Culinary Experiences - Bay Area

It seems there is a lot of hype about restaurants in the Bay Area. What we hear from the "food critics" is usually incorrect, self-indulgent, or simply pushing an agenda. In the end, I think food is a personal matter. Everyone has a preference and only one's own taste buds can decide whats appetizing.

Maria and I hit three places over the course of the last month. We started in Mill Valley, which for a quaint little city has a surprising amount to offer. Then pushed down to Sausalito. Which many can argue is a tourist trap, but there are some spots that are still authentic. Finally we got out to the sunset district in San Francisco just south of golden gate park.

MILL VALLEY, CA

Our first stop was at Bungalow 44. Lets face it, the food wasn't that great - average on all accounts and a bit pricy. Its organic and claimed to be local. The fries cooked in truffle oil were not bad. Maria really enjoyed the crab cakes. The main dishes were not worth the price. However, we went there on their live music night (Wednesdays) to meet up with a friend of ours - Kristina. The combination of live music, the lively bar, and getting a chance to hang with friends made the experience memorable.

http://bungalow44.com/

SAUSALITO, CA

Next stop was the Plate Shop on Caledonia St. Most of the critics have knocked this place for slow service and substandard cuisine. We really loved this place! The location was away from the usual touristy crap on Bridgeway St. The restaurant embracedan elegant feel while using rustic / industrial components. The seared artic char and lamb were perfectly cooked and presentation was enoughto make Maria happy (the hard core foody). Followed by carrot cake and monkey bread pudding and finally topped with an excellent sav. blanc brought the meal together. Afterwards we were visited by the chef and the owner who wanted to know ourthoughts. Overall I would say one needs to get here fast before they learn their food is so delicious and they start to cut corners.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

There is something about going to San Francisco that always makes me feel like I have come home. The buildings, the city, the bridges all come together and are embraced by the hills, water, and nature. Seems there is very few places in the world were one can go from a world class city with style to winding mountain trails in a matter of 20 minutes.

We came to check out the Sunset district just south of Golden Gate park. Irving St, where the light rail Muni roars through, is replete with restaurants, bars, and shops. Maria had heard amazing reviews about a latin restaurant - Pasion. I already had my reservations that she would like it as she is the biggest critic on ANY latino food. As she put it later - Pasion lacked passion. The mahi tuna turned out to be like eating a rubber duck and the flavors of the Vaca steak were lacking heat (both in the sense of spice and temperature). Over all very disappointing, but Maria did find an awesome shoe store next door!

http://www.pasionsf.com/