Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
108
Millennium
VEGAN Admittedly, M illennium is not for ev eryone. S ome v egetarian
eateries are so good even the most avowed carnivores will find something to love. One such
place is Greens in the M arina (p. 133). B ut Millennium is not just v egetarian. It's vegan,
meaning you won't find any animal products on the premises. Without eggs or dairy, con-
cocting a meal meat-eaters can sink their teeth into becomes mor e challenging.
But I list this place pr ecisely because so many y oung adults ar e opting out on meat
these days, and at least here teens won't be groaning at the menu and then ordering little
more than plain lettuce leav es. They can choose instead fr om various meatless concoc-
tions that are rich in flav ors and protein. One note of advice: S tick to dishes that don 't
try to mimic ones traditionally made with animal products. If you find exotically-spiced
dishes on the seasonally changing menu, such as the Indian-influenced griddle cakes, you
won't be disappointed. But dishes like the warm spinach salad with tofu tempura left me
wishing for real goat cheese, and the black bean torte could be so much tastier with actual
sour cr eam. O ne plus is that the r estaurant can accommodate any food av ersion or
allergy. Call ahead and let them kno w your kid is allergic to so y, wheat, or nuts, and
they'll happily put something together.
580 Geary St. (at Jones St.).
&
415/345-3900.
www.millenniumrestaurant.com. Highchairs, boosters.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $21-$24. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 5:30-9:30pm; Fri-Sat
5:30-10pm. Muni: No. 27-Bryant or no. 38-Geary to Jones St., or Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car
to Union Sq., and then walk 2 blocks west.
MODERATE
Puccini & Pinetti
ITALIAN This is one Union Square restaurant the kids will defi-
nitely enjo y. Childr en ar e awfully pleased with the r estaurant's activity pack, which
includes cray ons, and the make-y our-own pizza option, wher e ser vers bring the pizza
dough and fixings to the table so that young chefs can create exactly what they want. For
adults, the menu offers plenty of hear ty pasta dishes and w ell-known Italian favorites
such as eggplant parmigiana and v eal piccata. S ervice is considerate, and the color ful
decor welcoming. You can tr eat Puccini & P inetti as a casual dinner stop or make an
evening of it.
129 Ellis St. (at Cyril Magnin St.).
&
415/392-5500.
www.pucciniandpinetti.com. Kids' menu, highchairs,
boosters. Reservations accepted. Main courses $13-$25 lunch, $16-$29 dinner ; kid's menu $4-$8. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. M on-Sat 11:30am-4pm; M on-Thurs 4-10pm; F ri-Sat 4-11pm; Sun 5-10pm. Muni:
Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car to Union Sq., and then walk 2 blocks south on Powell to Ellis and
turn right.
5
Sanraku
Finds
JAPANESE/SUSHI Every neighborhood in S an Francisco has a
smattering of restaurants boasting “artistic,” “exciting,” or just plain cheap sushi. That is
all well and good, but raw fish is raw fish. It should be fresh and prepared by sushi chefs
who kno w what they 're doing. Although it 's tough to mess up a California r oll, it 's
equally hard to ser ve a tr uly delicious slice of
maguro
(tuna) sashimi, and S anraku suc-
ceeds in doing just that. The simple decor and casual atmosphere belie the truly fresh and
well-prepared sushi. S ome people may wonder what a sushi joint is doing in a family
guide, but at least in these par ts children are well acquainted with sushi. My family and
I are regulars here. While D ad and I sip sake, the kids enjo y steamed
edamame
(soy-
beans), avocado and California r olls, and cooked shrimp sushi. S anraku is moderately
priced, but ordering a la car te could edge the bill into the expensiv e category. For more
dollar-conscious options, consider the combination dinners, such as sushi and sashimi,
sushi and tempura, or sushi and teriyaki beef , which come with steamed rice, a house
salad, and fresh fruit.
