Just back from a long weekend in San Francisco and wanted to share a few leads.

Coffee Bar in the Mission has fantastic espresso drinks and unexpected savory breakfast items. I had a cheddar scallion gourgere and a cappuccino which was nearly as good as Andrea’s at Spella.

Perbacco in the financial district is urban and formal and very Milanese in its sleek, modern style.  I loved the Swiss Chard ravioli with a sage butter sauce paired with the Moretti La Rossa. The fruity yeast the German brewer uses in this Italian beer was the perfect complement to the sweet, delicate flavors of the flawless pasta.  Thanks to Cathy Whims for telling me I HAD to check this place out.

Piperade This off-the grid older (almost ten years old) Basque restaurant is a must for anyone who appreciates simple, honest food. I loved it!  Starters like the goat cheese stuffed peppers stood out for their brightness and austerity.  A salmon main course with chunks of lardons and brussel sprouts was a terrific early fall dish.  Interesting brisk white wines on the Basque-oriented list were a delightful departure from familiar regions and varietals. 

Ponzu I stayed near Union Square at a Kimpton Hotel called the Serano and wanted my first night to be easy so I ordered a chicken satay and green salad from room service.  I have to admit that I’m a classicist at heart so when the satay showed up without a peanut sauce I was deflated.  However, the chicken was insanely tender and the idea of a yogurt sauce accompanied by dollops of fig jam turned out to be wonderful.  Don’t write this one off if you need a quick meal near Union Square.

Ferry Building Farmer’s Market — sorry, I can’t recall the name but there’s a fantastic tamale place at the back of the first tent.  $ 4.00 gets you a tamale filled (and I mean plenty of slow cooked pork) and a big portion of black beans.  I can’t explain it but this food was clean in a way that most Mexican street food isn’t. Definitely a good option if you aren’t in the mood for Hog Island Oysters or some of those other great restaurants inside.