valencia street sf A guide to the dynamic Valencia Street corridor in San Francisco. The best stores and restaurants on Valencia Street in the Mission district of San Francisco

Its been up and running for about 3 months, but business is starting to pick up. Its a cute little used clothing Boutique located at 22nd and Guerrero St. You almost miss it as you walk on by, but its one of the great little storefront shops to move into the Valencia St. Corridor. It mainly carries women's clothing with a small selection of men's. It also carries shoes, necklaces, bracelets and handmade pins. You get a sense of the personal nature of this store in the way that it is set up. All of the clothing hangs on branches instead of clothes racks and it feels so intimate and friendly without someone staring at you trying to make you buy. All of the clothing is handpicked with many of the items from places like Element, Dkny, Banana Republic Abercrombie and Finch and many more. Now the great thing about it is that you are looking at a price range of $7-$10 dollars. This is a great place to drop in on when you're roaming the Valencia St. area on a Sat. or Sun. It almost has a Zen feel about it so you don't feel rushed and can take you're time an find that little treasure that makes you're day.

Location: 3412 22nd St. at Guerrero St. Hours: Sunday: 11am-7pm, Tues: 1pm-8pm, wed:1pm-8pm, thu:1pm-8pm, Fri:1pm-pm, Sat: 11am-7pm. Phone: 415-550-6911.

Yes BERETTA is a classy little Italian Restaurant located on the corner of Valencia St. and 23rd St. Its been there awhile and it is known for it's thin crust pizzas, contemporary Italian comfort food and inventive cocktails. The menu is fresh seasonal and all produce comes from local organic farmers. The crowd is somewhat younger and can get quite loud at times, but that's part of the enjoyable atmosphere. Its a great place to eat with a crowd or impress that date. I believe the the best way to display what a restaurant offers is to let you see the full menu, that way you can see if it offers something that interests you as a diner and get a good idea of the price range.

BRUNCH MENU:

omelet or scramble with roasted potatoes or salad 9
made with any two ingredients below, or three for 10
asparagus            zucchini          fontina cheese
tomato                  broccollini       mozzarella
mushrooms          sausage          pancetta

of grilled vegetables & pesto, roast potatoes or salad 9

with mixed berries & mascarpone 8.5

savory crepes with béchamel, fontina & asparagus 9

6
roasted beets with ricotta salata
cauliflower with pangratatto, capers & sage
warm marinated cerignola olives & citrus
bruschette of crescenza & broccoli rabe
bruschette of fava beans & pecorino
eggplant caponatina with burrata +3
broccolini with peperoncino & garlic
charred radicchio with saba
meatballs in spicy tomato sauce
grilled asparagus with limone & uova
baked polenta with gorgonzola cheese
zucchini parmigiana with scamorza & basil
chicken liver crostini alla toscana
herb onion bread with extra virgin olive oil 3

baccala with grilled polenta 7
monterey sardines en saör 7
fritto misto di pesce 13

boccalone artisan salumi with giardiniera

lardo
prosciutto di parma

lonza 
mortadella

sopressata

mixed plate of all five   15

7 / 11
arugula & fennel salad with shaved parmesan
warm radicchio & escarole with pancetta tesa
panzanella with cucumber & heirloom tomatoes

pizza carbonara with pancetta, eggs & mozzarella 12
bianca, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt & lardo 11
spicy marinara, peperoncini, & olives 9
margherita 11 with burrata + 3
funghi misti, tomato, fontina & thyme 14
hot salami, coppa, tomato, pecorino & diavolicchio  15
broccolini, pancetta, tomato & mozzarella 11
spicy italian sausage, panna & spring onions 13
prosciutto di parma, tomato, arugula & mozzarella 13
baccala’, potato, panna, onions & capers 13
grilled vegetables, tomato, pesto & mozzarella 11
potato, rosemary, radicchio & gorgonzola dolce 13
heirloom tomato, basil, shaved ricotta & evoo 13
& anchovy 2            & spicy coppa 5               & egg 2
& mozzarella 2        & vegan cheese 2            & burrata 3
& sausage 3            & vegetarian sausage 3

asparagus & robiola  12
squid ink risotto with calamari 13
porcini mushrooms & barbera 13
saffron risotto with osso buco 14

monday: braised pork hock, cavolo nero & polenta 14
tuesday: herb-crusted halibut with fennel & olives  17
wednesday: pork saltimbocca alla romana  16
thursday: lamb ossobuco  17
friday: cioppino  18
saturday: bistecca  18
sunday: pollo farcito  16

THE GREY LADY gin, lemon, cointreau, egg, earl grey bitters 10
PAMPLEMOUSSE gin, lemon, grapefruit, basil, elderflower 9
TULIO ORO prosecco, limoncello, punt é mes 9
CARDINALE sparkling rose, lillet rouge, hibiscus, angostura 10

ginger beer 4
hibiscus cooler 4
blood orange juice 3
iced tea 2
espresso 2
ritual coffee press: sm 3 lge 5
lemonade 4
mint lemonade 4
grapefruit juice 3
hot tea 3
cappuccino 2.5

house-made gelati: vanilla, espresso, or a little of each 6
house made sorbetti: passionfruit, raspberry, or a little of each 6
moscato-marinated strawberry tart with mascarpone  7
panna gelato with extra virgin olive oil & sea salt 7
vanilla affogato with amaro averna 8
white chocolate gelato with cherries 8
baba al rum with panna gelato 8
bonet-chocolate gelato with amaretti & caramel 7
an 18% gratuity will be added to parties of six or larger
a 4% charge will be added to check for san francisco health care.

DINNER MENU:

6
roasted beets with ricotta salata
cauliflower with pangratatto, capers & sage
warm marinated cerignola olives & citrus
bruschette of crescenza & broccoli rabe
bruschette of local artichokes
eggplant caponatina with burrata +2
broccolini with peperoncino & garlic
asparagus with fried poached egg
meatballs in spicy tomato sauce
grilled radicchio trevisano with pancetta
zucchini parmigiana with scamorzra & basil
chicken liver crostini alla toscana
baked polenta with gorgonzola cheese
gnocchi with tomato sauce, basil & mozzarella 8
herb onion bread with extra virgin olive oil 3
lamb chops with arugula & goat milk yogurt 12

baccala mantecato 7
monterey sardines en saör 7
scampi with pancetta & cannellini 7
dungeness crab arancini with calabrese aioli 10
fritto misto di pesce 13

artisan salumi with giardiniera

lardo
prosciutto di parma

hot coppa
mortadella

sopressata

mixed plate of all five   15

7 / 11
arugula & fennel salad with shaved parmesan
warm radicchio & escarole with pancetta tesa
frisee with crimini mushrooms & green onion

bianca, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt & lardo 11
spicy marinara, peperoncini, & olives 10
margherita 12 with burrata + 3
funghi misti, tomato, fontina & thyme 15
hot salami, coppa, tomato, pecorino & diavolicchio  15
broccolini, pancetta, tomato & mozzarella 11
spicy italian sausage, panna & green onions 15
prosciutto di parma, tomato, arugula & mozzarella 13
baccala, potato, panna, onions & capers 13
grilled vegetables, tomato, pesto & mozzarella 11
potato, rosemary, radicchio & gorgonzola dolce 14
cauliflower, panna, pancetta, onion & parmesan 13
& anchovy 2            & spicy coppa 4                & hot salami 4
& mozzarella 2        & vegan cheese 2             & burrata 4
& sausage 3            & vegetarian sausage 3    & egg 2

asparagus tips crescenza 13
squid ink risotto with calamari 14
kale, borlotti beans & smoked pancetta 13
saffron risotto with osso buco 15

monday: bistecca siciliana 16
tuesday: mahi mahi with beans & fennel  17
wednesday: pork saltimbocca alla romana  16
thursday: lamb ossobuco  17
friday: cioppino  18
saturday: bistecca  18
sunday: pollo farcito  16

prince neville’s ginger beer 4
house made hibiscus cooler 4
house made organic lemonade
fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice 3
espresso 2
latte 3
cappuccino 2.5
ritual press - small 3 - large 5

gelati: white chocolate & basil, vanilla, espresso, or a little of two 6
sorbetti: blood orange, meyer lemon, or a little of each 6
moscato-marinated strawberry tart with mascarpone  7
panna gelato with extra virgin olive oil & sea salt 7
rhubarb-almond crumb cake with vanilla gelato 9
baba al rum with panna gelato 8
bonet-chocolate gelato with amaretti & caramel 7
an 18% gratuity will be added to parties of six or larger
a 4% charge will be added to check for san francisco health care.

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COCKTAILS:

il gitano
amaro, lime, pineapple gomme, grapefruit, bitters

the acadian
rye, sloe gin, lemon, honey, absinthe, rosemary

nuestra paloma
tequila, elderflower, cointreau, grapefruit, bitters

dolores park swizzle
rum, lime, maraschino, absinthe, bitters

agricole mule
rum, lime, ginger, mint

decade
gin, lemon, agave, bitters

improved whiskey cocktail
rye, bitters, dubonnet, absinthe, maraschino

airmail
rum, honey, lime, prosecco

monte carlo
rye, benedictine, bitters, orange

hemingway
white rum, lime, cane syrup, maraschino, grapefruit

londsdale
gin, apple, lemon, basil, honey

single village fix
mezcal, lime, pineapple gomme

rattlesnake
rye, lemon, maple, bitters, egg white

añejo sour
tequila, lemon, agave, egg white

Location: 1199 Valencia St. corner of 23rd. St., Hours: Mon-Fri: 5:30 pm-1am, Phone: 415-695-1199 (Takes reservations)

To visit the BERETTA website click on the above image.

 If you are one of those people like I am and love to go thru the thrift store in San Francisco, You have got to make it down to Valencia St. and walk right on in to BUFFALO EXCHANGE. This is just not you're ordinary thrift store, and it's not you're ordinary Vintage clothing store. You won't find racks of old moldy clothing where you have to rummage thru everything to to find a gem or something in you're size, and many of the clothing and accessories are new. The way it works is this: all the clothing is bought sold or traded, therefore, all of the clothing is hand picked and that guarantees that the merchandise is quality because it has been hand picked for sale. Items are not donated. But used clothing is not all, they have new clothing and accessories. But the great thing is prices are so easy on the pocket book. We're talking in the $5-$30 dollar range. I believe they have the best selection of used levies and new and used shoes in the city. If you are in the area I guarantee it will be worth you're while to drop in.

Location: 1210 Valencia St.  Between 24th St. and 25th St. Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-7pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm. Phone: 415-647-8332.

To visit the BUFFALO EXHCHANGE website just click on the above image.

 This sweet little restaurant is brand new to the Valencia St. Corridor, located at Guerrero and 22nd. St. This corner is just becoming an little restaurant Mecca, and Tuba fits right in Bringing you some fantastic Mediterranean Turkish dishes. This is a small place not meant for huge crowds, but on most nights you will find every table filled. Why? because the food is delicious. It's Mediterranean, and eastern Mediterranean, with obvious affinities for the neighboring cuisines of Greece, Lebanon, and the Arab Middle East. It suggests simplicity, honesty, healthfulness; there is plenty of yogurt, lamb, and eggplant. At the same time, it has its own character and distinctive dishes.

The signature dish is Sigara Boregi, a cigar like flute filled with Feta Cheese and Spinach deep fried and to a light crispy texture. But the best way to dine at TUBA, is to go in a group of 3-4 and order the combination platters. With the best being is the $24.00 Kabab plate, good for at least 3 people. Chunks of skewered lamb and chicken coming right off the charcoal grill, plus Adana and Kofte Kebabs, spiced ground beef plus a tiny lamb chop all on one plate. Served with round loafs of warm bread.

Location: 1007 22nd St. at Guerrero St. Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun- 5pm-10pm Fri-Sat-5pm-11pm. Phone: 415-862-8822.

 

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 It you don't love these two places, you will once you have had a taste. At the corner of Valencia St. and 24th St. sitting there like two soul mates who have staked out their own little world in the Mission are BIG MOUTH BURGERS and PHAT PHILLY, dining establishments for those with some money in our pocket and starving for some out of this world comfort food.

Lets look at BIG MOUTH BURGERS first. This is big burger supreme, and check this out: all natural beef . Forget Mcdonalds and Burger King. Here's a taste of the menu:

The Big Mouth Burger: all natural prime ground chuck. broiled medium on you're choice of bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion & mayo.

The Turkey Burger: fresh ground turkey broiled and served with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onion.

The Blue Cheese Burger: with pesto aioli, lettuce, Tomatoes, pickles, red onions and mayo.

The Garden Burger: Garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onions and mayo.

The Salmon Burger: grilled with lemon-dill aioli, lettuce Tomatoes, pickles & red onion.

Side orders: French Fries, Baked Beans or Cole Slaw.

Beverages: Draft and bottled Beers, Milk Shakes, Root Beer Floats, Sodas and Juices.

As I said This is just a taste, the menu is much larger with includes Chicken Breast and Cajun Sausage.

Location: 3392 24th St. @ Valencia St. Hours: 11am-10pm 7 days a week. Phone: 415-821-4821. Price range-$4.50-$8.50.

Once you take a bite you will find a special place in you're heart for BIG MOUTH BURGERS.

Now lets look at PHAT PHILLY. This place is Cheese Steak central, and the French Fries and Onion Rings are just about the best in the City: Here's a taste of the menu:

Classic Philly Cheesesteak: Masami Farms American Kobe beef, Caramelized Onions, choice of cheese.

Pepper Steak: Classic with Roasted Bell Peppers.

Combo Steak: with Roasted Bell Peppers and Sauteed Mushrooms.

The Whole Shi-Bang: Meat, Cheese, Roasted Peppers, Sauteed Mushrooms, Applewood Smoke Bacon and Avocado.

Cheese topping: Whiz, White American, Cheddar, Provolone.

I will tell you now, the Criss-cut Waffle Fries and Beer Battered Onion Rings will blow you away.

You can see the full menu st the PHAT PHILLY website, just click on the PHAT PHILLY picture above and it will take you right there. You can order online, and they deliver.

Location: 3388 24th St. @ Valencia St. Hours: 11am-11pm. 7 days a week. phone: 415-550-phat.

If you walk up and down the Valencia St. Corridor, You are going to get you're fill of Mexican cuisine, but if you take a turn at Valencia St. and 22nd. St. and walk up one block to Guerrero  St. You will find LA PROVENCE. A sweet cozy French Restuarant with a fantastic menu. With so many French Restaurants in the city why LA PROVENCE? Well, unlike so many French Restaurants, where you walk out bloated from all the sauce salt and sugar, LA PROVENCE serves you a menu that is light but the taste is absolutely French dining heaven. It offers a twist of California cuisine and Italian influence. Predominant on the menu are local fish and game and occasionally lamb, served with fresh vegetables. Rather than talk about the menu, you will find it below. I believe this the the best way for diners to decide if they want to give it a try.

Appetizer Menu

Grandes Assiettes Provençale

Soupe du Jour

$8

La Pissaladière

A Savory Provençale Pie, Garnished with Caramelized Onions, Olives, and Anchovies

$9

Salade Vegan
Baby Leaf Salad, Asparagus, Cucumber, Leek, Radish, Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, and Truffle Oil Dressing

$9

Signature de La Provence

Rillete de Canard
Home Made Duck Pistachio “Rillette” with Apricot Marmalade and Walnut Cake

$11

La Niçoise à Notre Façon
Mesclun Salad, Soft Egg, Yellow Wax Beans, Purple Potatoes, Bell Pepper Confit, Seared Tuna, Anchovies, Caper Berries, Olives

$11

Poulpe à la Galicienne

Octopus, Heirloom Tomatoes, Scalions, Sundried Tomatoes Pesto

$12

Carpaccio de Veau à la “Pagnol”
All-Natural Veal Carpaccio, Organic Artichoke Salad, Green Pepper Corn Dressing

$14

Prix Fixe Menu
Appetizers, Main Course, Dessert

$34

Main Course

Risotto Aiguo Boulido
Beretta Risotto, Organic Mushrooms, Grana Padano Parmesan

$16

Le Grand Aïoli
Fresh Steamed Codfish, Seasonal Vegetables, Aioli, Pesto

$18

Filet Mignon de Porc St. Tropez
Grilled Marinated Free-Range Porc Filet, Thyme Lemongrass Jus, Broiled Vegetable Provençale Tian

$19

Poulet de la Mère Besson
Roasted Chicken Breast, Tomato Tart Tatin, Truffle Jus

$19

Saumon Mariné à l’Anis
Anis Stars Marinated Salmon , Lightly Sautéed, Parsnip Purée, Mango, Pink Peppercorn, Virgin Dressing

$21

Soupe de Poissons Canebière
Bouillabaisse Provençale with Mussels, Shrimps, , Bay Scallops, Anglerfish Perfumed with Saffron, Tarragon, “Rouille” Crouton

$22

Raviole de Lapin à la Figue California
Rabbit Confit and Figue Ravioli, Veal Jus, Fava Beans

$23

Side Order:
Tian Provençale or Parmesan Polenta or Grilled Asparagus

$7

Prix Fixe Menu
Appetizers, Main Course, Dessert

There is also an extensive wine menu, But I will warn you it is not cheap. This is a great little restaurant if you want quality, taste but DO NOT want to Max out you're credit card in this era of recession.

This is what I love about the Mission District and the Valencia St. corridor. It is just evolving into the most dynamic area of the city, while keeping its character;

Location: 1001 Guerrero St. Corner of Guerrero and 22nd. St. Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun-5:30pm-11:30pm. Phone: 415-643-4333

To Visit the LA PROVENCE website just click on the above image.

You could be a belly dancer, a stripper, an actress or just a girl who wants to look sparkly for a night out on the town. Well, Multikulti is just the place for you, located right on Valencia street. This is the place where you can find those inexpensive little items that will make you glow and make you sparkle, and this little store is jammed packed. Not just with items for sale but on most days with customers. costume jewelry, makeup, nose studs, sun glasses, funky hosiery, skirts, scarves, belly rings, belly dance costumes, painted mirrors, decorative items from Morocco, Turkey and Egypt, or just hot little items for a party or dance. The list goes on and on, but you get the picture. The very best thing: it will not break you're wallet.

Location: 539 Valencia St. Between 16th St. and 17th St. hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 11:30am-7pm. Thurday, Friday, Saturday 11am-9pm., Sunday-11am-5:30pm. Closed Monday. Phone: 415-437-1718.

As you walk down Valencia St. and you that sign sitting in front of the store, It automatically makes you CURIOUS. Just what is it that they sell in this little store and you decide to check it out. Well, this is just the place to find things that you would not find in any other place. Never seen a SEAHORSE CHROCHET KIT, well you have now, how about a BOXED RUBBER STAMP KIT, or a GLASS CANTEEN, DINING TABLE PING PONG SET, KNITTED COFFEE SLEEVES, SUSPICIOUS PAINTINGS, DARING BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, A ROPE MONEY CLIP, LEAVE HANKIE, GOLD PLATED PASTA NECKLACE, CRAYON RINGS. Well, you get the picture, little gifts for yourself or somebody else. It's fun It's cheap and the above items are just a taste of the items you will find at the quirky little shop. If you are in the neighbor its worth the time to stop and take a look. Around Christmas time definitely a place to put on you're list.

Location: 855 Valencia St. Hours: Tues-Sat-12pm-7pm, Sun-12pm-6pm, Closed Mon., Phone: 415-671-5384

To visit THE CURIOSITY SHOPPE website just click on the above image.

 You're going to love this place. Especially when the sun is out and you are a people watcher. It's located on 22nd St. between Valencia St. and Mission St, and the best place to find a table is on the little deck right out side on the street. I've gone by this place many times on Sat. or Sunday afternoon, and the best way to describe it is lively. All the tables occupied, and normally just inside where this is more seating there's usually a live show featuring an small jazz band or solo artist( I've even seen an small chamber orchestra), and that just brings the place to life. A great place to meet some one for coffee or a drink. I will say that most people forget the coffee and go for the imported beer or wine. Lots of young ladies looking Mission District hot, and lots of guys looking Mission District hipster. But as the sun goes down, the place just seems to get even livelier and it's all most like a small party. This might not be the best place to go if you are looking for a quite place to work on you're computer, even though there is free internet access. Such a blast sitting, drinking and watching world of the Mission District walk on by. Sandwiches, pastries and bagels with the usual toppings are available. The Revolution Cafe is like a small cafe you might find in Paris on a street corner. If you have time slide on down.

Location: 3248 22nd St. between Valencia St. and Mission St. hours: Mon-Wed-9am-12:30am, Thu, Sun-9am-1am, Fri-Sat-9am-2am. Phone: 415-642-0474.

Yes indeed in this busy bustling city THE SCARLET SAGE HERB CO. It's a small little shop that sits right on Valencia St. and it is a traditional neighborhood herb shop that specializes in traditional western herbalism and natural medicines. The focus is on herbs from North America where you have a selection of over 300 single herbs and over 100 combination of remedies. They also carry 60 therapeutic grad steam stilled organic 100% pure essential oils. But there is so much more. A full selection of body care products, a collection of nature inspired gifts, a wide array of supplies for earth based spirituality, and a large book section Herbal wellness, spiritual awakening and living and working in an organic world.

This is just a wonderful store for those who want to take a look at the organic way of living.

Location: 1173 Valencia St. between 23rd St. and 24th St. Hours: Mon-Sun-11am-6:30pm. Phone: 415-821-0997.

To visit THE SCARLET SAGE HERB CO. just click on any of the above images

 located in the Valencia Street Corridor is the French-Vietnamese Restaurant TAO CAFE. For a few years, it sat there on most nights empty, and I could never understand this. This is not you're typical hole in the wall restaurant that you find in the tenderloin, but has class written all over it. Just looking from the outside, beautiful hand crafted vases sit in the window which right away gives you the feeling that this is a restaurant that was designed by someone that wanted this to be a place that was personal to their own tastes. Once you walk in you will find smaller wooden tables with bamboo chairs for parties of 2-4. In the back are larger tables. The place seats about 60. Small hand painted portraits and scenes of French Viet Nam adorn the white walls. But the atmosphere the one thing that will draw you back after you're first visit. It's quite, it's cozy, and it is a restaurant that you go to for a sense of intimacy.

APPETIZER
**Imperial Rolls Deep fried & crunchy, choose from 2 kinds: Shrimp or Vegetarian
7.5 for six 5.5 for four
Tao Calamari Salad Grilled spicy Calamari on bed of black eye peas 8.5
Swinging Crab Cake Crispy in wonton wraps spicy aioli 9.5 for six 7 for four
**Saigon Salad, Nuoc Cham fish sauce dressing with fresh daikon, jicama & celery.
Pick the regular poached Shrimp & Pork, or the Vegetarian with candied almonds 6.5
**Summer-To-Spring Rolls 3 choices of rice paper-thin wrapped rolls:
Classic Shrimp & Pork, Spicy ginger Beef or Vegetarian Tofu & Shiitake 7.5
**Street-Side Salad, soy dressing with crunchy Green Papaya
Pick the original candied Beef or the Vegetarian with crunchy Tofu 6.5
**Tao Rice Crepe (Turmeric-Coconut-flavored) served with lettuce & mint for do-it-yourself rolls
Pick one of 2 kinds: Shrimp & Chicken or Shiitake & Tofu 8.5
MAIN
Rice or Noodle as side-dish is recommended with these main dishes
Beefsteak a la Vietnamese Spicy New York cut, onion & red bell pepper sauce, salad 13.5
Sweet-Mekong-Bass Pan-seared, lemongrass-coconut-curry sauce, plantain banana 13
Ginger-Chicken Pan-roasted, ginger sauce, sautéed of zucchini 11.5
Green-Pepper Pork Pan Roasted Pork chop, green pepper cream sauce, roasted root veggies 11.5
Tao Grilled Lamb In medallions, cumin-flavored, smothered grilled eggplant 13.5
Saigon-Paris Leg of Duck Oven slow-roasted “Confit”, peppercorn sauce, steamed veggies 12
Lemon-O-Salmon Pan-seared preserved lemon sauce, soy bean 13.5
CLAY POT
Piping-Hot-Bass Braised & caramelized with hot pepper in clay pot, steamed vegetables 12.5
**Tao Ratatouille Spicy zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper with your choice of Chicken or Tofu 11.5
Square-Dancing-Prawns Braised in clay pot with soy bean, tamarind glaze 13.5
Vegetarian eaters please follow the stars**
We are glad to guide your choice for a gluten-free meal
NOODLE
Noodles-for-the-Queen Shrimp, Chicken & Calamari w/ vegetables over crunchy egg noodles 13.5
Bourguignon a la Vietnamese 5-spice stew of beef with carrots, rice noodle & vegetables 10.5
No-Broth-Noodle-Soup A bowl of egg noodle, vegetables & Shrimp Crisp with your choice of Roasted Pork Or Roasted chicken breast 10.5
Saigon-Hanoi “Bun” (pronounced Boon) A bowl of warm salad with lettuce, mint & rice vermicelli and choice of Sauteed of Minced Beef Or Grilled Pork tender loin 10
Chef’s Yam Noodles Sauteed of Chicken with mixed vegetables & soft Yam noodles 11
SOUP
**Red-Passion Soup Sweet, Sour & Spicy tomato base broth w/ tofu & choice of Fish, Shrimp Or Veggie 9
Pot-au-feu Viet People’s hearty Beef soup Pho with many spices & rice noodle 9
Our-Mom’s-Healthy Chicken Soup Shiitake mushroom, broccoli & glass noodle 9.5
With-Broth-Noodle-Soup Pick the noodles (egg or rice), then pick the roasted meat (Chicken or Pork), the soup is served with Shrimp crisp, vegetables & hearty chicken broth 10.5
VEGETARIAN CORNER
Chef’s Tofu Steak Pan-fried “steak” of Tofu lemongrass fish sauce, roasted root vegetables 11
Buddha’s Favorite Soy-ginger steamed soft Tofu, shiitake mushroom, glass & crunchy egg noodles 10.5
Around-Midnight-Craving Sauteed of Tofu with lemongrass over mixed vegetables 9.5
Monk’s-Gourmet Soft Tofu, plantain banana, broccoli & cashew nut coconut curry sauce w/ rice noodle 11
SIDE
Grilled eggplant coconut sauce Spicy Garlic Mixed vegetables Roasted root vegetables Sautéed of zucchini & Shiitake mushroom 4.5 each
Plain rice Coconut sticky rice French tomato rice with almond Black wild rice Garlic egg noodle
1.5 per serving
PRIX FIXE $15.5 Monday thru Thursday only
Combo Salad & Crispy Imperial Rolls (2 pieces), choose between Shrimp or Vegetarian
Pick a dish from NOODLE, SOUP or VEGETARIAN CORNER (add $3 for Queen’s dish)
Lychee ice cream with Ginger Confit Or Lime Mango Sorbet with Strawberry Granite
Our Food is truly Vietnamese with French Cooking techniques
Think of our trays of hors-d’oeuvres for private parties.
Catering & Cooking Lessons are available. Please send inquiries online @ www.taocafe.com.
18% of Gratuity is added for parties of 6 or more

As you can see the price range is moderate, but the menu is pure French Vietnamese.

Now I was saying how the Tao Cafe stood empty for a few years. Well, that is changing. Most nights the place is 3/4 full, and on many night it is full. But it still has maintained its intimacy and charm. A great place for that first date, or to take you're family from out of town.

Location: 1000 Guerrero St. corner of 22nd. St. hours: Mon-Sun-5:30pm-10:30 pm. They take reservations, but can just walk in. Phone: 415-641-9955.

You can visit their website by clicking on the image.

This is just an example of what you can do with a small shop space and a good imagination. Fabric 8 originally was an online selling primarily selling originally designed t-shirts by local designers in the business for 10 yrs. The owners came up with the idea of combining these items with an art gallery, thus was born the shop that now resides on 22nd st. just up the block from Valencia st. And yes it is small but it is so clean and well designed and the art work that features various bay area artist is just sensational. When you walk in you can browse the racks of unique t-shirts  and unique collectibles that you would never be able buy in an ordinary retail store. At the same time you are to the artist world who is displaying at that time. This idea is now being replicated all over the Mission District, But Fabric 8 was one of the originals.

If you would like to know more about the fantastic little shop/gallery, you can visit their website by clicking on the above image.

Location: 3318 22nd st. just off Valencia st. hours: Weekends-11am-7pm. Evenings-5-7. phone: 415-647-5888.

You're a pet owner and that dog or cat has a special place in you're heart. You want it to be happy and you just can't see throwing down a rug for it to sleep on and buying canned food from Safeway. Well, hidden up the block from Valencia and 22nd St. is Hazel & Gerties. A Boutique type pet store that is on another level. They carry an array of quality organic dog food and treats that you can get in large batches or small. Fantastic toys, collars and treats and  special gifts. The store it self is just beautifully set up and you will be amazed at the amount of items you can choose from. Another thing to note is that they also offer a dog or cat bath and grooming service. So how about it give you're buddy a sweet little treat at Hazel & Gertie's.

Address: 3385 22nd St. (corner of Guerrero). Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm. Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Phone: 415-401-9663.

You can find their web site link in the sidebar or clicking on above image.

 

You're wandering around the Mission with you're friends. You're thinking about heading over to Delores Park and spending the afternoon. You're all starving and you're stomach is screaming Italian Italian I'm in the mood for Italian. Well, if you don't know about Lucca's Deli you do now. The absolute best Italian Deli in San Francisco and it's right there on the corner of Valencia and 22nd St. Fine imported wines starting at $2.50. Imported cheeses that will have you drooling. Then move on down to the meat section for those then slices of salami and smoked ham, and this is just a taste of the full selection. You have you're bottles of wine, you have you're cheese and slices of tasty meats an you round it of with some loafs of sour dough bread. You haven't spent a lot of money and you're picnic is set.

Lets just say you are going to have some friends over for dinner. Well, how about dropping in and picking up a couple of slabs of homemade ravioli and home made sauce. Some bread some wine and a gourmet salad from the salad bar, some cheeses and imported olives for appetizers and you are all set. And man the guys behind the counter give great service and know what they are talking about. Gets pretty busy but well worth the wait. Oh yea! I'm in the mood for Italian!

The address: 1100 Valencia St. at corner of 22nd St. Phone: 415-647-5581. Hours: Mon-Sat 9pm-6pm.

Yes, there are thousand of restaurants  in the city, and you can get anything that you want. But, if you are looking for a place that is small, cozy, with a unique menu just make a reservation at SPORK. What is so neat about is is that the menu is not so big and  pretentious, but gives you a nice combination of European and American dishes. In relation to many restaurants  the menu would be considered small it still gives you a great selection and a fabulous wine list.  Rather that talk about it take a look at a sample below:

FIRSTS
Original Recipe Pull Apart Rolls 0
with whipped honey butter
Dinner Salad 8
butter lettuce, organic radishes, walnuts, shaved parmesan, dijon vinaigrette
Celery Root and Apple Soup 9
puree of celeriac with caramelized apple
Cauliflower and Calamari Unite! 11
crispy cauliflower and griddled fresh monterey bay squid with chili flakes, lemon aioli
Goat Cheese Croquette 10
warm and crispy goat cheese with bosc pear, pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds, balsamic
Yellowtail Sashimi 13
sushi grade hamachi with braeburn apple, daikon sprouts, habanero vinegar, sesame oil and tobiko
Warm Chicory Caesar 10
made to order with organic egg, melted anchovies and warm sherry mustard vinaigrette
Burrata Cheese with Accoutrements 12
Di Stefano burrata, persimmon mostarda, pickled fennel, garlic crostini
SECONDS
Mussels and Pork with a Spork 18
mediterranean mussels, slow roasted pork,
belgian beer, green beans, smoked chili aioli
In-side-Out Burger 14
a fork and knife burger with grass fed patties, caramelized onions, tillamook, smashed fries
Stuffed Winter Squash 18
roasted acorn squash filled with maitake mushrooms, red endive, roasted baby carrots
Tonight's Pasta: Italian Stallion 19
The fresh pasta with grass-fed beef bolognese, calabrian chili, ricotta, parmigiano reggiano
Cast Iron Bluenose Seabass 25
wild-caught new zealand seabass, savoy cabbage, gnocchi, saffron cream, black trumpet mushrooms
The Tasty Steak 23
griddled american kobe steak with brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, horseradish cream, aged balsamic
Seared Dayboat Scallops 24
seared scallops, lobster americaine sauce, coconut-lobster rice, bok choy, coconut cream

 

Now, isn't that enough to wet you're appetite?

The location is: 1058 Valencia between 21st. and 22nd. Hours: Mon.-Thurs.-6pm-10pm, Fri-6pm-11pm, Sat.-5:30pm-10:30pm, Sun.-5:30-9pm. Brunch Sun. 11am-2pm. Phone: 415-643-5000

To visit the SPORK website, look in the sidebar.