2017-12-18 03:51:14
When faced with as many dining options and foodie experiences as San Francisco has to offer, we understand why it might be tricky to narrow them down. That’s why we’ve asked these local culinary stars to share their know-how and point you in the right direction. CHEF SHARON NAHM Q Where do you indulge your artistic side in San Francisco? Farmers markets, like the one at the Ferry Building. My creative side comes through while cooking, so it’s fun to walk around, see and taste what’s available that day. CHEF MOURAD LAHLOU Q When you have out-of-town guests, where do you take them? I try to take visitors to almost every part of San Francisco. Whether it’s a hike through Lands End, an afternoon at Dolores Park, a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, watching the city blanketed in fog from the Marin Headlands, spending a Saturday morning walking through stalls of glorious produce and artisanal products at the Ferry Building, a drive through the Mission feasting on tacos, eating ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery or biting into an éclair while waiting to snag a loaf of crusty country bread at Tartine Bakery — these are only a few magical things the city has to offer. CHEF MICHAEL MINA Q Where and what would you choose for your last meal in San Francisco? It would have to be Hana Japanese Restaurant [in Sonoma County]. I have profound respect for Chef Ken Tominaga — for his skill and ability to make Japanese food delicious and approachable. I’d completely leave it in Chef Ken’s hands, and do an omakase menu. As for a restaurant in San Francisco, it would have to be Zuni Café. I have special memories of dining there, as it was one of my first meals after I moved to San Francisco, and really introduced me to California cuisine. The roasted chicken can’t be beat. CHEF RYAN SCOTT Q Which restaurant is still on your list to dine at in San Francisco? There are so many new spots that have opened over the past two years and being on the road for my cookbook One to Five and opening Finn Town hasn’t left me a lot of time for checking them out. I’ve heard great things about Uma Casa and my industry friends say that Aina in Dogpatch is definitely worth a try. TOUR GUIDE LINDA LEE Q What should every visitor to Chinatown do at least once? If you really want to see the real Chinatown, stroll through the Stockton Street food markets. It’s where the residents shop, where the Chinese-Americans shop for foods not found elsewhere, and the variety, quality and price of foods are incomparable. The most important quality? Freshness. When the Chinese select foods, the freshest foods are important because of texture, color, aroma and the most important, taste. If you are a visitor, it’s impossible to resist seasonal exotic fruits from all over the world.
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