Northern California :: The Happy Fork

Feb

2011

Venticello Ristorante serves stand out Italian in Nob Hill

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Venticello Ristorante design is intimate and comfortable, with a kitchen staff that serves superior and innovative northern Italian cuisine. On this night we had a wonderful corner table by the window with a nice view of the bay to compliment our outstanding meal.

We were a group of four and created a virtual tasting menu featuring mushroom ravioli, roast lamb, gnocchi, pizza with arugula and panchetta. The wine list is diverse and compatible with most budgets. I found a 2004 Barberro for $ 42 which rounded out the meal. Overall, this spot is one of my new favorites in San Francisco.

Venticello is only a 5 minute cab ride from Union Square and, if the weather is nice, a great 15 minute walk. If you are walking, plan your route carefully if hills are not your friend.

The restaurant seats 115 but it’s design can accommodate various group sizes for private events and would be great for business dinners.

Location:
Venticello Ristorante
1257 Taylor St
(between Clay St & Washington St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 922-2545

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Categories : 4 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Northern California

Comments (0)

Feb

2011

Max’s Restaurant serves deli food to locals and tourists

by bradvr · Comments (1)

For lunch they serve all the expected deli choices. I enjoyed the turkey with cranberry cream cheese and their matzo ball soup. The soup hit the spot, but wouldn’t qualify as grandmas best. The sandwich with wax bean salad was outstanding and large enough to split.

Above is a pic of a cup of their matzo ball soup.

Their website is way overdone and difficult to use but lists locations and has menus to view.

- Posted by fork on the road

Categories : 3 Forks, CA, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (1)

Feb

2011

Lori’s Diner serves home cooking in the fog city

by bradvr · Comments (0)

I didn’t find time for any meals at Lori’s Diner on this trip, but all of my past experiences have been good ones. They serve tasty breakfasts and traditional diner food – burgers, patti melts, milk shakes and more. There are a few locations in San Francisco, including the SFO Airport so you are bound to bump into one. If you dining solo, the counter is the place to be. Some locations open 24 hours.

- posted by fork on the road

Location:336 mason street, san Francisco, ca 94102

Categories : 3 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Aug

2007

Maverick Eatery and Wine Bar

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Americana cuisine cook expertly in a fun atmosphere. Friendly service (heck, my Nephew Mike is a partner in the place), with a menu that is very conducive to plate swapping!

Creative names and ingredients make the menu irresistible – Baltimore crab puffs, and beet carpaccio salad (balsamic braised red beets with beef carpaccio), and the grilled flat iron steak are all good choices.

The wine list reflects Mikes love and knowledge of the vines. Enjoy his guidance and suggestions when selecting one of the boutique winery offerings.

The location is questionable and nearby street parking is not likely so my recommendation to take a taxi.

Get on their mailing list and get invited to their fried chicken feast, guest chef and winemaker dinners, and more!
Notable Staff: Scott Youkillis

Maverick Eatery and Wine Bar
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

sfmaverick.com
3316 17th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Between Mission and Valencia
415-863-3061

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Table seating, Community seating, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Exceptional wine list, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking, Tasting menu, Prix fixe menu available, Street Parking, Catering

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Jun

2002

Yankee Pier

by bradvr · Comments (0)

New England style seafood restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Next door to the Lark Creek Inn and under the same ownership.

I have only tasted a portion of the menu, but so far, I am pleased. On my next visit I will try some items from the shellfish bar, including the steamed mussels and fresh oysters.

Yankee Pier has no private

dining room, but the front patio and back patio (seating 24 and 12

respectively) could be set aside for a group, or a larger group could take

over the entire restaurant. Contact the restaurant manager, Dee Wagner,

directly at 415-924-7676
What To Order: fish and chips, chowder, and the fresh baked pies
Notable Staff: Jack Mitchell

Yankee Pier

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.yankeepier.com/
286 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur, CA 94939
(415)924-7676

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30
Counter, Table seating, Patio, No Reservations, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Casual, Non-smoking, Catering

Categories : 3 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Feb

2002

The Lark Creek Inn

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Spectacular food in a spectacular location. Most everything from the kitchen is worth trying – dishes liked seared ahi with spicy sesame vinaigrette, roulade of pork tenderloin on wilted spinach and Chanterelle mushroom ragu and potato gnocchi, rosemary roasted free range chicken on wilted spinach and Parma prosciutto with a brown butter lemon sauce, and of course their famous mashed potatoes!

Warm and friendly atmosphere and service, perfect for a client dinner or a romantic evening.
Best Dish: Mash potatoes
What To Order: Mash potatoes, warm chocolate brioche bread pudding, salad of heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella, marinated pork roast, rosemary roasted chicken
Notable Staff: Bradley Ogden

The Lark Creek Inn

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.larkcreek.com/
234 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur, CA 94939
415-924-7766

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more
Chef’s table, Patio, Bar dining, Private room, Open Every Day, Credit cards, Bar, Exceptional wine list, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking, Romantic Spot, Notable atmosphere, Prix fixe menu available, Catering
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 am to 2 pm
Dinner: Mon-Fri 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Dinner: Sat 5 pm to 10 pm
Brunch: Sun 10 am to 2 pm
Dinner: Sun 5 pm to 9 pm

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Nov

2001

Sally’s Restaurant and Deli

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Sally’s serves up some of the best breakfasts and lunches in San Francisco. Daily specials are always creative and tasty. Sandwiches are served on great breads and , like all their entree salads, fresh ingredients. Their bakery next door serves up bread, pastries and desserts to go.

Sally’s is just South from the heart of the city, so it isn’t always convenient for breakfast before a visit to the convention or downtown business but worth the trip.
What To Order: Sandwiches, daily breakfast specials

Sally’s Restaurant and Deli
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

300 De Haro Street
San Francisco, CA
SOMA. At 16th street, South of i80 and East of 101
415-626-6006

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Patio, Credit cards, Casual, Smoking on patio

Categories : 5 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Nov

2001

Lori’s Diner

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Burgers worthy of any diner, along with flapjacks, waffles, steak and eggs, shakes and malts, and most any American standard. Friendly service. Open 24 hours.

This is their original location. They have a great web site!

Lori’s Diner

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.lorisdiner.com/
336 Mason St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Near Geary St.
415-392-8646

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $10 or less
Counter, No Reservations, Breakfast, Late night, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Casual, Non-smoking

Categories : 2 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Nov

2001

Mustard’s Grill

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Cindy Pawlcyn’s must-dine spot just north of the bay. Try some of her other restaurants in the bay area – Fog City Diner, Road Eye Diner.

Update: Cindy Pawlcyn has divested her interests in all but two of her restaurants – Mustards and Miraloma.
What To Order: Meat loaf, mussels, crab cakes, grilled fish

Mustard’s Grill

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

7399 Saint Helena Highway
Napa, CA 94558
707-944-2424

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $20 to $30

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

Comments (0)

Aug

2001