Definitely considered cutting-edge Vietnamese when it opened, The Slanted Door consistently produces modern, fresh and vibrant Vietnamese food, courtesy of chef/owner Charles Phan. The original location has closed, but the restaurant is now Ferry Building Marketplace downtown. The Slanted Door 1 Ferry Building #3, San Francisco, CA 94111; (415) 861-8032
I just love the vibe of this place. Located about a 10 minute drive from most of the downtown hotels, this cozy restaurant, located in the North of the Panhandle (get it?), reminds me a lot of avec in Chicago. Brunch is a highlight, with local purveyors the true stars on the menu (as well … Continued
This is the best all-around market in the country. Located just off the Embarcadero, near the Bay Bridge, the restored site hosts local farmers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays outside on the Ferry Plaza, while the inside of the gorgeous terminal houses some of the best local food artisans. Boccolone, Cowgirl Creamery and Hog Island … Continued
I was having dinner earlier this week with my cousin, a 20-something from Minneapolis who just moved into the city a few months ago. I took her and her new boyfriend to one of my go-to Thai joints – Aroy – up on Damen. They were totally into it, and kept peppering me with questions about … Continued
I had never heard of Roncesvalles, but apparently, it is to Toronto what Logan Square is to Chicago: a bohemian ‘hood on the verge of gentrification. My friends were planning to take me and Max with their kids to a relatively new barbecue joint there called Barque Smokehouse on Sunday night, which, appropriately enough, was … Continued
For some reason, I keep hearing more and more about Montreal-style smoked meat lately, and thankfully, I keep running into it. Last month, in Brooklyn, I had lunch at Mile End, and along with the imported bagels and poutine, they also made a dynamite smoked meat/pastrami that took me right back to the legendary Schwartz’s … Continued
Before we go any further, let me just say that if you have never seen the movie Tampopo, do yourself a favor and rent it. But before you do, make sure one of the five places below are open, because you’re going to be jones-ing for a bowl of ramen immediately afterward. True, most of … Continued
Since Chicago doesn’t have near the competitive deli culture like they do in New York City, I realize wading into this subject isn’t fraught with nearly as much potential hate mail as I would receive if, say, I delved into Italian beef or pizza. But still, this holdover from a bygone era still gets my … Continued
I’ve stayed in several hotel rooms in Vegas over the years, sometimes as a tourist, other times on business. I have to say, nothing really compares to The Wynn in terms of creature comforts and beautiful rooms. I realize you probably don’t spend a ton of time in your room while in Vegas, but the … Continued
Chicago was never really ground zero for seafood lovers. I remember a few years ago, struggling to come up with a suggestion or two – beyond the obvious choice, Shaw’s – for a friend who was looking for something other than Catch 35. Yet over the past two years, the city has seen more new … Continued
This massive, indoor food hall is one of my favorite sites in Stockholm. You could spend hours roaming among the fresh seafood, meats and bakery items. There are also a few cafes scattered throughout the building, so come hungry. I really wish Chicago had one of these!