Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
113
Fun Facts
High Tea
The British tradition of high tea is quite different from afternoon tea. High tea
was a hearty meal eaten by the working class around the kitchen table, which
often featured high-back chairs—hence the name. Afternoon tea is a more deli-
cate affair with guests perched on the end of cushioned chairs and sett ees, and
with the lady of the house playing “Mother,” a term of endearment bestowed on
the person in charge of pouring the tea.
816 Folsom St. (bt w. 4th and 5th sts .).
&
415/495-5775.
www.restaurantlulu.com. Highchairs, boosters.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $12-$17 lunch, $15-$30 dinner. AE, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 11:30am-
10pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm. Muni: No. 30-Stockton or no. 45-Union-Stockton bus to Folsom St.
Town Hall
AMERICAN This outstanding tribute to N ew American cuisine,
co-owned by the acclaimed chefs brothers Mitchell and Steven Rosenthal, is so good I had
to include it here, even though it's a bit grown-up for kids. Housed in a 100-year-old for-
mer electric war ehouse, Town Hall's decor ev okes early American ar chitecture and sensi-
bilities, with exposed brick walls, crisp white ribbed wainscoting, and C raftsman-style
tables and chairs. The food echoes the American feel, drawing on traditions fr om around
the country, with a special nod to New Orleans. Starters may include cornmeal-fried oysters
on baby spinach with creamy bacon dressing or warm biscuits with local ham and pepper
jam. Two stellar dishes we've enjoyed include wild king salmon with corn and shrimp hash,
cherry tomatoes, and hush puppies and a naturally raised pok chop with smashed potatoes,
English peas, and fava beans in garlic parsley butter. For dessert, don't miss the butterscotch
and chocolate
pot de crème.
I've spotted pre-teens here at dinnertime, but it's a pretty hap-
pening scene. Opt instead to bring the kids for lunch.
342 Howard St. (at Fremont St.).
&
415/908-3900.
www.townhallsf.com. Highchairs, boosters.
Reserva-
tions recommended. Main courses $10-$19 lunch, $19-$29 dinner. AE, MC, V. Mon-Fri lunch 11:30am-
2:30pm; Sun-Thurs dinner 5:30-10pm; F ri-Sat dinner 5:30-11pm. Muni: An y str eetcar on M arket t o
Fremont St., and then walk 2 blocks south.
5
MODERATE
Pazzia
ITALIAN This restaurant, a quick walk from the Yerba Buena Center and the
Museum of Modern Art, serves simple and satisfying dishes like excellent pizza, delicious
pasta, and roasted meats and chicken. The uncomplicated menu is a delightful California
twist on traditional Italian fare. The staff is warm and friendly to kids, and it 's definitely
a family-oriented little place. If you're in the area and want a real, sit-down meal, there's
no better pick for the price.
337 3rd St. (btw. Folsom and Harrison sts.).
&
415/512-1693.
Boosters, highchairs. Reservations recom-
mended. Main courses $11-$26. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri lunch 11:30am-2:30pm; M on-Thurs dinner
6-10pm, F ri-Sat dinner 6-10:30pm. Muni: An y str eetcar t o M ontgomery St. Station; no . 15-3r d, no .
30-Stockton, or no. 45-Union to Folsom St.
INEXPENSIVE
In addition to the options belo w, you can find a branch of M el's Drive-in (p. 136) and
Osha Thai (p. 137) in this neighborhood.
