Alex H.'s Profile

Picture this: mushrooms, Hickory smoked ham, roasted tomatoes and emmenthal cheese, sandwiched between two pieces of savory French toast. Topped with two eggs over-easy, Hollandaise sauce, and a balsamic reduction. I can go on about how satisfying and decadent this meal is, but you should just go and experience it for yourself.

I want to start this review with a quote from GQ food writer Alan Richman: "The place I'd want to eat once a week. I couldn't stay away. Everything I eat here is a fantasy fulfilled in how I want Chinese food to taste. Next time I'm going to San Francisco, it'll be one of my first stops." Richman has not always enjoyed Bay Area food, but he is a man I trust when it comes to food recommendations. That being said, I checked out this talked-about restaurant the other day - let's just say that Mission Chinese (and Richman) did not disappoint.

The food is terrific and the flavors are bold (not to mention all meats and vegetables are local organic). Many of Mission's dishes are precisely as "Chinese" as its owner Danny Bowien (who never cooked Chinese food until he opened his restaurant).

Food to taste:
- Westlake Rice Porridge - is a perfectly-hearty, simple yet deep-flavored dish - braised oxtail, dungeness crab,  and hints of cilantro and ginger.
- Thrice Cooked Bacon - a "must" for any bacon lover. Thick, mouth-watering strips of bacon, rice cake, scallions, chili oil.
- Kung Pao Pastrami - If you enjoy spicy food, this has a kick (and then some). Slices of pastrami with explosive flavors of poblano and serrano chilis.

Also recommended:
- Escolar and chinese salad
- Chinese custard

Things to note:
- Cheap prices (accepts plastic)
- Dress casual (think diner / dive style)
- Get there before 6pm to avoid the line
- No reservations
- Don't be fooled by its awning - Mission Chinese Food is housed inside a pre-existing, old-style Chinese spot called Lung Shan.  

As Richman said, "I think Bowien is a secret genius." I absolutely agree. His story is fantastic, but his food is even better. This is a must try for any San Franciscan with an appreciation and love for food.

I thoroughly enjoy people watching, especially in situations when alcohol is involved. And when my best friend tells me all of these amazing stories involving crack heads and crazy women I am so there. The truth is Amsterdam is just your average bar. It's a cozy place to have a good beer, or even a great one. Hookahs are also available for people who want to get their flavored tobacco fix. Crazy people come and go, but at Amster-D there's always good beer. So if you're in the hood and need a good distraction, stop by the bar--it's a worthy destination for beer lovers.

The brews here and the brats next door is like crack to my taste buds. If I lived in the neighborhood I'd be 10 pounds larger and regularly knocked out from a food/booze coma. Nice bartenders, cool pub-like spot, and a ton of beers. Also worth mentioning the best bathroom quote of my life: "fuck burning man - your mom." If you enjoy a fine selection of beer and the smell of pub and grease, this bar will definitely be high up on your "to do" list.

Sometimes you just want a burger, and one without a farm's name attached to it. This is that. On Burger Tuesdays, come and enjoy a $6 monster, with cheese, pickles, grilled onions, lots of salt, charred on a gas grill, oozing with flavor and cooked to perfection. Simple sometimes is the best, and trust me when I say that standing in the long line is worth the wait. But get there early, they sell out fast and only take cash.

On any other day, expect tasty sausages that you can take next door to the Toronado where they have seating and a fine beer list.

Great staff and service at the Rosamunde. The food and people won't disappoint.

San Francisco has hosted many different conceptual bars in its day. The Oyster bar, the hookah bar, the oxygen bar. Now, get ready for the ham bar, courtesy of Hog and Rocks.

Chefs Scott Youkilis and Eric Rubin of Tres Agaves wanted to do a raw bar, but the 1,000-square-foot space they found at 19th and Mission wouldn't accommodate it. So they switched up the concept to a ham and oyster bar. Here you can pair four-five hams representing Spain, Italy, and the United States, each served with pickled mushrooms, salads, and other accompaniments meant to match the ham's flavor profile. As for the oysters, they're served both on the half shell and cooked, and many of the bar snacks will come from other parts of the pig.

Diners can also enjoy small plates such as the octopus and potatoes, crab and artichoke dip, fish pie with coho salmon and smoked trout, and corned beef tongue with crispy onions.

Hog & Rocks is a casual, come-as-you-are bar and restaurant serving canned beer, modern food and specialty cocktails by the pitcher until 1AM every night.

So for the oyster eaters, ham fans and liquor lovers - stop by Hog & Rocks, your new spot for shellfish and swine.

As a foodie, I think it's always good to have options. Which is why I highly recommend B3 - short for Bottles, Burgers, and Bites - the first Mission speakeasy serving...well, if you haven't figured out by now, don't ask. B3 introduces you to a variety underground cult wines you didn't know existed and throwing in some gourmet burgers for good measure. There are a dozen-plus burger toppings, running from pan-seared foie gras to house-cured pancetta and a fried egg. You also have two options for happy hour each night: either from 3 to 6 o'clock or from 10pm to midnight. Both are your chance for a bottle of wine and two burgers for the price of two burgers.

I went, however, to check out the other B - brunch, which I overheard was amazing. The bourbon vanilla french toast was exquisite. And coming from a savory breakfast eater, I highly enjoyed the sweet. Also, the basic breakfast was well done. I've had my share of eggs, bacon, toast and potatoes, but this was something else - it was perfectly cooked - a simple treat I will definitely go back for more.

So if you enjoy brunch options like myself, check out Bottles, Brunch and Bourbon-brown sugar bacon - a different set of cubed B's you can stand behind.

That night the guys did a rendition of Beastie Boy's "Sabotage" that was so epic that someone broke a sake cup from headbanging. That night I got to see my 100% Russian friend get 100% wasted and drunkenly fail at singing Nsync's "It's Gonna be Me". That night my socially awkward co-worker came out of his shell and became...Ke$ha? Sure this was just my experience, but it's not like you couldn't have as an amazing time either. Yamasho's isn't cheap, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're a big karaoke fan like myself. Call in advance to reserve a private room--this is not The Mint--it's made for groups. Rest assured there's a bar--so to any of you nervous or first-time singers: booze makes you brave.  Songbooks come with all the possible songs you can think of and they are up-to-date (think anything you've heard on the radio as of late--it's there). Yamasho's is hands down always awesome all the time.

I was told this was the "best Korean in the neighborhood" which is a big statement considering most of the Richmond District is made up of Asian restaurants. But sure enough Brothers lived up to its reputation. The little sampler plates were fresh and delicious. The BBQ beef bugogi and stirfrys were full of flavor and really tasty. Prices aren't cheap ($30 a person), but portions are big so come hungry. This place also has excellent service and is great for large groups. So if you're in the area and craving a delicious Korean meal, check out Brothers because the food is definitely worth the wait.

Call them "forget me now" margaritas. They're strong, delicious, and after several rounds you won't remember a thing.