where : places to play
FOOD
San Francisco
Located in the city's Marina neighborhood, A16 serves up lusty, rustic Italian cuisine (the restaurant is named for the motorway that transverses the Campania region). Specialties include succulent braised meats, wood-fired pizzas, and earthy pastas. The outstanding wine list, featuring the best of southern Italian and northern Californian varietals, contributes to the convivial (read: noisy) atmosphere. 2355 Chestnut Street, 415.771.2216
Brasserie Bistro Jeanty serves inspired country cuisine in a charming, Napa Valley setting. House specialties include haricots verts, mussels steamed in Pinot Noir, and a soulful coq au vin with egg noodles. The lamb tongue salad and marinated pig's feet are "must-haves" for those with an educated palate. When the weather's balmy, enjoy the bistro's breezy, shady patio. 6510 Washington Street, Yountville,CA 707.944.0103. Equally delicious is the restaurant's San Francisco eatery - Jeanty at Jack's, located downtown in an elegantly restored historic building. 615 Sacramento Street, 415.693.0941
Nestled at the gateway to Napa's famed Carneros wine region, the Carneros Inn features two outstanding dining options. The casual Boonfly Café offers outstanding farm-fresh cuisine in an airy setting. Favorites include the Carneros cobb salad; oven-baked mac and cheese; Margherita flatbread; and char-grilled Kobe burger. Or, just belly up to the bar and sample the ample selection of local and regional wines, including the sumptuous, silky Carneros pinots. FARM features an outstanding selection of regional wines and a sumptuous bounty of local foods in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Try the grilled fish, homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. 4048 Sonoma Highway, Carneros, CA,707.299.4900.
A sentimental favorite, the Buckeye Roadhouse is located in Marin County, across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The restaurant's logo - a martini glass with antlers - blinks in neon from the rooftop. Inside, you will find a warm, cozy environment and lively bar scene. The main dining room features soaring ceilings, an immense stone fireplace, and serious, superb American cuisine. 15 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, CA, 415.331.2600
Cyrus is pure perfection. Presided over by Nick Peyton of Gary Danko fame, the dining room glows, the silverware gleams, and the staff attends to you with a perfect blend of warmth and precision. The seasonally driven cuisine is flawlessly executed and beautifully presented, and includes such extraordinary tastes as Thai marinated lobster, truffled red wine risotto and bacon wrapped pork loin. Be sure to start with a selection from the champagne and caviar cart and finish with an array of artisanal cheeses. And, if you can stand any more fun, arrive a bit early and belly up to the bar with Scott, bartender extraordinaire, for one of his signature cocktails. 29 North ST, Healdsburg, CA, 707.433.3311.
The Ferry Building, located at the foot of Market Street, is a food lovers' paradise. Fresh and prepared meat and fish; organic fruits and vegetables; artisanal cheeses and breads; sweets; spices; ices; and much, much more-all housed in an elegantly restored, 19th century building with sweeping views of the Bay. Also home to the Slanted Door-world-class Vietnamese food served in a contemporary setting. www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
The Fifth Floor's urbane environment sets the perfect tone for the restaurant's sophisticated French fare. The chef is master of the riff-taking one ingredient and playing it many different ways. Specialties include tuna tartare, roasted Sonoma quail, Scottish salmon, and made-to-order ice creams. A phenomenal wine list complements the elegant cuisine. Pricey but worth every penny. 12 Fourth Street (Palomar Hotel), 415.348.1555
House serves Asian-American cuisine in a stark yet elegant setting. The fish is fresh, superbly grilled and complemented by crispy vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes or rice. For carnivores, we suggest the Peking duck breast and rack of lamb. Be sure to peruse the quirky wine list-there are treasures just waiting to be discovered. 1230 Grant Avenue, 415.986.8612
From the Real Restaurant folks, Picco serves incredibly tasty treats designed to share. Among the inventive small plates are risotto made fresh on the half hour; avocado bruschetta; papardelle with duck ragu; and mini burgers with Pt. Reyes blue. The seasonal cuisine is complemented by an excellent wine list featuring selections from around the globe. Next door is Pizzeria Picco and Wine Shop. 320 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur. CA,415.924.0300.
Taverna Santi glows. Whether you're enjoying the honest Italian fare inside by the massive stone fireplace or outdoors under the dappled sunshine, you'll be happy and well taken care of. Located in Northern Sonoma County, in the heart of Alexander Valley, Santi is truly a destination restaurant. Ingredients are fresh and locally grown, and the menu changes with the seasons. Crafted with an artisan hand, some favorite dishes include housemade salumi, young chicken cooked under a brick; spaghettini al sugo and braised lamb shanks. Note: Wednesday nights are for "locals" and feature honest fare at honest prices. The wine list showcases Californian and Italian varietals, and includes local favorites as well handpicked selections from Italy. PO Box 41, Geyserville CA, 707.857.1790
Town Hall serves New American cuisine with a focus on regional ingredients. The fried oyster and baby spinach salad, scallops with smoked-sausage jambalaya, and "hot chocolate" dessert may just be the perfect meal. Since its opening, the restaurant has become the gathering place for San Francisco's business, political, and social elite. 342 Howard Street, 415.908.3900.
Enjoy inspired Italian cooking in one of Napa Valley's loveliest settings. Tra Vigne's airy interior and ivy-covered outdoor terrace evoke visions of the Tuscan countryside. Favorite dishes include the mozzarella martini with tomato consommé, potato gnocchi, and monkfish with roasted garlic polenta. Be sure to visit the neighboring Cantinetta for delicious bites and an extraordinary selection of California cult wines. 1050 Charter Oak Avenue, St. Helena, CA,707.963.4444
Go hungry to the World Famous Hamburger Ranch & Pasta Farm located at the intersection of Route 128 and Highway 101, the gateway to Anderson Valley and the Mendocino coast. This lively stop has it all-spot-on service, generous portions of hearty roadside fare, beer & wine, and, during the summer weekends, an evening BBQ. The knotty pine interior, red & white checked curtains and neon signage provide the perfect backdrop for the always-eclectic crowd of locals, bikers, classic car enthusiasts and touristas. Postcards from customers around the world line the walls, speaking volumes about the Ranch's special charms. 31195 N Redwood Hwy, Cloverdale, CA, 707.894.5616.
Quintessential San Francisco spot. Belly up to the bar at Zuni Café for champagne and oysters and some of the best people watching in town. Chef Judy Rodgers' cooking is both simple and sophisticated. Classic dishes include perfectly roasted chicken for two, crisp Caesar salad, and grilled King salmon. Reservations recommended. 1658 Market Street, 415.552.2522
New York
Finally, a restaurant for the fromage fanatic! At Artisanal, enjoy piping hot gougers, classic Swiss fondue, or (and?) a flight of cheeses paired with wines. With more than 250 handcrafted cheeses to choose from, there's always an opportunity to try something new and fun! Artisanal also serves up traditional bistro fare such as steak, rabbit, and beef cheeks. It's a bustling, happy place-perfect for a night out on the town. 2 Park Avenue, 212.725.8585.
Mario Batali's Babbo features an eclectic, Italian-only wine list and rustic, regional cuisine. Spicy, two-minute calamari "Sicilian lifeguard style" is a favorite. Located on Washington Square in an elegant townhouse, Babbo won the national James Beard Award for best new restaurant in 1999. Perpetually booked, call a month ahead for reservations. 110 Waverly Place, 212.777.0303. Other favorite Batali restaurants include Otto, a casual enoteca and pizzeria, and Del Posto, an exuberant and showy homage to fine Italian dining.
Some have termed Barbuto, Jonathan Waxman's latest restaurant, an Italian brasserie. The simply prepared and simply delicious fare features oven-roasted meats, grilled fish, peasant-style pastas, and such house specialties as shaved asparagus salad and velvety chicken liver bruschetta. The scene is casually chic and lively, with its animated patrons often spilling from the open, industrial-style dining room onto the sidewalk. 775 Washington Street, 212.924.9700.
'Cesca. Plush, brown velvet chairs and booths; ivory-colored walls; and soft lighting provide the perfect backdrop for the restaurant's robust southern Italian fare. Favorite offerings include the farro salad, sea scallops with carmelized cauliflower, and simply grilled chicken, tuna and rib eye. To start, the spicy parmesan and prosciutto fritters are a must! 164 West 75th Street, 212.787.6300.
Gramercy Tavern is one of Danny Meyer's most successful culinary endeavors and it is obvious why-superior customer service, delectable dishes, and gracious surroundings. Must haves are the crabmeat fondue, roasted monkfish, and airy lemon pudding! Oh, and don't pass up the cheese course paired with dessert wines. In addition to the main dining area, there is the more casual Tavern Bar upfront and a private room for up to 22 guests. A truly memorable dining experience. Reservations a must. 42 E. 20th Street, 212.477.0777.
Sample delicious tapas and indulge in stellar nightly specials at Il Buco, a charming, antique-filled eatery located just north of Houston Street. The candle-lit yet festive setting makes this a perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two or a celebration for 20. The seafood is superb. 47 Bond Street, 212.533.1932.
Sexy red leather booths. Flattering lighting. Generous bartenders. Sophisticated comfort food. A neighborhood restaurant cum dining destination, Ouest has it all! Tom Valenti's signature dishes include mushroom soup, braised short ribs, osso buco, roasted sea bass, and bacon-wrapped scallops. 2315 Broadway, 212.580.8700.
The good news: Three of the culinary world's most celebrated chefs have opened elegant new dining establishments. The bad news: The restaurants are housed in a mall (albeit an architecturally dazzling one in the center of Manhattan)! Thomas Keller's Per Se, Gray Kunz's Café Gray, and Masayoshi Takayama's Masa, occupy portions of the third and fourth levels of Time Warner Center-a 2.8-million-square-foot entertainment, office and residential complex. Despite the unusual, and some say distracting, external surroundings, the restaurants' interiors are quiet and plush and the reservations highly coveted. 10 Columbus Circle, www.timewarner.com
SHELTER
San Francisco
Located in San Francisco's tony Pacific Heights neighborhood, the Laurel
Inn has been transformed from '50s-style motel into a comfortable and modern
abode. The groovy and wildly popular g bar is located on the premises.
Rates: $119-$149 including continental breakfast. 444 Presidio Avenue, 415.567.8467,
800.552.8735 www.thelaurelinn.com
Also referred to as "Hound Heaven," Sheep Dung
Estates is a dog-friendly, 300-acre ranch featuring five contemporary
cottages amidst a breathtaking setting. Hike, swim, cook, and relax-all in
the good company of your four-legged friends. Located on Route 128 (the road
connecting Sonoma and Mendocino counties) in the heart of the Anderson
Valley wine region. For more information on Sheep Dung and two related
properties, visit www.sheepdung.com.
Located in charming downtown Tiburon, the Water's Edge is one of Marin's
most luxurious boutique hotels. Its sophisticated décor features crisp white
feather beds, camel hair throws, fireplaces, and comfy chaises for afternoon
naps. Many of the rooms include breathtaking views of the Bay, Angel Island,
and San Francisco. Rates range from $175 - $350 per night, and include a complimentary
breakfast and wine hour. 25 Main Street, Tiburon, 415.789.5999.
New York
The brand new On the Ave hotel combines style and comfort with an authentic
New York neighborhood experience. Located on the Upper West Side, near Central
Park, Lincoln Center, Zabar's and more, the hotel features sleek, comfortable
rooms, modern amenities, and a young, friendly staff. Rates: $155-$285, reasonable
by New York standards. 2178 Broadway at 77th Street, 212.362.1100, 800.509.7598
www.ontheave-nyc.com
Chic and stylish, the Shoreham Hotel is located in the heart of Midtown
Manhattan, within a short walk of Central Park, Times Square, and Fifth Avenue
shops. The sleek Shoreham Bar and acclaimed La Caravelle restaurant are located
on the premises. Rooms feature cozy down comforters, Belgian linens, VCR's,
CD players, and Aveda bath products. Rates range from $275 - $450 per night.
33 W. 55th Street, 800.553.3347.
