Northern California - SF restaurant help please

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jschen
05-17-07, 11:31 PM
Hi NorCal BikeForums folk. Sorry for my quick intrusion. My sister has requested for her graduation gift a gift certificate to one of the following restaurants, in order of her preference. She's never been to any of them. Anyone know anything about any of these restaurants? Any recommendations?

Aqua
Acquerello
Chez Panisse
Sushi Ran


Thanks for any opinions on those places.

7rider
05-18-07, 05:36 AM
I've only eaten at Chez Panisse, but I'd give it a recommendation. I'm also a big fan of Alice Waters.
ConstantRider
05-18-07, 08:11 AM
I stick to Denny's -- a meal at Aqua costs more than a new pair of Mavic Elites -- but Yelp.com (http://www.yelp.com) has lots of user reviews for these places...

senatorw
05-19-07, 06:13 PM
Aqua kind of tired, depends upon what she likes, if seafood, then okay.

Chez Panisse is better.

Michael Mina is really good, and the presentation is really cool (at least one time)

Gary Danko, food is fantastic (possibly better) but presentation is minimalist.

Any of these would be good. If you're really going all out, I'd go French Laundry in Napa.
Blue Jays
05-19-07, 06:33 PM
I've always had wonderful experiences at MoMo's (http://sfmomos.com/index.htm) and it can be heartily recommended! It is walking distance to the San Francisco Giants / AT&T Park.
BudFox
05-19-07, 08:30 PM
Since we're making general recommendations....by all means SLANTED DOOR!!!
jschen
05-20-07, 06:23 AM
French Laundry isn't on the list because she's already eaten there twice (once with then-boyfriend, once last year at Easter when we took my parents there for their anniversary).

Based on advice here and elsewhere, looks like Chez Panisse gets the vote.

Thanks guys.
bosterweil
05-20-07, 01:53 PM
In February, I ate at Acquerello for the first time. It was as good as the best meal I've had at Aqua (most recently about 3 years ago). I haven't found a place as good as the French Laundry (outside of France), but Acquerello was the closest to it.
caloso
05-20-07, 10:41 PM
Gotta pay homage to Alice and say Chez Panisse. (You know that it's in Berkeley, not SF, right?)
8Lives
05-21-07, 02:54 PM
+1 for Chez Panisse - plus it is kind of a foodie requirement to go at least once.
Rocke
05-24-07, 11:53 PM
Caloso,
“Gotta pay homage to Alice and say Chez Panisse. (You know that it's in Berkeley, not SF, right?)”

I am with you on that, if it can’t be The French Laundry, in the West or Per Se in the East… (you have to love Thomas Keller) Alice has the juice. (Tappas or a steaming bowl of Pho do it for me anymore) Blessings.