July 2017

Summer produce is starting to peak in July, which makes dining out a lot of fun. I’m a sucker for stone fruits — nectarines are my favorite, but I’ll never turn down a peach, plum, apricot, etc. — and I loved how they were featured in so many salads and sauces this month. Below I describe my favorite dish of the month, which was the almond pluot gazpacho that’s pictured above.
Also, per request, I am adding a rating system to my monthly reviews. I’m keeping the rating scale simple — 0 exclamation points for disappointing meals, 1 exclamation point for good meals (I’d go back), 2 exclamation points for very good meals (a big hit), and 3 exclamation points for amazing meals (life-changing). Just like a discerning Michelin reviewer, I’m going to reserve my !!! ratings for truly exceptional experiences that I can’t stop talking about.
- Commonwealth (for beautifully plated courses, interesting vegetarian options, and an optional tasting menu) — !!
- Kin Khao (for Thai food that has delicious complex flavors but is spicier than I remember — luckily they have good cocktails to help cool you down) — !
- Heirloom (for Cal-Italian that isn’t particularly inventive, but is executed very well — bonus: if you’re sharing dishes, they will pre-portion the food onto two plates for you) — !
- Rooh (for delicious Indian in SOMA — traditional flavors mixed with untraditional ingredients — great food but the service at brunch was very spotty) — !!
- Sugoi (for a surprise hit — high quality sushi in an attractive space in the Mission that’s open on Monday, isn’t outrageously priced, and doesn’t require reservations— what more could you ask for?!) — !!
- Dumpling Time (for dumplings and noodles that are good, but maybe not worth the huge wait — come at 11am on weekdays to get ahead of the crowds) — !
- Media Noche (for fast casual salads and bowls that come with HUGE servings of well seasoned pork in a bright, cheery restaurant — I’m so glad I finally made it!) — !!
- China Live (for a beautiful space with delicious “Working Hands Dumplings” and soft serve sesame ice cream — dumplings are much better than anything else on the menu) — !
- Tartine Manufactory (for seasonal savory courses that I actually like better than their pastries — see below about my lunch this month) — !!
- Glena’s Tacos (for Mexican food that is overpriced, but made with high quality ingredients — they also make a great paloma) —
- Causwell’s (for a great burger in the Marina — but skip brunch, I found it to be nothing special) —
- Blue Barn (for my favorite salad shop in this city or in any city) — !!
Favorite Meal of the Month: Tartine Manufactory
My favorite meal of the month was actually a lunch I ate alone at Tartine Manufactory. When Tartine Manufactory opened last year, I fell in love with their corn salad with corn nuts. It was good enough to convince me to stop by regularly — despite the tricky parking and long lines. It was removed from the menu when corn season ended, and since then I’ve been searching for another option that lives up to its high standards. On Thursday a couple of weeks ago, I dashed over to Tartine Manufactory for a quick solo lunch, and ended up having a delicious almond pluot gazpacho. I’ve always loved how creamy and filling almond gazpacho is, but this version was extra special due to the pluots, herbs, and peppers, all of which added a nice brightness. I downed the bowl far too quickly and seriously considered ordering a second bowl. It might not have been quite as good as my favorite corn salad, but it was definitely good enough to warrant a return visit!

