San Francisco, CA
Zuni Café: A San Francisco Classic – San Francisco Bay Times
By David Landis–
Typically, with regards to selecting a superb eating expertise, solely a traditional will do. San Francisco’s Zuni Café, an establishment based by Billy West in 1979 in a nook beforehand housed by a cactus retailer, suits the invoice completely.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to be a daily at Zuni Café since 1980, after I began working because the PR Director on the San Francisco Symphony a number of blocks away. Again then, the buzzy “see and be seen” environment, together with scrumptious and easily ready meals, made it a culinary vacation spot. That high quality, I’m completely satisfied to report, nonetheless reigns supreme right now.
A little bit of Zuni Café historical past: in 1987, Billy had the foresight to rent chef Judy Rodgers, an alumnus of Chez Panisse in Berkeley, to take over the kitchen. She insisted {that a} wood-fired brick oven be put in (unprecedented on the time) to roast chickens, fish, and extra within the spirit of French cooking, with a fragile taste of smoke. Quite a few awards adopted, together with the James Beard awards for excellent restaurant and chef. Gilbert Pilgrim (who additionally cooked at Chez Panisse) joined Judy as co-chef in 2006 till her premature demise of most cancers in 2013. Fortunately, he has saved the flame burning brightly at Zuni Café to at the present time.
When eating at Zuni, in true traditional style, I like to focus on the “tried and true.” We final ate there for a late lunch with our buddies Mariusz and Barbara from Warsaw. We selected the pleasant patio (sure, it’s clear and secure) as a result of an added bonus is that you may watch the worldwide streetcars go by.
Cosmopolitan cocktails like La Vie en Rose (Bonal with grenadine, lime, and prosecco) supply a tempting begin to the meal, however we started as an alternative with a crisp and dry, mineral-driven white Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio from the Alto Adige area of Italy. Crusty Acme bread arrives on the desk with a pat of completely nuanced butter that’s at all times contemporary. I prefer to order the oysters at Zuni as a result of they’re among the many greatest within the metropolis. At this meal, we break up a dozen Beausoleil (from the East Coast) and native Kumamoto oysters with a tangy mignonette and lemon; the Pinot Grigio served as an ideal complement. Whereas we had been having fun with the oysters, we thought concerning the well-known and engaging burger, however as an alternative put in our order for the café’s well-known roasted rooster, which takes an hour. Extra on that later.
Subsequent, we break up an order of the signature shoestring potatoes, which we ordered “further crispy.” An overflowing stack arrived piping scorching and whet our urge for food for the approaching meal. Subsequent, we shared the café’s well-known Caesar salad, most likely the most effective within the metropolis. The lengthy romaine leaves are completely dressed, with simply the correct quantity of anchovy and crispy selfmade croutons which might be to die for. We merely needed to lick the plate.
Our dialog with our Polish buddies, after all, steered in the direction of the state of affairs in Ukraine and the way neighboring Poland is coping. It was an informative dialogue, in order that earlier than we knew it, our rooster arrived. Properly, first I ought to point out that San Francisco’s well-known fog first arrived, so the host kindly moved us inside (you should definitely carry your vaccine playing cards, they nonetheless test), the place we nonetheless had a nook view of the energetic motion on Market Avenue.
By the best way, the service was impeccable. Our server was at all times on level, however by no means hovering—there once we wanted him, however by no means intrusive. Simply the best way we prefer it.
On to the well-known roasted rooster. This dish could be what brings so many accolades—and return clients—to Zuni. The explanation it takes time is as a result of it’s wood-fire roasted underneath a brick on a mattress of scrumptious Acme bread, which soaks up the juices from the chicken. There isn’t a different dish prefer it wherever on this planet. It’s juicy, tender, flavorful—and 4 of us simply break up the dish and nonetheless had greater than sufficient to eat. Since we had been actually busting on the seams, we opted for a easy Parmesan cheese and date closing course, together with an herb-forward however clean Amaro on ice with an orange twist (and a few espressos besides).
By the best way, you’ll be able to nonetheless take Zuni Café dwelling with you: the Zuni Café Cookbook is offered on the restaurant or on-line. An excellent present concept for the foodie in your life.
Wrapping up our 3-hour lunch, I used to be reminded: there’s a motive for classics. And we’re fortunate sufficient that Zuni Café remains to be probably the greatest.
Bits and Bites
Waicoco on the Westin Maui: The Homosexual Gourmand had the pleasure of attending a media preview dinner for Waicoco, the brand new eating enterprise from Chef Mourad Lahlou (of San Francisco’s famed Mourad) and Chef Chris Kajioka. In two phrases, the meals is completely beautiful. Readers of this column know that I’m a daily traveler to Hawaii, and this restaurant is a welcome and creative addition to the eating scene there. Our tasting included probably the greatest mai tais ever created (not too candy however packed a punch), spiced nuts with harissa, three scrumptious spreads (together with piquillo-almond, charred eggplant (I skipped, since I’m allergic), and dill-lebni—all flavorful and distinctive. Plus, a blood orange Hamachi (gentle and contemporary), a number of the greatest and freshest salmon ever (with fennel and apple and oyster emulsion), and a duck basteeya (with apricot and rhubarb) that was even higher than Morocco. For many who are travelling to the Hawaiian Islands, be certain to cease in Maui. Don’t miss this newcomer that’s certain to garner culinary accolades.
Bernal Cutlery: I’ve been listening to good issues about this retailer for kitchen instruments and knives on the south facet of the town. It’s run by the husband-and-wife crew of Josh Donald and Kelly Kozak, and for these within the know, they’ve simply obtained a cargo of Japanese cookware referred to as donabe that may go instantly from the fridge to a direct flame. The shop additionally has a full complement of knives, kitchen shears, mortars and pestles, peelers, and extra.
Colibri Mexican Bistro on the Presidio: Certainly one of my favourite Mexican eating places, Colibri Mexican Bistro, closed throughout the pandemic at Union Sq. and fortunately has re-opened within the Presidio on the Presidio Officer’s Membership. Search for nice guacamole and signature margaritas, together with mole poblano, chilaquiles, and pozole verde, amongst different tasty delights.
The Academy within the Castro not too long ago re-launched its new meals menu, together with such tasty morsels as: bacon mousse pâté, Sicilian caponata, and a summer time sausage board. The meals gadgets can be found all day and all through the night.
Zuni Café: http://zunicafe.com/
Waicoco on the Westin Maui: https://www.waicocomaui.com/
Bernal Cutlery: https://bernalcutlery.com/
Colibri Mexican Bistro: http://www.colibrimexicanbistro.com/
The Academy: https://www.academy-sf.com/
David Landis, aka “The Homosexual Gourmand,” is a foodie, a contract author and a retired PR maven. Comply with him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or electronic mail him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or go to him on-line at: www.gaygourmetsf.com.
Printed on June 9, 2022
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco dispensaries struggling as they continue to compete with illegal market
The co-owner of a San Francisco marijuana dispensary says it’s a challenge to draw in customers lately.
Nate Haas operates Moe Greens Dispensary & Lounge in San Francisco as co-owner and CEO.
“We’re charging our customers way too much. As a dispensary, it’s tough for us to compete with the illicit market,” said Nate Haas of Moe Greens Dispensary & Lounge.
That black market includes illegal grow operations, distribution, and unlicensed dispensaries. California Governor Gavin Newsom touted California as the largest legal cannabis market in the world, but licensed cannabis dispensaries are struggling to compete with the black market.
Meanwhile, a team of law enforcement officers are cracking down on illegal operators. It’s one part of the state’s efforts to even the playing field and cultivate a legal marketplace.
Kevin McInearny is a commander with the California Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force.
“We exist to specifically deal with the illicit market,” said McInearny.
UCETF officers raided what they say is an uncommon unlicensed dispensary in downtown San Rafael, serving a warrant, detaining two individuals, and seizing all products.
“Instead of single dispensaries, our focus is on organized crime. The more significant violations associated with the cannabis market, including labor trafficking tax evasion the weapons charges,” said McInearney.
The state task force has seized more than $53 million in illegal cannabis in the first quarter of this calendar year and shut down several indoor operations in the Bay Area.
“It starts with the cultivators. There is a lot of indoor cultivation in the area, especially in the East Bay mostly run by Chinese organized crime,” said McInerarney.
Legal dispensary owners like Haas are skeptical law enforcement can make enough of a dent in the illegal market. They believe the only way to survive is if lawmakers slash taxes on cannabis products and more.
“If you tax them out of existence which has happened to a lot of our growers, manufacturers and distributors, it’s going to be difficult for a lot of people to continue,” said Haas.
A national survey conducted in 2022 by Whitney Economics, a cannabis industry research firm, found that fewer than one in four cannabis businesses were profitable.
“We want them to be successful. So in essence everything we do is either to protect the public or to support the legal market and generally those are the same thing at the same time,” said McIneraney.
“We keep cutting and cutting and cutting. With all those cuts, it’s just a tougher environment,” said Haas.
Haas is optimistic despite the hurdles and challenges, and that everything won’t go up in smoke just yet.
Newsom created the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force in 2022. Since inception, UCETF has seized $371,199,431 in unlicensed cannabis through 236 search warrants.
San Francisco, CA
SF's Pier 39 docks empty as crews herd sea lions away for repairs
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A week after San Francisco’s Pier 39 reported a surge in sea lions, the docks are looking emptier on Tuesday.
The harbormaster’s office tells us there were so many sea lions hanging out there, the floating docks needed repairs.
Crews had to herd the sea lions away as they fixed the docks.
MORE: You might be unintentionally harming young marine mammals, rescue center says
The repairs are done now, but the harbormaster says some of the sea lions may be cautious about coming back.
Just look at the comparison to one week ago.
The harbormaster told us they counted about 1,000 sea lions on the docks – the most they’ve seen in 15 years.
VIDEO: Record number of sea lions swarm SF’s Pier 39; largest gathering in about 15 years, officials say
Pier 39 is getting a lot of attention right now. It’s seeing the largest number of sea lions gathered in about 15 years.
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San Francisco, CA
Teen struck by vehicle near San Francisco middle school
SAN FRANCISCO – A 14-year-old in San Francisco was struck by a vehicle Tuesday morning near a middle school, firefighters said.
The San Francisco Fire Department said the teen was struck about 9:30 a.m. near Francisco Middle School on Powell Street and was then taken to the hospital.
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