Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://specialtyfoodmagazine.epubxp.com/i/102355
of farm-fresh offerings include such delights as rigatoni with charred Sun Gold tomato sauce, sea urchin and red jalapeños, or confit swordfish with gypsy pepper salsa, Asian pears and ginger. Don't miss the olive starter with preserved lemons and celery—it sets the stage for the exciting and inspired offerings from husband-and-wife chef team Evan and Sarah Rich at this new San Francisco favorite. The cocktail menu—with choices such as Autumn Leaves made with rye, bitter orange and black walnut—is equally inventive. 199 Gough St. (at Oak); 415.355.9085; richtablesf.com. $$$ Delfina It's the straightforward, simply prepared Italian food that continues to draw crowds to this Mission neighborhood restaurant. Fresh, seasonal ingredients take center stage in Craig Stoll's soulful dishes, like ravioli filled with spinach and locally made ricotta, and the grilled calamari served over frisee and warm white beans. If it's pizza you are in the mood for, try Stoll's exceptional thin-crust pies with seasonal toppings. Prices are reasonable for this quality fare. 3621 18th St. (at Guerrero); 415.552.4055; delfinasf.com. $$ State Bird Provisions Bon Appetit magazine named this long-awaited spot 2012's Best New Restaurant in America. Rubicon alums and husband-and-wife team Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski have struck gold with their unique dim sum–style service and delicious and creative small plates. Deep-fried quail (California's state bird), king salmon deviled-egg salad and duck liver mousse with almond biscuits are just a sampling of the fabulous offerings from this duo. Every step, from service to the restaurant's workshop-like interior, is utterly original. 1529 Fillmore St. (at O'Farrell); 415.795.1272; statebirdsf.com. $$$ Dosa on Valencia Dosa is one of the most hip and accessible Indian food restaurants in the city. This one specializes in South Indian cuisine that includes crepe-like dosas and intriguing curries. The menu is almost entirely vegetarian, but a few meat dishes, such as lamb curry, are offered. Desserts include the rasmalai, a soothing dish of sweet cheese patties in cream. This location recently underwent a stunning renovation; a second location is at 1700 Fillmore. 995 Valencia St. (near 21st); 415.642.3672; dosasf.com. $$ Fleur de Lys Frequently referred to as the most romantic dining spot in the city, this Nob Hill restaurant is a study in opulence. Billowing tented fabrics in the dining room create an enchanting atmosphere, while masterfully prepared foie gras and vegetarian delicacies prove celebrity chef Hubert Keller is showing no signs of fading. 777 Sutter St. (at Jones); 415.673.7779; hubertkeller.com/restaurants/fleur-de-lys.html. $$$$ St. Vincent A statue of St. Vincent, the patron saint of vintners, sits atop the bar in wine expert David Lynch's new venture. Lynch's pub-like restaurant in the Mission offers up hearty fare alongside a vast wine list and a thoughtful selection of beers. The food, dubbed "American tavern," includes pickled eggs with beets and horseradish or curry, sardines with pine mushrooms, salmon roe and sweet potato. A ham chop and roasted sirloin (for two) are also on the menu. Lynch and his knowledgeable staff help to steer guests in the right direction for a suitable wine pairing, but if diners don't like the recommendation, they can send it back and select something else from the 150-item list. 1270 Valencia St. (at 24th); 415.285.1200; stvincentsf.com. $$$ Cotogna Every touch, from Heath Ceramic tableware and enthusiastic servers to a convivial 50-seat dining room, perfectly complements the superb rustic Italian menu at Cotogna. Chef Michael Tusk and his wife Lindsay expanded on their exquisite Quince with this more casual (and affordable) corner spot. Warm ricotta with pumpkin and sage; sea urchin, jalapeño and cauliflower wood-fired pizza; and quince and pear bread pudding with cardamom creme anglaise are a just a few of the mouthwatering offerings at this reliable favorite. Reservations can be tough to get, so call in advance. 490 Pacific Ave. (at Montgomery); 415.775.8508; cotognasf.com. $$$ PHOTO: FREDA BANKS San Francisco Favorites State Bird Provisions JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 103