Restaurants

San Francisco Landmark Tadich Grill

Another “must see and eat at” for any San Francisco visitors or new residents, is Tadich Grill in the Financial District.  I read somewhere that Tadich was referred to once as, “It’s kind of like the Peter Luger’s of Seafood”. Having eaten at both The Palm Restaurant on Second Avenue in New York and Peter Luger in Brooklyn, I have to agree.

When you dine at Tadich Grill be prepared to be served large portions by sometimes grumpy but always no-nonsense waiters. This is not your trendy super-friendly chain restaurant, this is a piece of San Francisco history that has survived a hundred trends. If you close your eyes, the atmosphere is a little Nick and Nora in The Thin Man, especially if you hear a cable car clang its bell on the up/down California Street outside the restaurant.

Now for lunch but especially for dinner, you have got to try the Cioppino, white bib around your neck and all. Read More »

Plush Interiors

Dark interiors, sparkling lights, high-end art and plush fabrics are some of the first impressions you get in the upscale San Francisco restaurant known as Asia de Cuba. Located inside the Clift Hotel, this fancy destination is one of many Asia de Cuba restaurants owned by the China Grill Management.

I went for lunch during the recent Dine About Town (DAT) event. Maybe that would explain why compared to some of the other locations, like West Hollywood or Las Vegas, I did not satisfy my people watching desire. Where was Chris Isaak, Danielle Steel? Was Al Gore in town? These local residents need to eat lunch, right…isn’t this one of the reasons why people go to expensive, often over-priced and “name dropping” restaurants?

This year during DAT, I finally got to taste the “famous” lobster sandwich. This sandwich is famous because my foodie friend Patrick, has eaten this decadent delight at least three years in a row, raving about it every time to me. He swears you can’t buy that much lobster in a supermarket for the $21.95, let alone a three-course meal.

My decadent lunch included the LBLT (Lobster, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato) Sandwich that came with either an edamame salad (which I chose) or seasoned “mojito” salty fries (Pat got these and shared) and a crazy delicious chocolate cake.

Pat used his extensive menu knowledge to convince our waiter to sell us a dinner appetizer during lunch – and we had mouth watering, to-die-for braised beef spring rolls. Thank you Pat. I’d go back just for those.

Lobster BLT

My sandwich was seasoned really well and good night, whoever decided to combine lobster and bacon into one dish is freaking brilliant!!

The dessert was a Cuban Opera Cake I think, and it was delish. Dulce de leche on the side, and the perfect combination of sweet and bitter chocolaty goodness.

Asia de Cuba is a great spot for drinks and maybe I will try people watching again some late night, otherwise honestly I probably won’t be back until next year.

495 Geary Street
(at Taylor St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 929-2300

Mon-Thu. 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mon-Wed. 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Thu. 5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Fri-Sun. 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sun. 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Georges on Fifth is one of the best steakhouses in San Diego, hands down. Because the setting is little more

Elegant Dining at the Best Formal Steakhouse in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter (Jennifer Miner)

swanky than not, a meal here adds a touch of luxury to a vacation in Southern California. We were in San Diego with relatives who mostly appreciate high-end, classy dinners out, so we knew that reservations here would make for a positive experience. And – best of all – it was New Year’s Eve.

A sophisticated ambience and quiet bustle (yes, it’s possible) create an atmosphere that the “fancy” relatives appreciated. A pianist tinkled unobtrusively in the background, sometimes accompanied by a vocalist (she specialized in jazz classics). Depending on the night, the live music can range from classical to classic rock – if this is important to you, please check when making your reservations. The restaurant decor is an odd mix of formal styling and Wyatt Earp-era memorabilia (this building used to be Wyatt Earp’s Gambling Hall and Saloon). There are caricatures of famous people hailing from San Diego on the walls – I was amused to see Orville Redenbacher among the drawings.

Two Best Appetizers at G5 are the Dungeness Crabcakes and this Shrimp Cocktail Jennifer Miner)

We started with the Dungeness Crab Cakes and the Shrimp Cocktail, both of which were outstanding (only four jumbo shrimp, but that’s typical at a restaurant like this). The Beefsteak Tomato and Maui Onion Salad was surprisingly delicate, for such a savory salad. But the real stars here are the steak and seafood.

The steaks here are, of course, outstanding. Only Prime cuts are used, and the seafood is fresh off the boat that morning. Prime Filet Mignon, Prime New York Strip,the sushi-grade Ahi and Jumbo Sea Scallops were impeccable. Rave reviews all around, and we had some demanding customers at our table! This restaurant was voted “The Best of the Best” Steakhouses in San Diego, and I’d have to agree.

Since we were there for New Year’s Eve, there were some noisemakers and party hats at our table. This touch went a long way with the children in our party, considering that George’s on Fifth (G5, to locals) is about as far from a crayons-and-paper-at-the-table type of restaurant as there is. The waitstaff was professional and courteous, and a bit removed (rather than over-friendly) as befits a restaurant of this type. Remember, this is a formal restaurant. It’s recommended for a romantic night out, an anniversary, or family gatherings with demanding, sophisticated companions – and most of all, for a fun yet classy New Year’s Eve.

Georges on Fifth
835 5th Ave (Gaslamp Quarter)
San Diego, CA
(619) 702-0444

Brio Tuscan Grille in Kansas City, Missouri

Mention Kansas City, and most people think of the world’s best barbeque. And it’s true; those of us who travel to this big city in Missouri nearly always enjoy BBQ beyond compare. However, anyone on vacation in Kansas City can’t survive on barbeque for every meal. My favorite classy, high-end Italian restaurant in Kansas City is the Brio Tuscan Grille, and the next time I’m in that fun city, I’ll be sure to eat there again.

Brio Tuscan Grille is part of a large chain with restaurants in nearly every state. In fact, there are two Brio Tuscan Grilles in Missouri alone. But this is no Olive Garden (nothing against Olive Garden, these restaurants are simply more upscale!) in several ways. The service is friendly yet professional, the wine list more than sufficient, and the food…Well. The entrees at this Italian restaurant are great, delicious traditionally Italian fare, and a perfect respite from the ribs and pulled pork for which Kansas City is more renown.

I went to the Brio in Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, on Nichols Road. Country Club Plaza is a popular, great location in Kansas City, with a lot of luxury shopping and other restaurants for meals and drinks. Brio Tuscan Grille has competitors (Figla’s Italian restaurant comes to mind), but it more than meets the challenge. Specializing in Tuscan fare – hence the name – with beautiful decor and a warm, friendly ambiance, this restaurant has been popular with Kansas City residents for a long time. A reservation is needed on weekends, particularly for large groups.

Dining area, Brio Tuscan

Now, I was with a large group when we ate here: We sat in one of the six banquet rooms and shared large plates of traditional Italian food. There were also a couple of bottles of red wine on the banquet table, and the vino perfectly complemented our meal. Everyone was extremely pleased with all aspects of the restaurant. It’s hard to please everyone in a group! Clearly, the staff at Brio Tuscan Grille know what they’re doing. It’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri.