Gastronomic tour with H&S: San Francisco and the Bay area;

              A Gastronomic Tour with H& S
SAN FRANCISCO AND
This is the third of a series of regional guides to good food, based on a survey of Haskins & Sells people who know the restaurants in the cities where they practice.
Built on hills and bounded by water on three sides, San Francisco is a romantic and beautiful city, where dining out often combines excellent food with a spectacular view of the Golden Gate and the sprawling Bay Area.
In the city
To see the wonderful panorama of the city and the Bay, our H&S San Francisco people suggest going to the Crown Room at the Fairmont Hotel for buffet lunch, or to the Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins for cocktails. Both hotels are at California and Mason Streets.
For sheer dining pleasure, our San Francisco guides recommend these restaurants:
Considered by many to be the most elegant restaurant in the city is the La Bourgogne (320 Mason Street, near Geary). Quenelles de Brochet Nantua (fish dumplings) make an excellent first course when shared by two.
For those touring the financial district, The Golden Eagle (220 Front Street) is "an excellent lunch spot and also a good place for an informal dinner." Although the menu is limited, food is excellent and prices reasonable. Another restaurant in this same area, noted by many as being "the best seafood restaurant in the city," is Sam's Grill & Sea Food (374 Bush Street). Founded in 1867, it is a businessman's favorite for lunch. A third place in this district, Ristorante Orsi (375 Bush Street), featuring Italian food, has also earned a fine reputation, according to reports from our San Francisco Office. Florentine decor and pleasing background music provide a relaxing setting. Reservations recommended.
In the heart of the downtown shopping area and only a few blocks from the theatre district is Vasilis Bistro (44 Campton Place). Our San Francisco gastronomes think this an ideal place for a quiet lunch or dinner. Food: Eastern Mediterranean with a Greek touch. Moderate prices.
For those with a penchant for the unusual in dining, the Marrakech Restaurant (417 O'Farrell Street) is recommended. Crossing the
threshold is like taking a magic carpet to North Africa. The food is authentic Moroccan. Guests sit on cushions and dine with their fingers as Berber dancers perform to native music.
Another informal, fun evening can be had at the Minerva Cafe (136 Eddy Street). This is an authentic Greek cafe, complete with music, dancing and enthusiastic audience participation. Food is good; prices moderate.
You can dine with the accompaniment of bells from passing cable cars at the Tadich Grill (240 California Street), one of the oldest restaurants in town. Here the specialty is fish. A reminder: No reservations are accepted and closing time is 8:30, so get there early.
San Francisco's Chinatown abounds with many fine restaurants. Our H&S people mention two, in particular. Kan's (708 Grant Avenue) has an outstanding reputation for fine Chinese food. The decor is attractive; the service exceptionally good. The Nam Yuen (740 Washington Street) doesn't have as elaborate and expensive fare as that at Kan's, but prepares excellent dishes and is ideal for the family.
28