The "Big 4" lounge and restaurant in the Huntinton Hotel is just down the street at the top of the hill. It is one of the best bars in the city and is Old San Francisco, sophisticated and civilized. That's where I'd go.

Chapeau! isn't overlooked. On his Insidescoop blog today, he said Chapeau! was removed for this year because it is being remodeled.

Indeed. He is a critic, It is his job to criticize and praise. I doubt he went to Commis and Crenn this year. He has his opinion and nothing has changed at either of those spots. He doesn't say he visits every restaurant. Only every restaurant on the list.

And Atelier Crenn with two Michelin stars is also missing.

(Absinthe)
(Addesso)
(Ame)
(Baker & Banker)
(Bar Agricole)
(Baume)
(Betelnut)
(Bistro Aix)
(Chapeau!)
(Claudine)
(Corso Trattoria)
(Cyrus)
(Dosa on Filmore)
(Incanto)
(Masa's)
(Morimoto)
(Picco/Pizzeria Picco)
(Range)
(Ristobar)
(Rivoli)
(Sante)
(Va de Vi)
(Willi's Wine Bar)

The food at Cotogna strikes me as home cooking, and that at Perbacco as more sophisticated. I've only visited Cotogna once, but I prefer Perbacco based on that experience.

Who was dropped?

Whole Foods SOMA had a 2-hour Diestel Ranch Turkey sale yesterday for $1.99/lb.

Robert's lists here are spot on and should be regarded as definitive. (Though I'd be happy with just Terroir, and Arelquin).

I believe I saw that Sonoma Foie Gras has announced they are moving to Oregon. The law says that traditionally produced foie gras may not be sold in California. This seems to leave open mail order of same from out of state.

Here is a link to the text of the law for anyone who is interested.

I had brunch here today. They are opening at 10:30 Fri-Sun. Closing time isn't set yet, but 11:00 seems like a good guess for now. I can't really report on the food: I had an avocado, bacon, cheddar cheese omelet and it was fine. The space and furnishing and fixtures are first class. It goes well with the tuxedos and ties on all of the servers. Didn't see any blonde servers, though. Rats.

The Chronicle's Inside Scoop says tomorrow is the day...
http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog/...

I walk by there every Saturday. I'm planning on stopping for lunch if they are open.

Second the recommendation for Red Blossom Tea Company. It's the best tea purveyor in the city. And if you are still downtown, it's walking distance.

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Red Blossom Tea Company
831 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

Eleven Madison Park also has a shaved frozen foie gras dish (with brioche and uni). This is a pretty standard technique for high end modern places.

I think it is fairly significant that The Moss Room closed New Year's Day.

Though on the upper end of the $$$ scale, you should also check out Coi. They are serious local and seasonal, with some ingredients coming from the Chef's back yard.

I'd go to Lazy Bear over Canteen every time.

I've had two dinners at Lazy Bear events. The food is both creative and delicious. You can get a good idea of what the experience is like by reading the chef's blog: http://www.eatfoo.com/ . Go for the food, not the atmosphere. Venues are "unfinished" and service is at communal tables. I'd recommend a Lazy Bear dinner to anyone (except those with strong aversions or allergies - the menu is Prix Fixe only).

Did you call Benu and La Foile directly? If not, I'd call and ask to be put on a waiting list. cancellations are not unknown.

I prefer Kiraku to Ippuku. Better food and better service.

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Kiraku
2566B Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

$4.99/lb. for live crab in SF Chinatown this morning.

SF Chronicle on Cheese courses around the bay...

http://articles.sfgate.com/2010-02-07...

fish. and Le Garage in Sausalito

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Fish
350 Harbor Dr, Sausalito, CA 94965

Le Garage
85 Liberty Ship Way Ste 109, Sausalito, CA

Gary Danko is known for their cheese program and cheese cart. Atelier Crenn also has a cart.

Boulevard has a well-selected and imaginative list and is easy walking distance from the Palace Hotel.

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Boulevard Restaurant
1 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94105

I put it in live and had no problem with bag punctures. Those oven bags are pretty tough, and anyway, I can't image a small hole or two would make any difference. It's not a pressure cooker. And if your are worried about over-rambunctious crustaceans, stick them in the freezer for 15 minutes before micro-waving (or steaming). (This is also a good tip for lobster).

For the next six months you can buy some foie gras and play with it yourself. As Thomas Keller says, it's like Play Dough, and great fun; plus, it tastes a lot better than Play Dough. My favorite supplier is Polarica.

Another tip - although it sounds weird, microwaving crabs is a GREAT, tasty, and easy method... http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-02-04...

I agree that South Park Cafe and Zuppa fit the requirements, and would also add Fringale in the same neighborhood.

A solid color shirt, blazer/sports coat and slacks will do. You don't need a suit. Especially if it is black (funeralesque) :-)