Kokkari

Unique and pretty authentic Greek food... which frankly, I think is hard to find short of home. ; ) Here is the thing, Kokkari is rather expensive. I "get" expensive restaurants and I am happy to spend money on food but it is always hard to spend money on Greek food for me most of the time. That said, Kokkari is still very good. The galaktoboureko here is simply tdf and the grilled calamari is something you have to try. No more of this fried stuff that has overrun restaurants. The grilled octopus is fantastic as well. Just typing this makes me hungry.

Again, I think the price here is kind of outrageous but obviously, I'm biased here. I lived My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Yeah. I recommend trying it all in all and I have had some really good meals here but I honestly have to admit, I go back and forth on the prices. Take it for what you will.

Just remember, even if you "don't eat no meat", they have lamb! :)
Oh and because I'm on a tangent and in a mood tonight, gyro is not a freaking "jai-ro"... is is a "year-roh". Thanks for your patience. ; )

http://www.kokkari.com/home/

The House

1230 Grant Ave (at Broadway St)

You must try the deep fried salmon roll w Chinese hot mustard. Total mouth orgasm. This is an Asian fusion-ish restaurant and while I know you're probably thinking the last thing SF (or any place else) needs is yet another Asian fusion restaurant, this is one I have to recommend trying. I've tried multiple things here and been happy with all. The seabass melts in your mouth, the dumplings were unbelieveably yummy... I've had some great meals. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It is a little tiny hole in the wall, but it is worth it. With so many restaurants in the area, this one barely stands out looks wise but it is one I have to recommend.

Yats' New Orleans Original Po Boys

So... I think I have to give a disclaimer that states I'm from San Francisco... I probably wouldn't know good NOLA food for the life of me. I've not spent much time there. I do however pride myself on enjoying food. A lot... so with that in mind, my review: I was pleasantly surprised by this place and found it to be a good hidden gem. Yes, it is in a bar and no, not exactly my normal scene but the food was so yummy. I tried the jambalaya which is one of my favorite foods. Granted, I often tend to have the yuppified versions but this lived up to my standards! On another visit, I tried the oyster po boy and was extremely happy. If you can get over the fact that Yats is likely out of the way for you, it is worth the stop. A good local place run by good people.

http://www.whereyats.com/index.php

Xin Nian Kuai Le!

"Happy New Year!"

I am a bit late on the posting but Chinese New Year kicked off in SF over the weekend, but the big parade this year is scheduled for Feb 7. For those who want something more low key, the San Francisco Symphony is holding their Chinese New Year celebration on Feb. 8. You can currently pre-order your tickets online if you're interested. The Chinese community street fair and carnival are also things that may be of interest.

There is a lot going on and it is worth checking out if you'll be in town. : )

http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/events/


http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/events/sfschinesenewyear.html