Here’s the subject at hand: you have only one day in San Francisco. Where do you go? What do you do? We tapped three of the area’s best chefs for their end-all, be-all favorite haunts. Here’s where to go:
Michael Tusk, Quince: I’d start my day with coffee and pastries at Jane on Larkin Street. For lunch, I have a few options: head over to Zuni Cafe or Swan Oyster Depot for oysters, or grab a loaf of focaccia at Liguria Bakery, or possibly have the combo sandwich at Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store in North Beach. For cocktail hour, I’m thinking of a rum drink at the Smuggler's Cove—there are over a dozen to choose from. For dinner, I like to go to Sushi Ran in Sausalito, or head to Chinatown for the great food at Mister Jiu’s. If it’s a special occasion, we might head to Benu or Saison.
Depending on the day or my mood I’ll visit the Fraenkel Gallery to see their photography show. I like to go out on the water off of Sausalito and kayak with my fabulous wife, Lindsay, and then take out our Greater Swiss Mountain dogs to Chrissy Field. I’m also a Giants fan, so I might go to see a baseball game at the ballpark. At night, music at the Great American Music Hall, Bimbo’s or Bottom of the Hill is always on my list.
David Kinch, Manresa: In San Francisco, I go to Kin Khao and get drinks at Bar Agricole. For fine dining, I enjoy Corey Lee’s cooking at Benu. Closer to home, I head to The Bywater for brunch or grab a seat on the patio for lunch.
If I have free time, I take advantage of the weather, which means I’m generally in the water—swimming, surfing, or paddling.
Mourad Lahlou, Mourad: Start with coffee at Sightglass and then onto pastries at Arsicault. Lunch at Mau and some tacos. Afternoon treats: ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery is a must (first choice is toasted coconut, second choice is peanut butter brittle). Another cup of coffee at Four Barrel and some raspberry-dusted macaroons at Neighbor Bakehouse. For dinner: cook for friends at home, but if I were going out, I’d go to jū-ni on a warm night or La Ciccia on a chilly night.
What free time? If there ever is any, napping, basketball, hiking (Marin and the headlands, Tamalpais Valley, Muir Woods, Muir Beach, and Rodeo Beach) or visiting friends’ restaurants.
