raviolo with brown butter ($16) - also the most decadent dish of the meal. A beautiful, delicate farm egg is cooked in 180 degree water for 2-3 minutes, until the yolk is runny enough to spill slightly when cut, but firm enough to not run out over the entire plate.
Skip the pizza. However, a side order of Ember Roasted Onions with fonduta & hazelnut ($6) left a lasting impression on my mouth (that's what she said...) Smothered in cream and layered with different textures, a simple onion became supple, rich, smoky, and outstanding.
SPIT ROASTED PORK with wild fennel & hot pepper ($24) came as an entrée, and absolutely blew me away. I usually don't adore simple, roasted meats, but this pork loin was so moist and so well-seasoned that for me it is one of the most stand-out dishes on the menu.
Finally, but importantly, the desserts. After 1 bite of the Crème Fraiche Panna Cotta with pinenut cookies ($7), it's clear that this is not a place where you should skip dessert.
Don't expect to walk in and be seated within 15 minutes; the wait at Cotogna, even on a weeknight, looks more like 60-90 minutes. It doesn't matter who you are, if you don't have a reservation you're going to wait. But the food is worth it. Luckily, there's a wonderful bar right next door in Quince to make that wait a little less painful.
Listed in: Dessert's the New Dinner, Quest for the Best Italian, Italian Food Done Right
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 393-9000
Coi
Category:
American (New)
Neighborhoods: North Beach/Telegraph Hill, Financial District
First - important to note that that lounge closes April 1st and gives way to more dining room seating, but I wanted to write about it anyway. Coi's lounge is quite simply one of the best deals in this city. It offers its own special menu AND you can order any item off of the tasting menu! With all plates priced under $20, I clearly thought it was too good to be true.
Luckily, it's not too good to be true. It's real. And my two dining experiences in the lounge have turned into my favorites in a long line of memorable meals. But it was Chef Patterson's ability to convey a genuine, clear sense of place in every dish that made my most recent visit truly the most impressive.
The Geoduck and Manila CLAM was the perfect way to start the meal. By combining the clam's hints of subtle sweetness with the geoduck's fish-fragrant flavor of the ocean, and adding in refreshing bites of bull kelp which suggested the presence of coastal waters, this dish brought the sea to the plate.
The dish that followed, which Chef Patterson entitled "Pasture," caught me by surprise. Described as "BEETS Roasted in Hay, Fresh Cheese, Wild Sprouts, and Flowers" I expected a simple, semi-firm roasted beet on a plate. However, what arrived was more of a thick beet purée, with the fresh Andante cheese combined with the mashed red beets to form a soft, creamy puddle on the plate. Simply topped with a smattering of wild sprouts and flowers, I felt like the best fed horse in the history of the world.
This was followed by a taste of the California coastline: a CRAB MELT with Steffan's Lardo and Wheatgrass. I was suddenly transported back to the local farms of California with the next dish: the FARM EGG with Cauliflower and a Nettle-Dandelion Salsa Verde. The egg's gooey richness, the cauliflower's firm but succulent flavor, and the freshness of the greens were in perfect harmony and communicated the unique location of these ingredients.
Then came yet another surprise: Savory Chanterelle PORRIDGE with Crisp Root Vegetables, Cress, and Sherry. The last time I saw porridge on the menu was on a visit to the Three Bears' House, and even though I thought that the bowl I had there was just right, I was wrong. The warm, comforting, coziness of this earthy dish absolutely blew me away. Despite my initial reservations, this was not only my favorite dish of the meal, but one of the most memorable dishes I've experienced at Coi.
And although there's never much meat on Coi's menu, every time they do it, they do it to perfection. The taste of the Prather Ranch BEEF, with Potato, Coastal Grasses, and Monterey Cypress was so pure and cleanthat it would almost be unfair to other restaurants if Coi offered multiple meaty selections on the menu.
Finally, in my mind putting a GRILLED CHEESE sandwich on the menu is taking a big risk. I quietly thought to myself, "Okay Patterson. Bring it." Oh, and he brought it my friends. Oh yes...he brought it. As skeptical as I might have been, that grilled cheese sandwich, with house-made pickles, was just about as close to flawless as a sandwich can get.
I left thinking two things. The first: "Wow. I can't believe I just fell in love with porridge." But more seriously, my second thought was that Coi, which I've regarded as the best fine-dining restaurant in the Bay Area for some time, is only getting better. Impressive indeed.
Listed in: Restaurants to Impress
1 Previous Review:
-
4/5/2010
With 2 well-deserved Michelin stars, Coi is currently, in my opinion, the best fine-dining restaurant in San Francisco, and well deserving of the full-scale 5 star review I've written for Examiner (which you can read by clicking on the Examiner link in my profile).
In summary, the dishes range from excellent to mind-blowing, leaving you curious (what is a Firethorn berry?!), satisfied, and simply exhilarated. Using as many fresh, seasonal, local ingredients as possible, Chef Patterson creates a menu that is sure to amaze even the most seasoned diners - you will not only experience flavors you've never tasted before, but you will fall in love with them. The menu engages virtually every sense: touch, taste, smell, sight, allowing the diner to be captivated by food in ways they may have never considered.
New York, NY 10019
(212) 582-5100
Marea
Category:
Seafood
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Prior to arriving in New York City, my fourth visit in 4 years, I had done a significant amount of research on what new restaurants were catching headlines and had already made reservations at all of my top picks. Although Marea wasn't one of them, after only one day in Manhattan I realized that I'd had made a big mistake - everyone, and I mean everyone, was talking about Marea. With only two days notice and one incredibly lucky phone call, I found myself with a lunch reservation at New York's hottest restaurant.
The setting was exactly what you would expect of a celebrated Midtown restaurant located just across from Central Park: tables of businessmen in important looking suits alongside elegantly coiffed women donning pearls, over-sized rings, and classic Chanel jackets despite the summer heat. Combined with its spacious, open dining room, Marea is the cliché Big Apple business lunch destination: a place to see and be seen. Unfortunately, like most "business lunch" establishments, the grandeur of the atmosphere and crowd outweighed the grandeur of the food, surprising seeing as how even the Times' food critic had nothing but glowing things to say about Marea. And to top it off, we even ordered the exact dishes that were being praised by food journalists and NYC locals alike!
Our first small bite, the Sea Urchin paired with lard and sea salt, was plain in presentation, uninspired in flavor, and simply fell flat. Similarly, the Seppia that followed - Cuttlefish cut to resemble tagliatelle, soffritto crudo (raw veggie sauté), and bottarga di muggine (grated grey mullet roe) - was one-dimensional, lacked adequate seasoning, and was equally disappointing.
Despite the lackluster appetizers, the most-hyped dish on the menu and the one I was most excited to try was still to come. My mouth instantly began to water when the Fusilli with red wine braised octopus and bone marrow, coated in an elegant, deeply-colored Sangiovese wine sauce, was placed in front of me. Little fault could be found in this dish: the pasta was perfectly cooked, the braised octopus was beautifully tender, and the sauce was full-flavored and rich. Despite its perfect execution and flawless composition, it just wasn't especially compelling; I've simply had better pasta at numerous other establishments. Surprisingly, it was the dry aged Sirloin that stole the show: a flavorful, perfectly cooked piece of meat that literally melted in your mouth. Finally, I understood the appeal behind the classic, business-lunch power-steak.
Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and slightly bitter by having been misled by public opinion. Sure, I went for lunch rather than the more decadent evening tasting menu. And yeah, at a restaurant where it probably pays to be somebody, I was a big nobody. But no matter. For a restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star and a three-star New York Times review, I would expect higher quality cuisine no matter what the time, or who the clientele happens to be.
Jodi Stetson has been the only person I trust with highlighting my hair for the last 3 years. Even though San Francisco seems to have everything a person could possibly need, I am still traveling from SF to Sacramento every couple of months to get my hair did. Sure, visiting my parents is nice, but they shouldn't fool themselves - I primarily go home to see Jodi.
First of all, she's consistent. Whether I ask to be a bit blonder or just get a touch up, I get exactly what I want every time. In 3 years I've never left the salon thinking, "I wish it was a bit lighter, but I guess it looks good." Instead, I leave thinking "Goddamn! I look good!"
Secondly, her prices are incredibly reasonable. As I said before, it's actually just as cheap for me to get a round trip ticket to Sac and have Jodi do my hair vs. going to a local salon. And to clarify, I'm not saying that and getting some kind of friend discount - the price of a full highlight (2 colors, btw) is actually that inexpensive.
Finally, and what's been the most important for me, she's very flexible and always works around my schedule, even if it's incredibly short notice. Sure I've known her for some time, but I have no doubt that she's super accommodating with all of her clients. There's no "Jodi has an opening in a month" bs like you often find in chi-chi SF salons. And the results are just as good as those elite salons! I mean, just look at my hair in my Yelp photos. It's goddamn gorgeous. ;)
1 Previous Review:
-
2/24/2009
I can't believe I haven't written a review about my favorite hair stylist, Jodi Stetson. So good in fact, that although I live in San Francisco, whenever I go home to Sacramento I make sure to book an appointment.
Bottom line, Jodi knows highlights. She's been doing it for years, and knows what she's doing. I have wavy hair, and I don't want to look like I have lines on my head, so I asked for natural highlights and brought a picture for security. I got EXACTLY what I wanted. They don't look stripey, they are the perfect color, and I've gotten numerous compliments since she started doing my hair. Her prices are so reasonable that, as I stated, it makes sense for me to come all the way from SF to see her.
On top of that, Jodi is such a sweetheart! When I go there we just gossip and chat and laugh the whole time. Definitely my favorite hair dresser!
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 896-1127
Ironside
Categories:
American (New),
Sandwiches
Neighborhood: SOMA
Flavorful, juicy mixed meats paired with Gruyere cheese and briny pickles, and then finally squished inside a perfectly-sized, toasted bun seems to be Ironside's recipe for success. Although, I kick it up a notch by adding the accompanying side salad and pickled onions to the mix - maybe I like to fool myself into thinking that adding greens makes it healthier. Greens or not, this sandwich sets the standard for thoughtful, well-executed sandwiches in the City.
Oh, and don't skip out on the plantain chips. I didn't know how good plantains could be until I tried the ones here - a restaurant serving New American cuisine of all places. They cut them with a meat slicer so they're extra thin, and then fry them perfectly so they're wonderfully crispy. Who would've thought bananas could be melt-in-your-mouth delicious?
...that's what she said?
1 Previous Review:
-
10/11/2009
You know when you buy a sandwich and you say to yourself, "Okay, I'm only going to eat half now, and I'll save the other half for dinner tonight," but then the sandwich is so magically delicious that, after that 1st half, you stare at the rest in agony trying to decide if you should go for it or not? Like, people could be talking to you and really you're just nodding and thinking, "Man, am I gonna eat this sandwich? Maybe just 1 bite..."
This has happened to me every time I have been to Ironside for lunch, and damnit, if they weren't so good maybe I'd be able to resist that 2nd half. But alas, 4 out of 4 times I've failed.
Their sandwiches dominate me for a few reasons. First, the people here know their meat-to-bread ratio - the first step in making world class sandwich. Second, the bread is warm and crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside. Finally, it seems like in every sandwich they know how to balance out flavors - something salty with something sweet. They have a sweet onion jam that goes with the turkey, or a sweetness of pickle with the cubano, or pickled onion on the red snapper. Of course, you're paying for this kind of expertise (as my friend put it, "They have balls to charge $13 for a sandwich"), but who cares when you're putting it on the company card?
This place has been crazy crowded around lunch, so be weary of just popping in if you're in a rush. But they've found a way to get around this problem - ONLINE ORDERING. It's like the owners sat in a room and said, "What will make us the most baller lunch spot around? BOOM - Online orders." Your food is ready (and warm) for pickup whenever you need it. It saves you the waiting in line/around for your food time, and gives you more time to sit down and enjoy the lively, modern atmosphere.
One last thing - I saw a bi-rite truck in front of this place. And, if they are getting their food from Bi-rite (the center of my universe), there is no wonder why the quality is impeccable.
Bottom line, this place makes one mean sandwich and I have no doubt the rest of the menu will live up to my highest expectations.
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"Dinner at a 5-star restaurant, dessert in my pants"
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San Francisco, CA
Yelping SinceApril 2005
Things I LoveKelseats.com, Deadmau5, online marketing, dancing, Paris, cooking, cheese, making lists
Find Me InSan Francisco
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I'm flirting
Why You Should Read My ReviewsBecause...I don't really know how to say this, but I'm kind of a big deal
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadThe Great Gatsby
My First ConcertStone Temple Pilots
My Favorite MovieThere Will Be Blood
My Last Meal On EarthEleven Madison Park
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I might be addicted to cheez-its
Most Recent DiscoveryWhy is Deadmau5 so good?
Current CrushOnce again, Christian Bale. Have you seen the Fighter!?
I owe you an apology. No, it's not for what you might be thinking - I've never written unsavory remarks about you or slandered you to my friends. In fact I only had positive things to say in my previous write-up of your business. But I did make one mistake in that first review - one big mistake. I underestimated you.
See, even after publically endorsing your Pork and Cheese Arepa as one of the best I've ever tasted, I still wrote you off in my mind as a simple specialty shop. But then I finally opened my mind up enough to look past your arepas and venture into tasting menu territory. Now, after countless return visits, it's obvious that my initial perception of you was wrong. Completely, embarrassingly wrong, and for that, I'm sorry.
I've eaten some of the year's most memorable dishes while crunched into one of your 12, tightly-packed seats. First of all, every SOUP you serve is incredible. I mean, screw Campbell's, the next time I'm sick I'm heading straight to your door and begging you for any soup that comes from your stoves. Your LOBSTER BROTH and SEARED SCALLOP SOUP is the first that comes to mind, as it has your signature mark of being simple in its appearance, but complex in its execution. A homemade lobster broth filled with seared bay scallop, squid a la plancha, yucca, cucumber radish, fennel frond, potato, English peas, mushroom, carrot, red onion, and fava bean is far from your average, brothy soup and overflows with flavor.
Another stand out from the dozens of dishes I've tried is your CONFIT of BABY OCTOPUS. That night it was served with shaved fennel salad, fish eggs, parsley, burnt spring onion, garlic oil, and papitas, making an amazing balance of toasty, bitter, smoky, and salty flavors. Not to mention the protein was beautifully executed, making it one of the most tender versions of octopus I've tried.
And it's worth repeating that, in my eyes, your AREPAS are still the best in town. While the crispy pork and cheese is consistently one of my favorites, the one time when you unexpectedly swapped fried pork for insanely moist pork loin was the pinnacle of your arepa prowess. I may have initially questioned why you'd change a good thing, but after one bite there was no question that pork loin was king and I had a new menu favorite.
Manny, you once said that your goal in opening a restaurant in that location and charging pennies for the food was to be able to feed any and every person, rich or poor, in the Mission. So finally, I want to say thank you for only charging $20 for your tasting menu. Seriously, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for serving me so much delicious food for so little money. Because of your beyond-reasonable pricing, I've been able to recommend Mr. Pollo to pretty much anyone looking for a good SF restaurant, and I've been able to make weekly trips without worrying about my bank account. In short, you've made your restaurant accessible for almost any occasion, and that makes you a rare gem in a city overflowing with dining options.
Thanks for everything! Your biggest fan,
Kelsey