Plouf - French/Seafood, San Francisco

40 Belden Place San Francisco CA 94104
(415) 986-6491
Parking: street parking
http://www.ploufsf.com/

Last Visited: February 22, 2012

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 4 stars
Service: 4 stars
Price: $$$ to $$$$

Plouf is the sound a stone makes when it drops into a stream (a French one that is).

Amy brought me to Plouf and immediately, I was quite delighted by how Belden Alley had such a European feel about it despite its location in the city.  For those who have never been to the street, it's a narrow street with storefronts opening up to the alley and filled with tables.  The open air tables, with standing heaters which is much needed for outdoor dining in the city, are very quaint and the lovely hostesses of each restaurant invite you to come peruse their menus.

The name Plouf is what drew Amy to this place during her visit since the restaurant has the same name as her mother's maiden name.  We arrived early this evening and had our choice of seats.  Specializing in seafood, especially mussels, you'll find a variety of mussel dishes (seven in total) available along with plenty of fresh fish.  Coq au vin, duck and hamburgers are available too for main dishes.

The decor reflects the type of items served on the menu - large creatures of the sea along with deep red colors that add contrast to the dining area.  The servers where black and white horizontal striped shirts which seem to add to the French feel.

Upon our arrival, we were seated and served a baguette of french bread at room temperature.  With Amy's recommendation to try a mussel dish, I went ahead and got it as a main course.

- Plouf Mussels - Pastis, cream, shallots, roasted garlic, chili flakes, and herbs go into this mussel dish.  The mussels come in a rather large pot and there are plenty to share amongst your tablemates or to eat as a main dish.  They're not the baby mussels either - they're very good sized.  It comes super hot in temperature and the broth is very well-flavored.  The pastis has an anise flavor that was present without being overbearing.  If you love roasted garlic, you'll find tons of it in the broth.  Super rich and creamy, the broth was a great dipping sauce for the crusty bread. I did find a little bit of sand in a couple of the mussels, but overall, very good.  $15.50

- Pommes Frites - While the pomme frites had a great potato flavor and were certainly very fresh, the pieces were cut a little too small. The ones on top were fine, but those on the bottom were getting too tiny.   The photo on the website shows them a little more light in color and holding up on their own better.  Ours were slightly limp and the smaller size made them hard to handle.  $5

While we hadn't intended to get pommes frites, the server had accidentally ordered them for us.  He realized his error when he saw them at our table and kindly took the item off the bill.  I appreciated that response since you so often find servers whom don't take the time to notice or plain don't care.

With the sand in the shellfish, I think there is room for improvement, but in general, I was impressed by the food and would definitely return.  If you're seeking a bargain, I learned that Plouf has a happy hour menu - on weekdays, the bar serves happy hour all night and the terrameze serves it from 2:30 to 5:30pm.  Items such as the oysters and mussels come in smaller portions and are available at a lower price (personally, I enjoy the smaller portions because then it means I get to try more items).  Plouf is a fun treat for seafood lovers, especially those whom enjoy mussels.

2012 James Beard Award Semifinalists

Check out this article on the 2012 James Beard Award Semifinalists - it's wonderful to see so many Bay Area chefs on the list and know that they're so accessible!

Sushi Hana - Japanese, Sebastopol

6930 Burnett Street, Sebastopol CA 95472
(707) 823-3778
Parking: Street parking or parking lot across the street
Open Daily

Last Visited: August 19, 2006

Food: 2 to 3 stars
Atmosphere: 2 to 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $$ to $$$

Walk into Sushi Hana and find that its layout is slightly awkward. The area directly facing the doorway has some seating, and then to your left is the register and the sushi bar. Making a slight U-turn leads you to the main dining area. During my first visit on a Friday evening when I sat at the sushi bar, I found the restaurant to be fairly empty. During my most recent visit on a Saturday night when I sat at a table, the place was packed. Wednesdays and Saturdays are special because they serve discounted sushi starting at $1 a piece and rolls starting at $3 each.

The carpets are dark green and the tables are wood with glass on top. The chairs have a wood back and dark green cushions. Fresh flowers sit in a vase on top of each table along with white paper placemats, chopsticks, and a napkin. Seating is also available at the sushi bar. Upon our arrival, we received a glass of water with a half of a slice of fresh lemon in it. The walls are a combination of brick and mirrors. There is a fish shaped blackboard displaying the specials and another board behind the sushi bar displaying the same information. Photos are hung around the room. The lighting from the windows give the room a slightly brighter feel.

P told us what a great place this was, especially for its Wednesday and Saturday specials which are available all day.

- Miso Soup – During both visits, I tried the miso soup. Flavor was very similar both times, but there were two differences. The temperature of the soup the first time was much hotter – the second time it was steaming, but only lukewarm. The first time, the tofu blocks were not cut as neatly, and the second time, they were cut much cleaner. Finally, the second time, there was an overload of green onions sprinkled into the soup which overwhelmed the miso flavor. I guess it depends on timing and who is putting your soup in the bowl. $1.50

- Maguro – The maguro was good. It was fresh and tender with clean flavors. $4

- Albacore – The albacore wasn’t as good as the maguro. Fair. $4

- Tako (Octopus) – The tako was rubbery. It was like chewing gum – not as fresh as it should have been since a fresh octopus would be crisp in comparison. $3.50

- Inari (Deep Fried Tofu) – This was fairly standard stuff. A sweet and soft tofu shell filled with rice. Good. $3

- Hamaichi (Yellow Tail)/ Hirame (Halibut) – Since both of these came on the same plate, I had a hard time telling one from the other. One was very tender, and the other was more chewy. I ordered another one of the tender ones by indicating where it was on the plate (since I had asked the server to identify which was which for me), but I’m not sure the second plate came back with what I wanted since the texture was right in the middle compared to the first pieces. $4

- Unagi - When I had the unagi during my first visit, it was fine. When I returned for some on the Saturday evening, I found it wasn’t quite as good. Perhaps it was because it was warm when I sat at the bar, and cooled when I sat at the table. Just okay. $4

- Rock and Roll (Eel and Avocado) – The unagi is rolled with avocado and drizzled with sauce. The flavors aren’t clean, so it’s hard to tell if the flavor is better in a roll or better as sushi when both are of good quality. However, it was better in a roll compared to the pieces of unagi I ordered as nigiri sushi this evening. $4

- Sake (Salmon) – The salmon is available smoked or fresh. We selected fresh and it was good. $4

- Toro – The toro had a nice flavor – tender. Not the best toro I’ve had, but good. $9

- Blue Fin Tuna – Same thoughts as the toro – fresh and good. $9

- Pink Lady – The pink lady was described as salmon skin with tobiko, cucumber, gobo, and dried saved bonito. I wouldn’t get this again. Of the dishes I tried during my first visit at the bar, this was my least favorite – lacking texture, lacking flavor. I prefer my salmon skin to have a little meat on it and for the skin to be toasted extra crispy – that’s not the case here. $6

- Lobster Roll #1 – I liked this roll, but you don’t get much lobster. The flavor is nice and does taste of lobster. Fresh, but could be a larger quantity with chunkier pieces of lobster. That would make it better $8

My server during the second visit took time to warm up. When he arrived with the water, he just stood there as though we were going to order. He didn’t greet us or make any statements about taking the order, which I found to be odd. After asking him some questions when our plate arrived, he responded, but it seems odd to have a server so quiet. He also checked back frequently enough when he saw the puzzled look on our faces, but there is much room for improvement.

Overall, the food experience is so-so. My first visit at the bar was better than my second at a table, and the service leaves something to be desired, though as always, it depends on who your server is. Going on Wednesdays and Saturdays is a bit risky. The way I see it – they clear out inventory on these two days which is great, because inventory is being cleared out, but it’s also bad because that means it’s not at the peak of freshness. If you want inexpensive sushi and your palate is not picky, then you might find it fine on Wednesdays and Saturday, but if you’ve had really good sushi, I would say pass. Perhaps Thursdays and Sundays are the best days to go.

Papa's Taverna - Greek, Petaluma

5688 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma CA 94954

(707) 769-8545

Hours: Closed Mon and Tues, Wed and Thurs 11:30am-2pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-10pm

http://www.papastaverna.com/

Last Visited: July 9, 2011

Food: 3 stars

Atmosphere: 3 stars

Service: 2 to 3 stars

Price: $ to $$

It's been more than a few years since I've been to Papa's Taverna.  I had a craving for Greek food and met a friend out here for dinner one evening.

Their website says that they're under new ownership.  Maybe that's part of the reason I felt the place had changed.  I had come here many moons ago for a family dinner and had found the place rather charming for our table of many guests, but now it seems like it could use a renovation and remodel.

Enter the restaurant in the evening and you'll be given the option to be seated near the band or in the other dining area.  I chose the area away from the band because the sun was about to set and this room offers views of the water, boats, and other scenery.  The decor seems a bit dated and less than wow.

The service to start the evening right from the start could have used some improvement.  The server was abrupt and trying to be both host and server with plates in her hand.  I wouldn't have minded waiting for her to finish serving first before coming over to seat us.  Once seated, the order process was fine, but her timing for checking on us was a bit off.

- Fried Calamari - Although the frying oil was fresh and the color on the calamari was good, the batter was too soft and it seemed like frozen calamari that had been breaded versus breading done in house.  The cucumber slices and pieces of tomato addded a nice freshness, but I still found it lackluster.  $10

- Mousaka - Greek vegetable, meat lasagna.  Served with a half Papa's horiatiki salad.  The salad is served first and comes with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta chunks.  I really liked how this feta wasn't too salty.  The presentation of the mousaka could be more pleasing - the darkened edges make the pasta look dry.  The flavor was ok.  The vegetables were alright, but nothing to write home about. $18

- Pork Gyro with French Fries - The gyro was tasty with the toasted pita bread and fresh vegetables with the grilled meat.  The pita is grilled until warm and slightly crisp.  The amount of thick cut french fries are good and they were fried to an acceptable crispness. I would have liked them to be even a little crispier.  Of the dishes tried, the gyro was probably one of the better dishes of the evening.  $14

While the server was pleasant, her overall demeanor could use some polishing.  The atmosphere is old and outdated.  Pricing on their menu is a bit high for dinner entrees.  If prices were lowered $2 to $3 per dish, I would find it more palatable for my wallet considering the overall ambiance.

Papa's Taverna might be a good place to go to watch the belly dancing or hear live music, but it's a bit expensive considering the service and atmosphere.  The gyro is a good choice.

Sunrise Deli - Middle Eastern, San Francisco

2115 Irving St, San Francisco CA 94122
(415) 664-8210
Parking: street parking

Last Visited: September 2, 2006

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 2 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $

Located amidst many Chinese restaurants and markets, Sunrise Deli may be overlooked initially, but stand outside and smell the fresh falafel and kabobs, and you’re sure to take notice. Opened in 1984, you’ll see the meat roasting in the front window. Sunrise Deli is part store, part restaurant. The rear side of the right wall contains many canned items and the refrigerator in the rear contains cold drinks. The counter on the right sits in front of a menu on the wall and you can choose between multiple combination selections and other items. Sunrise also offers baked goods.

The young man behind the counter is knowledgeable and friendly. There seemed to be many that were regulars, but also a lot of new people like myself, and he was very amiable about explaining what items contained.

- Lamb Schwarma Sandwich - Lamb seemed to be a popular item on the menu so I selected this sandwich. A pita shell is lightly smeared with hummus on the inside and filled with warm lamb that has been cut from the roast and lightly fried. Lettuce and other goodies are added to create a melt in your mouth sandwich. Very good. It’s a great bargain and has great flavor. $5.99

- Vegetarian Combo – The vegetarian combo came with hummus, babaganoush, dolmas, two pieces of pita bread, falafel, and taboulleh (tomato, bulgar, cucumber salad). There’s also a mixture of something with a lot of parsley and garlic. It’s all piled high on a plate, but I noticed myself getting a little weary after half the plate was eaten. The falafel was warm and crisp on the outside, and just the right texture on the inside – not soggy, but just the right softness. The dolma was nicely flavored. The babaganoush had a mild flavor and so did the hummus. The taboulleh had a lot of parsley. I would recommend this plate to share. There’s too much for one person. $4.99

- Sesame Bread Ring – A bread ring is topped with sesame – it makes for a delicious bun or roll. Very soft and fresh. $1.25

- Orangina – Well, this is bottled. They only offered large bottles, and it was good. $1.75

The restroom is in the rear of the kitchen. What was interesting this day was that nothing was taking place in the kitchen, or so it seemed. It was void of any cooking. There was lots of fresh parsley on the counter, but nothing else was happening around it. It appears most of the preparation takes place earlier in the day, and the cooking is handled outside.

Sunrise is a great place to get food on the go that’s fresh and delicious. The falafel is a treat, and the lamb schwarma sandwich is delicious. They also have many dishes available not in a sandwich so you’re bound to find something you like. A great place to have reasonably priced Middle Eastern food.

Napa Valley Restaurant Month - January 2012

There is still about a week left to enjoy some of the values offered by Napa Valley Restaurant Month.

Bottega is offering a short rib burger with Bottega chips for only $19. 
Brix has a three course prix fixe dinner for $38.

Auberge du Soleil, Angele, Meadowood, Mustards, La Toque, and many more are also participating.  Be sure to keep an eye out for the dates that each special is valid.

Hogan's Cafe - American, South San Francisco

125 Terminal Ct, Suite 44, S. San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 583-2293
Parking: in parking lot
http://www.hoganscafe.com/

Last Visited: December 21, 2011

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Service: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 to 4 stars
Price: $ to $$

Tiannah told me about Hogan's when we were talking about hole in the wall type places.  She spoke highly of their French Dip, so of course, I had to get it. 

Hogan's is located just off Produce Avenue on Terminal Court.  The street is aptly named because there are a number of produce warehouses here, and if you didn't see the huge sign for Hogan's just before the produce kiosk that checks in the big trucks, you might wonder if you're in the right place.  Just drive to the end of the terminal and Hogan's will be on your left side.  It's definitely one of those places where you only know about it if a local tells you where it is. 

Amidst the giant produce trucks and pallets of goods, you'll find this diner is open for breakfast and lunch.  I arrived a little before noon and the place was pretty full - it looked like a lot of local senior citizens, business folks, and truck drivers, some in large groups of six or more.  The menu offers lots of salads and sandwiches, and typical diner and dinner fare - plates of steak, burgers, and the like.

When we arrived, we saw lots of sports memorabilia and the place had a dive bar type of atmosphere.  The waitress called us 'hun' and showed us the specials.  Yes, she showed us an index card with hand-written specials. 

- French Dip - The french dip is filled with tender roast beef and the bun is soft on the inside and slightly hard on the outside.  Everything tasted really fresh, and I especially appreciated how the meat didn't have any tendons are gristle which I so often find when I order a french dip.  The sandwich is cut a little wide because when you get to the bottom of the dipping bowl near the end of the meal, it's hard to dip.  A wider bowl would have been better.  The fries were crispy on the outside, but I prefer them to be cooked until they're a little more golden. Overall, the sandwich was quite good.  I would definitely get it again.  $8.50

My dining companion ordered a salad instead of fries with her french dip.  The salad looked pretty fresh and it was nice that she had the option to order it. 

If you like dive bar type atmospheres, or just want to surprise your friends, Hogan's has a wide selection and a seemingly steady clientele - otherwise it would be easy to miss if they were depending on those passing by.