About Nancy: San Francisco - My City

In one word, this year has been about reconnecting.  I've been slowly trying to reconnect with college friends, past roommates, my family, and my buddies.

One additional thing is that I'm also trying to reconnect with my home, San Francisco.  Partly it's because I haven't travelled as much as and secondly it is because of Rocco, our 2nd dog.  Having two dogs has changed my routine for the better.  Instead of going out of town, I'm staying on a homecation.

For those who are visiting San Francisco, sit back and enjoy.

So, where to begin?

San Francisco is a city of neighborhoods, small gems hidden away.  Though many people think of San Francisco as Fisherman's Wharf or Pier 39, I rarely venture to the more touristy locations but instead head for the rare gems like Hayes Valley, Mission, or Potrero Hill.

Though most people wouldn't say that San Francisco is a great city to walk or stroll around, I find it absolutely interesting in it's quiet diversity with its sometimes awkward facades but equally charming urbane attitude.  There is something rare about my city.  A city where people gather and mingle over great, niche food.  A place where you will find the city's young hipsters along with suburbanites.

If I had just a few hours to spend in San Francisco, I would end up eating my way through the city's amazing range of niche restaurants and hole in the walls.  For those wiling to walk to the darker and sometimes dingier side, San Francisco has a wealth of restaurants that are actually affordable and so down to earth, places where food comes first.

Because of my work life, I am on the go which means that I often eat out and must eat on a dime.  Here are some of my favorite places to grab a bite and to reconnect with "life".

Hard Knox Cafe - My husband and I had one of our birthday celebrations here so it's special.  Fried Chicken is so good.  Sides are remarkably straightforward.  There's nothing here that is over $15.  I also like their potato salad which has something that makes it slightly bit orange.

Hard Knox Cafe - the fried chicken is about as good as it gets for less than $15 including 2 sides and a plate of corn muffins.  With 2 locations, you can choose between Outer Sunset or Dogpatch.  

Shanghai Dumpling King - I'm a sucker for dumplings.  Chinese dumplings = comfort.  Of course I rather be at the Nanking Dumpling House in Shanghai but these must suffice.

The famous sweet fried Chinese donuts/dumplings from Shanghai Dumpling House.  It's so hard to find a sit at this tiny little hole in the wall that my friends Sally, Dave and I just grabbed the small table near the kitchen.  The atmosphere might be subpar but these fried things are heavenly.

Burma Superstar - long lines have hurt their reputation but it's still one of my favorite places on Clement Street.  Make a trip of it and walk the strange produce and Chinese butcher shops.  Toward Arguello, the shops change but in the middle around 4th and 6th, it's little Chinatown.

One dish has almost converted me into a vegetarian and that would be the Green Tea Leaf Salad from Burma Superstar.  There are several great dishes but it's all about this simple salad.  After this I love the Spicy and Crispy Chicken and the Curry Noodle with eggs.  Everything tastes so awkwardly familiar, a bit Indian, a bit Thai, a bit Chinese.

King of Thai - for me, the original one is on Clement with it's royal purple store front.  It's the tiniest little place with a kitchen as big as it's sitting area.  I don't usually eat in as the atmosphere is pretty blah but once the food gets to you, you forget the sparse decor.

When I first ordered this Duck Noodle Soup from King of Thai, I knew I had found something.  The rich broth has a taste of star anise which makes it sweet yet interestingly "licorice" like.  The blend of the dark and soothing broth with the fatty duck makes this remarkable and all under $10.  

Tartine - The best place to start your trip.  Don't eat a thing....come hunger.

One must start the day with a good bite.  The first time I had this Morning Bun from Tartine, I think I knew was a goner.  There are amazing croissants but I think this is my favorite.

Slow Club - one of those word of mouth places.  You never see big reviews.  It's a place where people in the know still go.  Hidden in lower Potrero Hill, it's hard to find but so worth it.

When I got my first big job at Macy's, I would often go out to dinner with a friend at this tiny cafe/bistro.  Slow Club has not changed in it's authenticity.  It's a place so darkly romantic that it's perfect for a Friday night date.

Slow Club's small and charming kitchen reminds me that you don't a huge space to be a success.

Suppenkuche - Right in Hayes Valley, it takes up a corner.  I must have passed this place so many times. Sure Jules is next door.  Of course the suburbanites are at Stacks.  True brunchers come here.

I first learned of this place from friend's Matt and Lisa.  Ever since I had my first Belgium beer for breakfast, I was a sold.  Suppenkuche is a favorite place to get a little rowdy.

These Suppenkuche potato pancakes are amazing but if they don't bring you ketchup, don't be surprised. 

El Tonayense - I have to put a food truck on this list.  And this one is pretty darn good.  If you are near Best Buy in SOMA, you will find one of their infamous trucks.

El Tonayense's Taco truck sits across from our storage warehouse.  Originally I just order burritos but for $1.75 you can get tacos with various filings.  For those not so adventurous, Grilled Chicken is very simple and straighforward but give the other items a try.

Serpentine - it's my neighborhood hangout.  This is where I take vendors and clients.  One block from our studio and I couldn't be more happy.  At the corner of 3rd and 22nd.  It's definitely a great up and coming place.

One of my favorite burgers is from Serpentine.  For $14 bucks, it's perfection and the thin fries aren't so bad.

Bi-rite Creamery - in the Mission, this is my favorite corner and I never want to leave.

Sure I like all ice cream but  Bi Rite makes the best salted caramel ice cream. Period.

Humphry Slowcombe - Gourmet ice cream with a twist in the Outer Mission.  The neighborhood is so colorful with all the Mexican produce stalls.  Love strolling around this neighhood where the vibe is edgy.

Humphry Slocumbe has this Secret Breakfast ice cream that is strangely perfect for a hangover.  I love it. 

Another ice cream shot