EL ideas - April 2012

EL ideas - April 2012, a set on Flickr.

Kiss Seafood

Kiss Seafood is one of my favorite places for Japanese food in San Francisco. This tiny restaurant has 1 chef and his wife as the server. It can probably seat 12-15 people at one time, but they usually keep the number of guests below that at one time. Sashimi and sushi are on the menu, but the best way to experience Kiss is to opt for the omakase. There are 2 omakase price points and I strongly recommend the more expensive one at $80+ for 5 courses, a fruit dessert and a complimentary appetizer. Every dish is very well thought out, and traditional. No crazy modern fusion cuisine here, just simple Japanese style cooking. Warning: If you are on a budget, be careful of the sake menu! And the Hokkaido uni! So good and fresh, but some may balk at the $18 price.

Mission Chinese

I am a Chinese food purist. Maybe it's because of the way I was brought up. My paternal grandfather was all about traditional Cantonese food. I grew up eating shark's fin, birds nest, peking duck, all made the traditional way. Pizza, hamburgers and french fries were a rare luxury in my childhood. Which is way when I heard about Mission Chinese, I dismissed it immediately.

In my most recent trip to San Francisco, I decided to give it a try. And I must say, it is pretty damn good. I will still prefer to eat at a more "traditional" Chinese restaurant, but once in a while, I would return to Mission Chinese. The only thing I do not get is why this place has gathered international attention. I mean, it's good, but not THAT good!

RPM

RPM, a set on Flickr.

Au Cheval

Au Cheval, a set on Flickr.