In the true tradition of the old school, Magnolia doesn’t take reservations, but in the true tradition of waiting-for-good-food-and-beer, there’s nearly always a waiting list. [SFGate]
Miriam Morgan tackles the Haight en route to Magnolia, a place that has often been dubbed “a San Francisco original.” It’s got all the aspects of a city staple: a 100-year old building, throwback apothecary drawers, freshly-brewed beers and even a past that includes a turn as a late-night dessert delivery service called Magnolia Thunderpussy. The review netted the gastropub two stars, but consider them an impressive pair:
[The menu is] newly revitalized by chef David Coleman, who adheres to the local/sustainable bent. The result, judging from a recent dinner, is food that’s up a few notches since The Chronicle reviewed Magnolia several years ago.Starters include traditional pub fare such as hot wings ($10) and onion rings with a horseradish mayonnaise dip ($6) to less expected dishes like curry beet salad ($10) and house-made merguez sausage with blood orange couscous ($11) … The combination of some pretty good food, along with a comfy, ragged-around-the-edges atmosphere, makes for a welcoming neighborhood spot. So does the service, which is friendly and informed, if sometimes a bit too laid back.
In the true tradition of the old school, Magnolia doesn’t take reservations, but in the true tradition of waiting-for-good-food-and-beer, there’s nearly always a waiting list. [SFGate]
Miriam Morgan tackles the Haight en route to Magnolia, a place that has often been dubbed “a San Francisco original.” It’s got all the aspects of a city staple: a 100-year old building, throwback apothecary drawers, freshly-brewed beers and even a past that includes a turn as a late-night dessert delivery service called Magnolia Thunderpussy. The review netted the gastropub two stars, but consider them an impressive pair:
Meredith Brody hops on the Bi-Rite bandwagon with a peek at the ambrosial offerings at Bi-Rite Market and DeLessio Market & Bakery. She asks, why cook yourself when you can get the real thing even better, at home?
Or we can reap the benefits of the hours others have spent preparing delicious foods and swing by one of San Francisco’s high-class takeout emporiums, which can be equally soothing, relaxing, and replenishing, of the pantry as well as the spirit. Two of the best, DeLessio Market and Bakery and Bi-Rite Market, Ali Baba-like caves of gustatory delight spilling over with goodies like overflowing cornucopias, are ripe for summer plucking.
From whole rotisserie chicken to a smattering of tasty sandwiches, you can’t really go wrong with either DeLessio or Bi-Rite. Either option is scores better than takeout, easier than cooking and much more convenient (practically and economically) than eating out. [SF Weekly]
Elsewhere, SFist heads to brand new Farina, the Chronicle checks out Berkeley’s Musashi, the Guardian is at Essencia and Granzella’s, and upscale Mexican gets put under the magnifying glass at Chowhound.
[Photo courtesty: Mike Kane/SFGate]
