San Francisco Restaurant Reviews

Carl Nolte is an old time SF Chronicle writer. I read his recent story (link below) and was prompted to write him.
http://www.sfgate.com/search/action=search&channel=home&search=1&firstRequest=1&query=carl+nolte&searchindex=property
 Hello Carl,
I enjoyed your April 2013 "Toasting The Best Places In Town" piece. The story provoked a 1967 memory. The dishevelled old lady growled at me in her whiskey voice "Where's my goddamn bird seed?"
In November of 1965, Noriega Furniture bought Newman's Pet Store. Mr. Newman was more interested in breeding dogs than selling birdseed. The lady sporting the stained house dress was oblivious to fine American furniture, real leather chairs and crystal lamps. She wanted her bird seed. Straining to hold my laugh, I gently explained she was two years late.
If Lu Hurley owned a restaurant or Myrtle was still peddling dog food, we might qualify for The List.  I've attached San Francisco's canine version of Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Today, I suspect most clients do not realize they are walking over San Francisco history. Myrtle, along with many AKC award winners, greet us daily.

Thanks for your time.
~David Monteleone
For more on Myrtle, contact me
dave@noriegamail.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Nolte, Carl
To: dave@noriegamail.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 4:59 PM
Subject: RE: Noriega Furniture * SFChronicle Advertiser

Wow, what a great story. You think the woman with the whisky voice had patronized one of the legacy bars?
-carl nolte

Rahmi Masserweh blends hand-made corn flour with figs and other pure ingredients to produce Blue Waffles. His scrumptious round waffles are served on square white plates. Atop this breakfast treat you will find sliced bananas and strawberries and whipped cream.

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The waiter poured steaming hot coffee. I watched the early morning pedestrians on Ellis Street...

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Do you think Jean Claude van Damme invented the Brussel sprout? I doubt it. Do you think Paul K invented a new way to cook the Brussel sprout? Perhaps he has.  I hate Brussel sprouts more than eggs. (Prior review)  My guests tied me to the chair and forced down one Brussel sprout. Wow, it was very good. They were batter fried with mustard aioli. Now, I merely dislike them.

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… of course sardines, you’re in Sardinia

Yolanda really liked the sardines; so did everyone else.

Find Cesar Chavez Street West off 101 in San Francisco. Exit on CCSW, drive to Church Street and turn left. Go seven or eight blocks. The first building your front bumper kisses will be La Ciccia, a wonderful Sardinian restaurant.

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My guest ordered the hijiki veggie burger. I should probably list the contents and tell you the presentation appeared to be a still-life sandwich painting. Here you are … tofu, chick pea, red beets, hijiki, edamame and avocado patty with caramelized onions, local butter lettuce, tomato, house-made mayonnaise...

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I’ve sold a lot of vitrines, but never eaten breakfast in one. Now I have and it was wonderful. One definition is “A glass showcase for displaying fine wares.”

The Vitrine restaurant is exactly that. While seated in 4^th floor chic surroundings, you can peek through the glass glimpsing dioramas of the City. Fine dining and glass ware sparkle atop fresh, crisp tablecloths. The tables are quietly apart allowing muted conversation. The staff is courteous and appropriately attentive.

While deciding what delicacy would join our Petaluma eggs, Hazel delivered a complimentary mushroom quiche and a short cylinder of Chai. Quiche & Chai do not exist in my world. My  guest urged me to sample the unexpected gifts. I acquiesced and found them worth the risk.

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Pretend you are a detective looking for a chink in Le Colonial’s armor. My money says you won’t find one. Dine outside in the inner courtyard featuring mosaic tile floors & a vaulted pressed-tin ceiling. Dine inside in the quiet, elegant dining room. I promise you will not have to yell. Dine upstairs in a more casual setting. Comfortable couches on faded Oriental rugs await you. If you are not quite ready for dinner, enjoy sumptuous cocktails & appetizers. I promise the conversation will taste better, Should I mention you can actually enjoy a cigar after your meal without disturbing non-smokers? I will mention they are Diner’s Choice winner 2010 and recipient of Wine Spectator 2008 Award of Excellence. You are now ready for exquisite French Vietnamese cuisine.

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Italian Biscotti. I’ve been enjoying these cookies for years...

Recently, I met the baker/owner,  Augustine Buonocore. Strange … his biscotti taste even better now. This guy is intense about  baking an original every time the oven door closes. All ingredients are natural.

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Holy cow! I forgot about the cow. Order the grilled hanger steak with asparagus, artichokes and new potatoes resting under au poivre sauce. If you disavow cow, order miso cod fish and chips, togarashi fries and garlic-ginger dipping sauce.  

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