A few SF and NY restaurant impressions

Spent the last week in San Francisco and had some good meals.
Prospect - from the folks who own/run Boulevard, really light space, appealing menu, that at least on my visit was well executed. Had a beautiful plate of burrata and cherry tomatoes to start, followed by goat five ways, which was wonderful.

Perbacco - This is probably my favorite Italian restaurant in San Francisco. Lunch one day was raviolini with meyer lemon ricotta and cherry tomatoes, with a side of brown butter brussell sprouts with sage, capers, and parmasean. Dinner the next night was tajarin with pork sugo, followed by pork shoulder over polenta. There was a sweet relish on top, not sure what it was, but the whole was delicious.

Benu - this place is owned by Corey Lee, former chef de cuisine at the French Laundry and his first solo project. Given his pedigree I was expecting more. Food was executed well, just not memorable at all. I can't see any reason to return. Had acorn flour strozzapreti with Iberico, followed by lobster with cognac sauce. Everything cooked perfectly, just not exciting. There's a lengthy tasting menu option, and maybe that's where the kitchen shines, but I wasn't up for that.

Sons & Daughters - quirky place a few blocks from Union Square where I had dinner with some wino friends. Small spot with an interesting menu that is well executed. Started with fennel soup, followed by sweetbreads porcini and green farro, then lamb, barley, mint, artichokes. All the dishes were excellent, pacing and service were great, just a really interesting and enjoyable meal.

Beretta - neighborhood place in the Mission, italian focus. Shared a bunch of plates with the table. Really good pizza, great atmosphere. These are the kinds of restaurants I think tourists miss out on and should be sought out.

Cafe Claude - in an alley a few blocks from Union Square. Reliable french bistro food. Had a frisee salad with lardons and poached egg and coq au vin. Delicious, simple, cheap.

NY
Marea
Locanda Verde

Will do NY later today.