Hey SR Only: Manage to get into French Laundry?
Originally Posted by discreetgent
Lordy, this is gonna sound bad. BTDT, about four times. last time (two or three years ago?) was not great. We maxed. Don't get me wrong it was a mighty fine meal but not to their standards.
Last year went to Cyrus in Healdsburg. Just about as good and more intimate (nice place to take Becky [Ed would have to get a babysitter] for a warm-up to a night with her).
This year was Hot Box Grille (no I am not making that name up). Funky little spot with very good food and service. Maybe ten or twelve tables. Modest price, no it ain't FL. Then down the street was El Molina. Funky Mexican place. Total meal for two was $26 (plus $10 for the six pack). Really fresh and wonderful food. Chicken mole was excellent.
We debated wandering over to Napa and to go to Red, but they like a lot of places closed for vacation. As I think about it the last visit to FL was the first day back for vacation for them, so that was prolly why they were off that time.
Oh last meal in SF the night before heading home was "Out The Door" on Bush Street (not makin' that up either)
It is owned by the same folks who own Slanted Door. Another wonderful meal. Lots of buzz and nice people. Open kitchen, we watched the spring rolls being made (all this one woman did was dip the rice paper into water and make the rolls). Ok, not Rick Denko but it was fun. And by not going to Rick's or FL I can save my money to spend on the delightfully ladies here!