Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5:30-10pm Tue-Sat; ; 8X, 30, 41, 45, Powell-Mason)
Chef Daniel Patterson's restlessly imaginative eight-course tasting menu is like licking
California's coastline: rooftop-raised pansies grace Sonoma duck's tongue, and wild-caught
abalone surfaces in pea-shoot tidepools. Settle in among the shaggy cushions and spot-lit
stoneware to enjoy only-in-California wine pairings ($115; generous enough for two).
SF MEALS & DEALS
Hope you're hungry: there are more restaurants per capita in San Francisco than in any
other US city. Scan for deals at
www.blackboardeats.com
and
www.opentable.com
- and
since SF's top restaurants are quite small, reserve now. Some restaurants brazenly tack
on a 4% surcharge to cover city-mandated healthcare for SF food workers. Factor in 9.5%
tax on top of your meal price, plus 15-25% for the tip.
Fisherman's Wharf & Russian Hill
Fisherman's Wharf Crab Stands
SEAFOOD
Brawny-armed men stir steaming cauldrons of Dungeness crab at takeaway crab stands at
the foot of Taylor St. Crab season runs winter through spring, but you'll find shrimp and
other seafood year-round. Take your haul to Pier 43 Promenade benches, or duck through
glass doors marked 'Passageway to the Boats' at 8/9 Fisherman's Wharf for dockside
lunches.
Gary Danko
CALIFORNIAN
menu $76/111; 5:30-10pm; 19, 30, 47, Powell-Hyde)
The true test of SF romance is whether you're willing to share Gary Danko's crèmes brûlée
trio. Smoked-glass windows prevent passersby from tripping over their tongues at roast
lobster with trumpet mushrooms, duck breast with rhubarb compote, and the lavish cheese
cart. Reservations required.
