Phil M.'s Profile

I'm split on AQ. On the positive side, they have a great brunch 4 stars (great eggs benedict and burger) and amazing decor and ambiance. Additionally, the food is fairly clean and not overly manipulated. The cocktails are also excellent, classic with a seasonal twist. The dinner was at best 3 stars and could not recommend it yet.

At dinner some things that need work include the service which seems busy but not effective. There are lots of people running around which looks impressive but lacks the crisp and attentive service you'd expect in a fine dining restaurant in SF.  I'm setting a high bar because I think their food is reaching for that bar. One example being half our table didn't receive bread or water for 30min after being visited two or three times and receiving our first app.

Another example were the plates which send your silverware careening off into your lap due to it's sloped edge. I noticed at least four people lose their fork or spoon onto the floor or lap.

The food at dinner is good and creative but not great. I love the creative attempts and therefore will be keeping an eye on reviews and feedback but it's not quite there now. We were fairly hungry until we finished our main course and so we were eating bread and butter to fill up. The starters are small and the venison dish is delicious but not filling and it took 1.5hrs from sit down to main course (around 10:15/10:30pm). By the time I finished the main I was stuffed, but mostly from bread and water.

All in all I would recommend this place (4stars) for brunch or cocktails but waiting to see how dinner service cleans up before returning. AQ is still fairly new and a block away from our house so I'm  rooting for them to succeed.

I signed up for 6mbps DSL from these clowns. To get anything more than 1mbps I would need to unplug my internet twice a day for 20 seconds and plug it back in. Not to make this into a white whine but there are better solutions for the money. Not to mention that as I write this I've been on hold for 30 min trying to cancel service. I've got Comcast internet running at 18MB right now. Suckas!

Calling all carnies. You know how when you return to your childhood favorite meals after 20 odd years and wonder what the hell your mouth was thinking?  Well Straw takes you back and delivers the goods.

The Carnival inspired fare is really just great comfort food with an attention to great flavors.  The Hanky Panky breakfast was delicious, a belgian waffle with a bacon spokes and a fried egg hub with cheddar potato patties riding shotgun. Every one's a winner here.

The service is down home exceptional. Feels like stopping into your best friends house and being served up a family meal. Call me a carnival freak because I'll be back for another ride.

Wow, just finished my first lunchtime 3-Sum and Ryan sure knows how to put on a food orgy. Killer brisket sandwich that had more meat than a sausage party, seriously like 8oz of perfectly cooked beef. Up next was the cheese sandwich with banana squash which was also very delicious. On the side were fresh kale chips and a pickled salad that did not disappoint. Highly recommend tracking Ryan and 3sum down wherever they may next land.

Carlos loves your shoes. Not much more to say, he made my Pradas look better than brand new in no time for $18. Needless to say, he'll be my first stop in SOMA whenever my shoes need attention.

If you are a fan of well made California Chardonnay,  Pinot or Syrah, you'd be doing yourself a favor by acquainting yourself with Eric Kent. Kent gave us a great tour of the facility and a barrel tasting of the 09's. Everything is tasting great. Plus they have one of the only wine clubs in California that I'd join. Inquire within to find out why, to say the least they are accommodating.

Crazy good sandwiches. In my hood. On my street. Half a block down. First bite and sold. DB is a food porn affair waiting to happen, and the first date ended with me in handcuffs.
Their brisket and pastrami is the new SOMA crack and the influx from 6th street is near. Fear them. You've been warned.

Ha, I'm The Duke and finally getting down to writing a review on Heirloom four months in.  Been rocking Yelp mobile recently. And that reminds me of when Jeremy gave that speech at the Commonwealth Club explaining how in "the Future" we'd all be hooked up to our mobile phones walking down the sidewalk using Yelp.  Low and Behold...

So after all these Check Ins I can say with confidence that Heirloom is legit for 3 reasons.

1. Staff, exceptional service without pretension or stuffiness
2. Wine list, best in the city right now for value and depth, esp. for 10+yr old bottles. Insane deals that keep me coming back, even when I'm rocking shorts and don't have any business eating in a fine dining establishment.
3. The Cheese Burger, off list but top three in city. Have eaten this so many times it's probably changed my DNA for good. So damn wonderful it makes me tear up a little. Add Cornas from their by the glass list and you are in for something special.

So far the press hasn't spoiled the experience, and I'm hoping that people keep driving by so I can keep sneaking in without a res.

After living less than a block away for 17 months, I figured it was about time to venture around the corner and try Bossa Nova. My friend and I met for a quick lunch and I was impressed with quality of the food although the portions are large and it's probably best to try a few things and share.

We both tried the Brazilian Feijoada (Black Beans Stew w/ braised Pork Shoulder), w/ Collard greens & Rice. Excellent food and a decent deal at around $12.

My only complaint is their billing, otherwise a well protected storage facility that is clean and well managed.

Excessive charges ($45 on a 172/month storage payment) for late payments and their online billing is sloppy which led to late payment.