San Francisco On My Mind

A gal pal instant messaged me today from a business trip in San Francisco, setting off a cascade of memories of a recent trip of my own to the Bay Area. That visit consisted of meetings, meetings and more meetings, but I was also able to squeeze in a couple culinary highlights.

Coco 500 was most definitely a highlight. Their bar's Summer Punch, pictured above, was a lovely way to begin an evening with an old foodie friend. I can still remember the way the drink's pinapple-Infused pisco danced on my tongue. Mmm...

The dinner that followed our cocktailing included addictive Fried String Beans, crisp Flatbread topped with Truffled Zucchini Flowers and Melted Parmesan Cheese...

...and a succulent Beef Cheek with Watercress and Horseradish Cream.

It was all so delicious. So delicious that I almost forgot about the next day's line-up of meetings. Almost.

Happily though, in between unrelenting business appointments, my foodie friend whisked me away for a civilized lunch at a Bay Area fave - Piperade.

One bite into Chef Gerald Hirigoyen's justifiably famous Warm Sheep's Milk Cheese and Ham Terrine and all memories of my business meetings floated away.

All I can say is thank goodness for San Francisco chefs who really know their business - even when I have half a mind to forget mine.