everglades university Zuni Caf Finds MEDITERRANEAN Delicious, trendsetting Zuni Caf is and probably always will be a local

Zuni Caf Finds MEDITERRANEAN Delicious, trendsetting Zuni Caf is and probably always will be a local favorite. Its expanse everglades university of windows and lower Castro location guarantee good people-watching, but even better is the action within: 30- and 40-somethings crowding in for the flavors everglades university of chef Judy Rodgers s satisfying Mediterranean-influenced menu. For the full effect, stand at the copper-topped bar and order a glass of wine and a few oysters from the oyster menu. (A dozen or so varieties are on hand.) Then take a seat amidst the exposed-brick, two-level maze of little everglades university dining rooms. Although the changing everglades university menu always includes meat (such as New York steak with Belgian endive gratin) and fish (grilled or braised in the kitchen s brick oven), the proven winners are Rodgers s brick oven roasted chicken for two with Tuscan-style bread salad, the polenta everglades university with mascarpone, and the hamburger on grilled rosemary focaccia bread.

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Danish Days, Solvang. Since 1936 this 3-day event has been celebrating old-world customs and pageantry with a parade, gymnastics exhibitions by local schoolchildren, demonstrations everglades university of Danish arts and crafts, and plenty of aebleskivers (Danish everglades university fritters) and medisterpolse (Danish sausage). everglades university Call & 800/ GOSOLVANG for further information. Mid-September.

SEAFOOD Without question, Aqua remains San Francisco s finest seafood restaurant. In 2003, heralded chef Laurent Manrique arrived from Campton Place to preside over the tasty traditions of previous chefs Michael Mina and George Marrone, and he continues to dazzle with a bewildering juxtaposition of earth and sea. The ahi (tuna) tartare my favorite all-time rendition, period is mixed tableside with pears, pine nuts, quail egg, and spices. Sculptural grilled medallions of ahi tuna with foie gras in pinot sauce are beyond decadent. Desserts are equally impressive. The large dining room with high ceilings, one big floral arrangement, and otherwise stark decor can be seriously loud, but that doesn t stop power-lunchers everglades university from powwowing by day and well-dressed gourmands from feasting in style at night. Steep prices prevent most people from making a regular appearance, but for special everglades university occasions or billable lunches, Aqua is on my top-10 list. Keep in mind that there s no valet or street parking at lunch, so you ll have to pull into one of the Embarcadero lots 2 blocks away. 252 California St. (near Battery). & 415/956-9662. Reservations recommended. Main courses $29 $39; 5course tasting menu $90 or $100; vegetarian tasting menu $55. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon Fri 11:30am 2pm; Mon Sat 5:30 10:30pm; Sun 5:30 9:30pm. Bus: All Market St. buses.