Megan L.'s Profile
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If I could give it 3.5 stars I would, but I'll err on the side of niceness (the dark-chic decor merits that extra 1/2 star). Was relatively easy to get an 8:30 p.m. reservation online for 2 less than a week in advance. Got seated promptly at the communal table and had some elbow room for quite awhile until a very nice couple (with a lot in common) were seated next to us and we proceeded to chat with them the rest of our meal. The carrots were cracka-licious (as in, they might as well have had crack in them they were so good), as was the pork -- I"ve read some reviews that the pork was the weakest link, but not so on our visit -- and the leeks. Never had a better carrot or leek than at Plum. Yum! The farro & farm egg dish was a bit of a letdown, but still decent. I don't really agree with those who say this is affordable -- I don't call a $210+ bill for 2 people all that reasonable (although we did have dessert and a fair amount of wine). But it was worth it and I'd go back for a special occasion. Glad to see Uptown Oakland getting a restaurant like this!
One of my fav gourmet pizza joints (and lord knows there are a lot of them in SF). Have had the Margherita extra, the Townsend (mushroom one), and a special white pizza with speck, chopped asparagus and Calabrian chile oil and all have been excellent (although not so great for leftovers). Haven't tried their pizza, but the arancini starters are the bomb and the pork belly dumpling (although I was confused as to what the dumplings actually were -- the polenta-like rounds?) was tasty too. Great and relatively affordable wine list and Strauss soft serve ice cream (highly recommend the vanilla with caramel sauce and olive oil and salt ) are the toppers. Love that they now take reservations.
1300 Golden Gate Ave
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 240-6275
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 240-6275
SF Spanish
Categories:
Language Schools,
Private Tutors
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
¡Romina es lo mejor! :-) She is the best Spanish teacher I have had (and I've had a lot). She is a voracious corrector and stickler for pronunciation -- both very necessary qualities in an effective teacher. Romina has a fun personality -- my group regularly shares more than a few laughs each session. I find the articles about current events she gives us to read very interesting (especially those about world political events) and really enjoy my weekly class. I found her randomly on Craiglist last June and am so glad I did. When I went back to Perú this past summer (I spent half of 2009 in South America) my Peruvian friends complemented me on my improved Spanish skills. I highly recommend Romina!
2212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 251-0100
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 251-0100
Franklin Square Wine Bar - CLOSED
Categories:
American (New),
Wine Bars
Neighborhood: Uptown
The wine list has gotten better -- helped by the addition of flights -- and I've heard people rave about the food, although I didn't eat when I was there recently (having stuffed myself at Luka's). I was impressed they had a Chenin Blanc flight that even included a sparkling one! I didn't have it since I wanted more variety, instead choosing tastes of this and that -- OK, I don't remember, so sue me! :-p
I would give FSQB 3.5 stars if I could -- I still have problems with the ambience, as it just doesn't feel very warm. But I'll be back to try the grub...
I would give FSQB 3.5 stars if I could -- I still have problems with the ambience, as it just doesn't feel very warm. But I'll be back to try the grub...
1 Previous Review:
-
11/8/2007
Being a wino (or should I say wineau?), I was really excited to see that this wine bar opened -- I kept wondering why SF gets a new wine bar monthly but O-town has just one (Zza's Enoteca -- well two if you count Cesar, but I don't really). There are plans for another on Lakeshore soon, too! :-)
However I was disappointed in Franklin Square, mainly because of the (lack of) atmosphere. It's FAR too bright and stark, but not in a modern design sense, it's just lacking in distinguishing features (the surreal/cubist-type painting is cool & colorful, but that's IT). In contrast, Zza's did a great job making their wine bar cozy & inviting with dark wood, chocolate-brown leather & candles. I like the look & feel of Luka's, so I was expecting far more...
The wine list was OK, not particularly inspiring -- everything I really wanted was only available by the bottle & I didn't have that much time! But my half-glass of Verdejo was good, as was the Soquel (Santa Cruz Mts) Pinot -- although pricey at $5.75 for a half-glass! The Rhone blend was average, but it was cheap so I expected that.
Can't speak too much to food, although the olives were yummy (and jumbo!) but the artichoke, shallot & gruyere panini would have been much better if it had been warmer and the cheese more melted.
Service was very attentive, but didn't offer any insights into the wines or pairing.
All in all, I'm not real eager to go back. I'll wait for others to spring up -- and in the meantime go back to Zza's!
2221 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 451-4677
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 451-4677
Luka's Taproom & Lounge
Categories:
American (New),
Lounges
Neighborhood: Uptown
As I've told chef Jake, Luka's has got to have the best burger in the East Bay. And this is coming from a recently reformed decade-long vegetarian. Too bad my system doesn't like meat (yet) as much as I like it...
I love that you can call Luka's and get a reservation -- at least on a weeknight -- just a half hour from the phone call. Sure beats standing three-deep at the bar hoping you can get the bartender's attention! Speaking of the bar, Luka's is the only place I know of that has Maredsous on tap. I like the Trappist, but last time I looked they only had it for something like $13 in a big bottle... Not that I shy away from paying that much for a good glass of wine sometimes. Priorities, people, priorities! Luka's has a good deal on wine on Sundays -- 1/2 off a bottle, although that probably just makes up for the markup! :-p
I need to check out my friend Raz's bi-monthly Thursday night party there, Resonant, although I have a hard time associating Luka's with more than drinks and/or dinner...
I love that you can call Luka's and get a reservation -- at least on a weeknight -- just a half hour from the phone call. Sure beats standing three-deep at the bar hoping you can get the bartender's attention! Speaking of the bar, Luka's is the only place I know of that has Maredsous on tap. I like the Trappist, but last time I looked they only had it for something like $13 in a big bottle... Not that I shy away from paying that much for a good glass of wine sometimes. Priorities, people, priorities! Luka's has a good deal on wine on Sundays -- 1/2 off a bottle, although that probably just makes up for the markup! :-p
I need to check out my friend Raz's bi-monthly Thursday night party there, Resonant, although I have a hard time associating Luka's with more than drinks and/or dinner...
Being just around the corner from this place, the b/f and I decided to venture out on opening night. While service was a tad slow, we didn't let it phase us considering there were quite a few friends there to lend their good wishes. The b/f and I tried 5 different wines, with the Tres Ojos Old Vines Garnacha '06 stealing the show (enough that we took home the bottle for all of $9.50 ) and the Licoco Indico '06 blend of Carignane and Petite Sirah coming in a close second. The prices are ridiculously low (for tastes, glasses or bottles) and the cheese plate we had was far and away more generous than one from any other wine bar I've been to. Owner Karen was quite nice, taking time out of her busy evening and a few problems to chat with us and give us a complimentary taste of a digestif that was surprisingly good.
There are four tables outside (I know where I'm going on the next hot evening) and two bars indoors plus four seats next to the window. All the food comes from local (if not solely Alameda) purveyors and the jazz music provided nice ambiance. We'll definitely be back!
There are four tables outside (I know where I'm going on the next hot evening) and two bars indoors plus four seats next to the window. All the food comes from local (if not solely Alameda) purveyors and the jazz music provided nice ambiance. We'll definitely be back!
I wouldn't be willing to wait much more than 20 minutes (and would never venture here on a Friday or Saturday night), but I went on a Friday for lunch with the 'rents when they were visiting and we were pleased.
Service was a bit spacey but not too bad, and the mango gazpacho, crab cakes and grilled shrimp were yummers. The yucca fritters fell short -- just basically tasted like fried dough and the bbq-ish sauce didn't work with them. Mojito was OK, nothing to write home about, but I will try a flavored one on my next visit.
One of the best parts is the minimal but brightly colored decor.
Service was a bit spacey but not too bad, and the mango gazpacho, crab cakes and grilled shrimp were yummers. The yucca fritters fell short -- just basically tasted like fried dough and the bbq-ish sauce didn't work with them. Mojito was OK, nothing to write home about, but I will try a flavored one on my next visit.
One of the best parts is the minimal but brightly colored decor.
Yum, I love this place -- it's great to have a cheap spot that serves my favorite type of food in li'l ol' Alameda. While I haven't been able to tear myself away from the Mediterranean sampler plate (falafel, dolma, hummus, tabouleh, baba ganoush, greek salad, rice & lentils and pita bread), the rest of the menu looks good too. The sampler is plenty for two to share, but I usually wolf it all down myself!
There's not much atmosphere, but if it's a nice day you can sit at one of the tables outside. Otherwise, take the grub to go! The family that runs it is very nice and they always throw in a Hershey's kiss to end your meal on a sweet note.
There's not much atmosphere, but if it's a nice day you can sit at one of the tables outside. Otherwise, take the grub to go! The family that runs it is very nice and they always throw in a Hershey's kiss to end your meal on a sweet note.
311 3rd St
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 536-5800
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 536-5800
Bong Su - CLOSED
Category:
Vietnamese
Neighborhood: SOMA
I really didn't expect to be giving this restaurant 5 stars, but it warranted it on a recent night when I went with 8 other friends for a birthday party. The service was terrific, the pre-dinner wine tasting with sommelier Ashley in the gorgeous wine room was informative and tasty, dinner was plentiful and well-executed, and the ambiance was lovely with us surrounded by stone carvings of Buddhas and bodhisattvas and paintings of rural Vietnamese landscapes.
But the best part was that it worked out to be just $60 per person -- including treating the birthday boy. We all ordered an entree (much to the waiter's surprise, although he must have been stoked!), and some favorites were the carmelized black cod, the shaking beef, Com Dep prawns, and the empress rice (OK, it's a side but could be a meal in itself). We had a wide variety of more than enough food, which was surprising since a friend had gone there with a group and said everyone left hungry and felt like they paid too much. The Chenin Blanc from Vouvray on the list was a nice accompaniment to our appetizers, we also had a Sangiovese from the list that was so-so -- not as good as some of the bottles we sampled during the tasting (one standout was the Page Mill Cab Sauv ('03 I think), with a very unusual nose of tomato and hot sauce. Sounds strange but was tasty.
But the best part was that it worked out to be just $60 per person -- including treating the birthday boy. We all ordered an entree (much to the waiter's surprise, although he must have been stoked!), and some favorites were the carmelized black cod, the shaking beef, Com Dep prawns, and the empress rice (OK, it's a side but could be a meal in itself). We had a wide variety of more than enough food, which was surprising since a friend had gone there with a group and said everyone left hungry and felt like they paid too much. The Chenin Blanc from Vouvray on the list was a nice accompaniment to our appetizers, we also had a Sangiovese from the list that was so-so -- not as good as some of the bottles we sampled during the tasting (one standout was the Page Mill Cab Sauv ('03 I think), with a very unusual nose of tomato and hot sauce. Sounds strange but was tasty.
I hurried over here after work (at Stanford) and before a class back on campus and was in & then out the door with a yummy falafel wrap in hand within 5 minutes. In that time, the friendly staff gave me TWO free falafel balls, which were warm, perfectly spiced, and delicious. Given those freebies, I kind of wished I had gotten something besides the wrap, which had about 5 more of the balls inside, along with cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and tzadiziki (I might be missing something). Don't get me wrong, it was quite tasty and I loved that it was spicy, but I think I prefer Gyros Gyros' veggie wrap that is chock-full of different stuff (falafel, dolma, feta, hummus, baba ganoush, veggies, etc.) but does require me to apply hot sauce on every bite. I would definitely come back to Med Wraps and try something else to go along with the free falafel balls!
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"Food & wine make me happy; hey, I can't help it, I'm Italian!"
- 25 Friends
- 23 Reviews
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23 Useful, 2 Funny, and 10 Cool
Location
San Francisco, CA
Yelping SinceAugust 2006
Things I Lovetraveling, yoga, music, laughing, dogs
Find Me InWine bars, UG and outdoor house music parties, South America
My HometownMt. Shasta, CA
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm listening to house music and/or eating cheese and drinking vino
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI have good taste :-)
My Second Favorite Website My Favorite MovieThree Seasons (Vietnamese-American movie that is sadly not available on DVD)