Eats and Treats on the West Coast

San Francisco
Originally uploaded by LilyGoo

Earlier this summer, I posted about wanting to go on a post-graduation trip, and finally, I've figured out the details. In less than a week, I'll be embarking on a week-long San Francisco/Seattle combo trip, and I'm pretty excited. Having visited San Fran before, I can easily say I'm a lover of the West Coast. I can't wait to see the piers, the parks and of course, the cable cars. But the thing I'm most looking forward to? The food.

I'm convinced that in another life, I'd be the 800-pound woman they had to pull from her house because of her love of food. Luckily, I got a different metabolism, and I'm eternally grateful. As I get ready for my trip, I've included the top three restaurants/cafes that I intend to stop at, and I'd appreciate any suggestions on places I've missed and must see. Because a lot of my investigative restaurant work has been done via the Internet and not by actual tastings, I'd also appreciate input on any places you think are completely overrated and that I should skip entirely.

San Fran:

Boudin Bakery - A bit cliche, I know, but the city is known for its sourdough and I couldn't stop by without grabbing a baguette to walk around with while I explore the pier.

Dottie's True Blue Cafe - A legend among both tourists and city dwellers, Dottie's is one of the best breakfast places on the bay. The line is long, but the wait is worth it - the cinnamon pancakes draw people from all points in Union Square.

Sears Fine Food - The food is great, but the ambiance is part of the experience. It's a family owned San Fran staple, and it attracts all types of people, making for a fun people-watching experience, too.

Seattle:

Salumi - I'm really looking forward to trying this place, partially because it has a royal culinary bloodline behind it; chef Mario Batali's father owns and runs the place.

5 Spot - This could be a disaster or a great time, because I found this place purely from searching online. The element that intrigues me? The menu features samples from several regions around the U.S. : Southwestern, New England, Pacific Northwest, South of the Mason Dixon etc. This appeals to my varied tastes, but I'm always a little wary of places that don't specialize in one particular cuisine.

Ray's Boathouse (or some place similar) - Because of the obvious location, I'd love to visit a fine dining restaurant that serves fresh catches of the day. I'm not a huge seafood person, but I'm willing to be a little adventurous, and Grilled Southeast Alaskan Halibut definitely sounds outside of my comfort zone.

--- Molly Hirschbeck

Comments

[Carole McNall]

Try Ivar's and do the original location on the Seattle waterfront. It's one of the first restaurants my brother took us to on our first visit to Seattle and unless it's changed a lot (online reviews suggest no), the food is wonderful.

And make sure you get to Pike's Place market in Seattle.

[The Jesus of Cool]

Unless one doesn't dig chocolate, the Ghirardelli Chocolate factory is a must in San Fran.

http://www.ghirardellisq.com/ghirardellisq/visitor_info.php