Restaurants
Feb 4, 2008 4:27 PM
A Taste of France in Hayes Valley
Two favorite spots in my ‘hood, Hayes Valley, bring a touch of chic Paris to a gastronomically decadent night in SF. First, visit Hotel Biron, located down an alley called Rose, near the corner of Market and Page (near Zuni Café). The tiny, bistro-style bar offers an extensive wine list, mostly French and Californian, with many rare varieties. Sample imported cheeses, olives or truffles if you wish, and be sure to study the local art before you go.—Heather Johnson
After savoring that hearty Bordeaux, go about four blocks to the corner of Gough and Hayes for dinner at Absinthe, an upscale, yet unpretentious brasserie serving classic French fare with a Left Coast twist, and an impressive list of wine and vintage cocktails. Sorry, no absinthe. 415/551-1590.—Heather Johnson
Zeitgeist Tamale Lady!
Okay, I already used Zeitgeist as my entertainment pick, but if you're looking for a midnight tamale that is killer, head over to Zeitgeist (199 Valencia St.) for a well-deserved tasty treat! Look for the lady rolling the happy food cart -- though you might be waiting a while. While waiting, enjoy the atmosphere and grab yourself a cool beer!—Sarah Benzuly
Magnolia Pub and Brewery
The Haight-Ashbury's only brewpub combines good beer, fresh food, and friendly service in a comfortable pub setting. Located at the bustling intersection of Haight and Masonic, Magnolia is a refuge from the pace of urban living; a place to relax among friends. The pub fosters the tradition of classic English and European ale houses and the best of San Francisco's unique style. Magnolia Pub & Brewery is open from Noon until Midnight Monday through Thursday, Noon until 1 AM Friday, 10 AM until 1 AM Saturday and 10 AM until Midnight on Sundays. Saturday and Sunday, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, we feature our special brunch menu which has become a Haight Street favorite. Stout for breakfast—who knew? Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Chef Kevin Clancy's unique, farm fresh twists on brewpub cuisine are sure to delight. Owner Dave McLean is an old friend of the Mix family, do stop by and say hello, tell him your friends at Mix sent you! 1398 Haight St., 415/864-PINT, www.magnoliapub.com. —Christen Pocock
Do Fries Come With That Freakshow?
If you’ve got money to burn and open-minded dining companions, check out Supperclub, the latest incarnation of the Amsterdam-based nightspot that’s expanded across the globe. Enjoy a five-course prix-fixe in one of the dozens of huge, luxurious beds while being entertained by the contortionists, acrobats and other performers onstage, all in a pure white 11,000-square-foot bi-level converted warehouse space that looks like an updated Clockwork Orange set. But this ain’t no family-friendly Cirque du Soleil, so save your power dinners for a steakhouse —Sarah Jones
