aconcep's Profile
Recommendations for Large Group Dining in SF
Thanks guys, very helpful opinions. Nopa is now out knowing that Zuni's kitchen executes more consistently...
Recommendations for Large Group Dining in SF
Yeah, I agree about Nopa Candice, that's why I'm a bit hesitant to bring a large group there knowing there might be a better option out there. I didn't realize Yank Sing can run that high in price. I usually have really good dim sum in the East Bay with co-workers who speak Cantonese and the bill never comes anywhere near that. I'll have to nix Yank Sing from the list.
Good selection of restaurants on your yelp. One of my final going away dinners before moving to SF was at Babbo for Traditional Tasting Menu. Their whole empire is on point, from Otto, Lupa, Mozza up to Babbo and Del Posto. You really need to eat at a Momofuku next time you're out in NY. I lived across the street from Noodle Bar when it first opened up and 2 blocks from Ssam Bar, which is just awesome. I almost flew home specifically to eat at Ko when my friend had a reservation.
Recommendations for Large Group Dining in SF
JasmineG, how would you say Nopa stacks up against Zuni? I haven't had the chance to eat at Zuni yet, but I've dined at Nopa two or three times already. Any other stellar dishes besides the roasted chicken at Zuni?
Recommendations for Large Group Dining in SF
Thanks Pork to Purs, all the information is helpful. Some of the places like Spruce and BLVD are out of the price range, but I've had good dining experiences there.
I got the idea of doing a Mission Taco Crawl this past weekend as well while I was walking around the hood. We'll probably end up going to Bi-Rite anyway to pick up some good cuts of meat and produce for 'The Perfect Meal II'.
Luckily, I'm not in charge of wine for the weekend but I know we will be driving through St. Helena.
Thanks for the suggestions, very helpful!
Recommendations for Large Group Dining in SF
Thank you all for the advice, recommendations and suggestions. All the replies have really helped and Aziza will definitely have to happen, or at least I'll be going sometime soon. It's right up our alley in terms of what everyone goes on this trip for every year - quality.
Recommendations for Large Group Dining in SF
Great, I'll add Bodega Bistro and Lers Ros to places to check out before they come in.
I haven't been to Koi Palace yet, but it is in the general vicinity of SFO so that might work out best. I've heard their sweet stuff is good, but how about their savory dim sum items (soup dumplings)? Everyone has heard of Yank Sing, so I might have to accommodate despite the price point.
Yeah, I'm really torn on Aziza...I've read they've gotten excellent reviews and seen him win on Iron Chef, but am not totally down with Moroccan as you had said.
Thanks for the heads up sfbing.
Recommendations for Large Group Dining in SF
My friends and I have started a bit of tradition... last year, my friends and I, who all live in various parts of the country, all met up in Portland, OR and the trip was highlighted by an excellent meal at Le Pigeon, hit the Farmer's Market, cooked the 'The Perfect Meal' and did some Oregon pinot tasting. Next month, I will be hosting here in SF. We'll be following a similar schedule as we did last year but this year we've doubled in size (12-15 people now), and being one of the main hosts, the pressure is on me to choose where to eat. I've only been out here in SF for about 16 months, so there's many restaurants I still have not yet eaten at. Being from the East Coast, I feel like I'm doing this on visitor's turf.
Understandably, most of the visitors are requesting food they can't get in their current cities, mainly California-cuisine and authentic SE Asian cuisines and we're looking at prices in the expensive to moderately expensive range ($20-$30/entree or cheaper!). I've been going through different lists I've put together for the past month but don't feel fully confident in some of my choices. Over one weekend, we're probably looking at two dinners and one brunch...
Restaurants I've already counted out:
TFL, Bouchon, Cyrus, Manresa, Coi - too expensive, takes too long or too far out of the way
Ad Hoc - a large group getting 4 courses won't satisfy everyone
Canteen - can't fit the large group
Slanted Door - have an issue paying for overpriced asian food (I'm asian)
A16/Perbacco/SPQR/Delfina/Beretta - we've all eaten our fair share of Italian
Incanto's Leg of Beast Dinner - too large of a party
Sebo/Sushi Ran - spoiled with excellent sushi in the Pacific NW
Serpentine/Slow Club - menus too short for large party
Restaurants I'm borderline on:
Aziza - haven't been yet
Piperade - haven't been yet
Quince's Chef's Table - might be too expensive and haven't been yet
Foreign Cinema - haven't been yet and menu is too short
Turtle Tower (TL) - haven't been yet
B Star - Burma Super is far superior and more authentic
Koi Palace - haven't been
Restaurants that have made the cut:
Nopa - easy choice, but too safe?
Bocadillos - really, really wish they'd accept reservations
Range - can they fit a 12-15 person party?
Burma Super Star - long wait, no reservations and early closing will be an issue
Yank Sing - very much a possibility for brunch
(I have left the great selection from the East Bay out due to the logistics in transporting a dozen people and finding parking).
I feel most places on the borderline list are there just because I haven't been there yet, so any previous dining experiences would help. If anyone has recommendations or suggestions for a 12-15 person party, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!
