Best of San Francisco

Living in one of the most exciting food cities in America (that being New York, of course!) can make it rather hard to get excited about other domestic cities.  So it says a lot that I’m so fired up about San Francisco’s food scene right now.  And I’m not talking about the local, seasonable and sustainable California food movement that Alice Waters made so famous.  There’s a thrilling slurry of ambitious, young chefs, bakers and bartenders who are making San Francisco a very compelling dining destination.

Where to begin?  Well, I’d have to say State Bird Provisions, which is by far the most interesting meal I’ve had this year.   It’s a dim sum cart style restaurant with a roving trolley of dishes that aren’t on the menu – a little like a tasting menu of the chef’s latest inspirations without the fuss or ritual of a drawn out, multi-course meal.   Then, there’s Flour + Water with a killer pasta tasting menu served in a decidedly anti-tasting menu atmosphere. While flour and water don’t exactly sound like the most exciting ingredients, they are the inspiration behind the menu at this innovative pizza and pasta joint.  There’s seafaring classics, like Swan Oyster Depot and Hog Island Oyster Co., funky newcomers, like Rich Table, creative bakers of the Bar Tartine sorts and more…