becca31's Profile
Romantic Restaurant - Help Please
We just got back from San Francisco, and I wanted to give everyone an update. We went to Gitane for our date. We had drinks at Rickhouse before - only because it was so close and made sense logistically.
Rickhouse was decent - dark and crowded and I didn't really care for the decor, but I forgave all of that because the drinks were so well made.
Gitane was gorgeous inside. A very sexy space. The service was excellent. Where we sat was a half-moon shaped banquette for two which allowed us to sit side-by-side, though we were sitting very close to the other diners, so it didn't really feel very intimate. The food was solid but did not blow my mind.
The night before we went to La Folie. Now THAT place blew my mind. We ate in the lounge next door as opposed to the restaurant. I felt like I was sitting inside a jewel box. The decor was beautiful, sexy and intimate. We sat on a white leather banquette. Many of the patrons were French, and between that and the atmosphere and the food, I felt like I was in Paris. Service was spot on. We were able to eat off the bar menu as well as a la carte off the restaurant menu. Cocktails were well made.
The first night we ate at Michael Mina, and while the restaurant feels a little too stuffy to me, the food was excellent, and I ate foie gras and drank Sauternes until I felt like I was going to explode. (That's a good thing.)
All in all, I was so pleased with our dining experiences - thanks for all the suggestions!
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La Folie
2316 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109
Gitane Restaurant & Bar
6 Claude Lane, San Francisco, CA 94108
Rickhouse Bar
246 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Sausalito Lunch Recs
Thanks everyone - great recommendations! I just saw that about pedestrians and the construction, so that may not be an option, but I'm definitely looking into biking - at least one way there.
Sausalito Lunch Recs
Found this place online that suggested ferrying back with the bikes, so I assume they meet you or something?
http://www.baycitybike.com/baybike/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=34
Sausalito Lunch Recs
I definitely wouldn't want to ride back uphill. I read we could take the ferry back with the bikes, so that would be what we'd do.
Sausalito Lunch Recs
Ah, I didn't realize. Somewhere I read about doing this made it sound so much easier. If we rented bikes, is the bike ride across the bridge into Sausalito more downhill or uphill?
Sausalito Lunch Recs
I'm sure this has been asked and answered many times, but I'm in a time crunch, so I thought I would solicit some quick help. My boyfriend and I are leaving for SF tomorrow morning and with the weather being so nice we are planning to walk across the GG Bridge into Sausalito. I would like to eat lunch outside somewhere within easy walking distance of the bridge that takes advantage of the views yet also does a really nice lunch (cocktails or wine would be nice too). We aren't pick eaters and would put ourselves in the "foodie" category. Any suggestions are welcome.
Romantic Restaurant - Help Please
I ended up booking Gitane. The reservationist said the specific table I am looking for is the corner table, and it is available, so I'm pleased. We have an 8 pm reservation, and I would like to go somewhere equally romantic/sexy for a pre-dinner cocktail that is a different bar or restaurant. Any suggestions that are relatively close by to Gitane? (Or even if not close by but can't be missed, that's fine too.)
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Gitane Restaurant & Bar
6 Claude Lane, San Francisco, CA 94108
Romantic Restaurant - Help Please
Thanks everyone! I can't wait to research all of these places. I had actually zeroed in on Acquerello as well - for the food - but now I'm anxious to take a look at it for the ambience as well. Fig Newton, I like the way that you described Gitane as sexy. Maybe that's the vibe I'm looking for as opposed to romantic.
One more question - would any of these places be appropriate for just after dinner cocktails/dessert?
Actually two more questions - I keep reading about Foreign Cinema? Your thoughts?
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Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Acquerello Restaurant
1722 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94109
Gitane Restaurant & Bar
6 Claude Lane, San Francisco, CA 94108
Romantic Restaurant - Help Please
My boyfriend and I will be visiting San Francisco next week. We've never been there together - only separately, and it's been a long time for both of us since we've visited. We are staying in the Union Square area. Every time we visit a new city, I like to surprise him with a romantic date night, so that's what I need your assistance with.
We are both foodies (apologize for the term - hate it, but there's no other way to describe it). As far as type of food, we'll eat anything, but we do love food with French influences. We love a well-made cocktail and wine as well. We are on the long-shot of a waiting list at the French Laundry as well as Gary Danko. And even if we did get in either one of those, the night I am planning I want the restaurant to be something intimate and romantic. Not fancy, but I want the food to be outstanding. I would love a place where we can sit next to each other, maybe a cozy banquette, and don't feel like we are shouting across a table. Low lighting and great music is always nice. Someplace with a good vibe, good ambience but most definitely romantic.
In my initial research on Chowhound I read that Gitane was a good choice and to request a specific table by number? (The post I read said to request table number 3.) Does Gitane sound like the kind of place I'm after? (And if so, is table number 3 the one?) Any other suggestions?
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Gary Danko
800 N Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Gitane Restaurant & Bar
6 Claude Lane, San Francisco, CA 94108
Breakfasts and Lunches near the Delano hotel in South Beach?
My boyfriend and I will be staying at the Delano in South Beach next weekend. I am looking for any can't-miss breakfasts and lunches that are within walking distance. Obviously good food is a must (and we aren't picky on types of food so any suggestions are welcome), but I'd also like the restaurant/cafe to have outdoor seating - maybe somewhere on Lincoln Road for good people watching. Thanks for any suggestions!
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South Beach Cafe
121 5th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
South Beach - Excellent Food and Scene?
Thanks everyone! I think we are going with Meat Market on Friday and Hakkassan on Saturday. One last question - is Michael's Genuine Food & Drink worth sacrificing scene and South Beach proximity to try?
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Meat Market
915 Lincoln road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
South Beach Cafe
121 5th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
South Beach - Excellent Food and Scene?
Thanks everyone! We have decided on Meat Market for one night and are trying to decide on the other night. I'll start looking through the suggestions now. How is the restaurant now at the Hotel Victor? I believe the name is V. I ate there in 2006 and really liked it - the food and the scene - but lots can change in a few years.
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Meat Market
915 Lincoln road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
South Beach - Excellent Food and Scene?
My boyfriend and I will be visiting South Beach on a Friday and Saturday night in late September, staying at the Delano. We are both foodies (hate that word but have no other way to describe it), but we are also really into a lively atmosphere at a restaurant - almost with a lounge feel. am looking for something in South Beach with great food (small plates would be good) and cocktails, good music (a DJ would be perfect), lots of typical South Beach sexy atmosphere and scene. We want something that will get us ready to go out and dance later if that makes any sense. I have already eaten at Prime 112, Blue Door and Nobu and want something different. I've looked into Meat Market, but I'm not really into the idea of going to a steakhouse. Any ideas?
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Meat Market
915 Lincoln road, Miami Beach, FL 33139
South Beach Cafe
121 5th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Prime 112 Restaurant
112 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Cupcake Question
I'm in Seattle! I wonder which cupcakery...
The best bacon chocolate cupcake I've ever had was at Tee & Cakes in Boulder. I had seen it featured on MSN.com (an article about the popularity of pairing chocolate with bacon), and as I was driving cross country to move to Seattle about six months ago I stopped in Boulder just for the cupcake. (Obviously, it was on my way, but it was so worth the stop!) Here is the recipe and a yummy picture of the cupcake:
http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/bacon-maple-cupcakes-recipe
Cupcake Question
I apologize in advance for how strange this request may seem. Does anyone know of a bakery or cupcakery in Philly that has bacon chocolate cupcakes on the menu? (For anyone who hasn't had one, by the way... delicious.) Thanks!
Visiting Philadelphia - Recommendations for Dining Alone, Great Food and Drink?
I will be visiting Philadelphia for the first time in late April. I am traveling with my boyfriend who is there for work, and he will have work dinners every night, so I'll be on my own. I am looking for places where I will feel comfortable on my own, can get a great cocktail or maybe wine flights, small plates preferably so I can try a few different things. I'm in my early 30s and like a lively atmosphere. Nothing fancy, but nice. I don't necessarily want ethnic food (no Asian, Mexican, Indian), but something French or American Continental or Italian would be good. I am also looking for the best place to get a philly cheesesteak for lunch (I can do a search of these boards, so don't worry so much about this). We are staying at the Sheraton City Center hotel, and preferably I'd like something within walking distance, but taking a cab would be fine too.
Skybox at Daniel or ???
My boyfriend and I will be in NYC the first week of December. We'll be celebrating his birthday, and I want to surprise him with a really amazing dining experience. I've looked into reserving the skybox at Daniel (normally four people have to reserve it, but they'll let two people as long as they pay for four - $1,200). I thought my boyfriend would really appreciate that considering how much he loves fine dining, how great of a cook he is and the fact that he owned a restaurant for several years so would enjoy watching the inner workings of Daniel's kitchen. My hesitancy is the price. I was wondering if there are any comparable experiences in Manhattan for a bit less money. A chef's table, a private dining experience for two, etc., etc.? Thank you for any suggestions!
Amsterdam Restaurant Recs
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm definitely going with Marius for one night. What are your thoughts on Ciel Bleu?
Amsterdam Restaurant Recs
I have been traveling through Europe for nearly two months on a tight budget, which means I have had very few nice meals unfortunately. I will be in Amsterdam next week and my dad will be joining me there for three days, and he has asked me to select some restaurants for lunches and dinners. I need some suggestions. I am more concerned in finding the dinners at this point. The first night he will be really jet lagged, so I am looking for something nice but casual. The second night I would like a very nice restaurant. I am not looking for any ethnic food - more along the lines of continental or French. I would like a place that has good cocktails and/or does some very nice wine pairings. Also, I don't want anything too loud or trendy as my dad is in his mid-70s and that's not really his style. I have a few restaurants in mind, or I would be welcome to hear any other suggestions:
Marius
Fifteen
Vinkeles at the Dylan Hotel
The Grand Restaurant at the Sofitel
Le Violon d'Ingres
I am in Paris traveling by myself and have read good things about Le Violon d'Ingres in the 7th, right down the street from where I am staying in an apartment. Unfortunately I speak no French, and I walked by the restaurant today and saw the menu was completely in French. Do they have an English menu and in your opinion will I feel awkward dining alone there, especially not speaking any French?
London - Help Me Find a Trendy Atmosphere with Great Food
I am in London right now, staying in the Knightsbridge/South Kensington area. I am looking for restaurants that lean more towards the trendy/hip atmosphere with good cocktails yet have really great food too - no fish and chips! Am looking for more of an inventive menu. I would prefer something nearby to my area but will go anywhere.
Most Upscale Restaurant in Paris?
Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
f2dat06, I have visited Paris before, but it has been years. I am going back for pleasure - not work. I write for several magazines and online websites, but the magazine I'm writing this particular article for is a state-wide publication, so they hardly have the money to send me to Paris for research. Wouldn't that be wonderful! Unfortunately, those kind of freelance gigs with travel included are only doled out to writers for the big nationals - Travel & Leisure, etc.
Most Upscale Restaurant in Paris?
I am a freelance writer and have been assigned an article on "upscale Paris" - the best hotel, restaurant, shopping, etc. I will be in Paris for two weeks in late May, but my article is due this week. I know this is a loaded question, but what is considered to be the most upscale, best restaurant (and yes, probably most expensive as well!) in Paris?
Washington D.C. - Private Dining for Two?
Maybe not a couple of grand, but $500 or so. I recently had a similar experience at Aria restaurant in Atlanta, and there was no fee to reserve a private table for two in the wine cellar, so I figure surely I can find something similar in D.C.?
Washington D.C. - Private Dining for Two?
I am looking for restaurants in D.C. that have private dining rooms/areas for two. Basically, I am looking for a very romantic restaurant, not too stuffy, great and inventive food, good wine list, good service - but the key is this private dining for two. Any suggestions?
Southfield Michigan - Does Romantic and Good Dining Exist?
I will be staying in Southfield, Michigan next week and am looking for a restaurant within fairly easy driving distance (that doesn't require going into Detroit) that is both romantic and a good dining experience. The only thing I've come across in Southfield is Il Posto. Does this meet my requirements? And is there something else around but outside of (or in) Southfield that I should be looking into? Thanks for any suggestions!
Atlanta restaurant - private room for two?
I actually located last night online that Aria does a private table in their wine cellar. Good to hear the food is great!
Atlanta restaurant - private room for two?
Does anyone know of restaurants in Atlanta, preferably in the Midtown or Buckhead area (though it doesn't have to be in those areas), that have private rooms that will accommodate parties as small as two people? To give you an idea of the type of Atlanta restaurants I like - Two Urban Licks, Blue Pointe, South City Kitchen. Thanks!
One Night in San Francisco
My husband and I will be arriving in San Francisco late on a Wednesday night and heading on on Friday afternoon to spend the weekend in Napa. That means we have one night for dinner - Thursday. We are staying at the Clift Hotel in Union Square. We are looking somewhere with a younger crowd, good atmosphere, trendy, some good drinks and preferably small plates (though that isn't a necessity, just a preference). From doing my research online and specifically on this board, it looks like the Mission area is the place we need to be. Is Medjool a good choice? Any other recommendations? I understand we can only book the main restaurant with a reservation - not the rooftop. Should we opt for no reservations and wait for a table on the rooftop - is that the better atmosphere?
