CA Coast: San Francisco

CA Coast: San Francisco

Get excited loyal readers!  We are hoping to be back to the a-new-post-five-days-a-week style... starting today!  Hopefully you liked my first set of travel posts on Grand Cayman, (didya??) because this week, you'll be traveling the culinary attractions of the California Coast.

BARNEY'S GOURMET HAMBURGERS

3344 Steiner Street

Marina District

San Francisco, CA

website

ph - 415.563.0307

After a morning on the plane and a three hour time change, we were very hungry for lunch when we made it to San Francisco.  A close friend (and bridesmaid!) of mine suggested we start in the Marina District, a darling area that is less traveled by tourists.  We welcomed the tip and headed there first after driving through Chinatown.  We stumbled upon Barney's and thought it looked good, so we headed in.  There was a small patio out front and we requested outdoor seating, so we were a little confused when they led us through the restaurant toward the back.  But surprise, surprise, there was a beautiful patio in the back!  We were thrilled.  The tables were a little close (and secured to the ground), so we were cozy with our neighbor, but luckily our late lunch kept things from being overly cramped.

We started with some fries, that actually came ahead of time, like an appetizer.  If you would prefer them served with your meal, request it!

Spicy Curly Fries, served with home-style Ranch dressing

I went into the place figuring I would order a burger.  I mean, Barney's Burgers... what else would you get?  But we were both blown away by the amount of alternative burgers -- turkey burgers, chicken breast burgers, and multiple veggie burgers too.  I guess I was feeling like Plain Jane, though, because the standard veggie burger was calling my name.  And it was great! 

Barney's Veggie Burger, Served with fresh red onion, tomato, lettuce, and pickle.

And here's what The Mr. ordered... also worthy of a "Yum."  I mean, it makes my water just looking at the picture!

California Burger, Jack Cheese topped with roasted Ortega chili, crisp bacon, and sour cream

The Final Verdict:  Pretty day outside?  Need a place to eat a satisfying lunch?  Want to do some shopping before or after?  Go to Barney's in the Marina District!

THE SLANTED DOOR

1 Ferry Building #3

The Embarcadero

San Francisco, CA  94111

website

ph - 415.861.8032

Located in the restored Ferry Building across from The Embarcadero, The Slanted Door has a beautiful view in a busy setting on San Francisco Bay.  We were eating out with friends, and I usually like to put away the camera when taking pictures of the food makes me feel awkward.  :)  But before I did, I snapped a picture of our drinks...

The Slanted Door has a wide variety of cocktails, wines, and beers to choose from.  If you are looking for one, I think you'll find something you like.

As for food, it was great!  I'm not sure if this is how all guests traditionally order, but we ordered a sampling of appetizers and entrees and shared them amongst ourselves.

Here was our order:

*Vegetarian Spring Rolls with tofu, shiitakes, cabbage, mint and peanut sauce

*Steamed Dumpling wrapped in banana leaf with shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp and pork

*Grass-Fed Estancia Shaken Beef, cubed filet mignon, sausalito springs' watercress, red onions and lime sauce

*Braised Halibut with lime, cilantro, lemongrass and kaffir lime 

*Massa Organics' Brown Rice

I don't think anyone in our group of four disappointed with any of our choices.  My personal favorites were probably the Vegetarian Spring Rolls and Braised Halibut, but all of them were delicious.  Don't expect a cheap bill at the end of a meal like this, but do expect to enjoy every bite.

The Final Verdict: This a great restaurant in a beautiful spot.  It feels like "the place to be" when you're dining, and the food and drinks don't disappoint either.  You'll find that you can quickly create an expensive bill, but at least you'll be pleased with what it bought.