I AM IN LOVE WITH SAN FRANCISCO

Posted: 20/04/2010 5:23:54 a.m.

I am in love with San Francisco.

Judith Tabron and I had two days hard out eating andrinking in the name of restaurant research. First up, a late lunch at Barbecco for Piemontese cuisine, and then only about 4 hours later and about 5 miles out to Aziza. Moroccan food at its best in a cosy setting; spicy and innovative with AMAZING cocktails.

We started out next day on KGO radio with host Gene Burns broadcasting from the Intercontinental Hotel in the city, while NZ wine producers showcased their wine. Gene loves our Sav Blancs, but then everyone seems to here.

We went to the farmers market at the Ferry Plaza. We saw an amazing array of fresh spring produce.

We ate at La Mar. (Pier 1.5) Peruvian cuisine. Pisco sours, the ultimate cocktail, and a tasting menu of cebiche, causas, empanadas. Yum! And then more cocktails. An inspiring feast. Not to be missed.

We had dinner at Flour + Water (Mission District). Terrific use of the seasonal produce that we'd admired at the farmers market. Especially the salads and the pasta. Not to even mention the pork with parsley root puree, fresh asparagus and baby carrots. I could eat there every night.

And then the bars: Heart - a new wine bar in the Mission district, Baretta for yet more amazing cocktails, and a nightcap at Bourbon and Branch. Their Sazerac was wonderful. Tomorrow I am off to Portland, Oregon.

See my website fro much more info and addresses. http://www.laurainejacobs.co.nz