Garibaldi’s on Presidio, SF

Garibaldi’s is not a new SF restaurant but one that has been in business since the 80’s, with a beginning in the SoMa area of SF but moved to Presidio about 7 years ago. I remember it as a wonderful neighborhood restaurant back in the 80’s and it has kept that ambiance in its current location. It’s a small restaurant that serves elegant Mediterranean fare. Although we went there for the DAT 2-week event (it will happen again in July!), I ordered their “Farmer’s Market Menu” (it's always on the menu) that cost even less ($30) than the DAT menu and I thoroughly enjoyed each course! I had a Wild Arugula Salad, with crispy Laura Chenel Chevre, mint, thyme, wildflower honey (the dressing was just honey and maybe a little oil to thin it a tiny bit) and then a Persian Chicken Koresh and for dessert a Chocolate Mousse topped with Chantilly Cream and served with a single "Italian Doughnut" that tasted more like a beignet to me. As you may (or may not) remember, I have been on the eternal hunt for great beignets outside of New Orleans. Garibaldi’s Italian Doughnut is delicious and I was bummed that I only got one. But, I found “to die for” beignets even closer to home….read on.

Bill ordered the Risotto Croquettes with Fontina cheese tucked inside and served with a Tomato Coulis. It was a heavier dish than expected but had nice flavors. Our friends ordered the Pickled Baby Beets with Laura Chenel goat cheese and toasted hazelnuts and our server, overhearing our curious conversation about the risotto croquettes served Bill and Linda a half serving of each. Very nice surprise even though they were both disappointed in the croquettes. Linda also ordered the Pan Roasted Loch Duart Salmon, braised greens, forbidden rice, cipollini onions, Dijon vinaigrette and was very happy with her choice. The salmon was tender, perfectly prepared and delicious. Bill ordered the Marinated Lamb Tenderloins, couscous, pistachios, blue lake beans, ricotta salata, tarragon sauce and he too was happy with his choice. We all shared an interesting dessert: Maker’s Mark Bourbon~Root Beer Float, vanilla ice cream, Thomas Kemper root beer gastrique. It was like a dress that looks better on the rack than on your body... Bill ordered the Chocolate Budino, espresso ice cream, salted caramel sauce, pralines and it wasn't chocolate-y enough for him but I thought it tasted pretty good!

Now, back to "speaking of beignets," Sandy and I had lunch at Madera Restaurant located on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park. It’s situated inside the Rosewood Hotel and Resort and very posh! Sandy and I were reflecting on how great life is, sitting on a sunny patio in January, gazing over the hills by Highway 280, enjoying our friendship over a nice lunch. I must admit however, that while it was a nice lunch, it wasn’t a “GREAT” lunch considering it got a star. However, they serve Beignets for dessert and they were FABULOUS! Light, crispy and rolled a cinnamon sugar. They serve it with some sauces on the side but I didn’t dunk mine in them. I just savored every bite of the beignets! I hope they never take them off the menu!

I tried Julia’s Braised Beef Tongue in Madeira Sauce and it was sublime…if you like tongue, which I obviously do! It is a 1-day effort but definitely worth it. I won’t serve it at our dinner since I suspect not many people share my taste for tongue but it is a dish I will make again. Tomorrow I am trying the Truffled Potatoes Anna. We are having our friends from Oregon over for dinner and I made the menu to accent the potatoes. I hope I remember to take photos this time. For some reason, I never remember to take photos. I need to put a string around my whole head!

I may try her Stuffed Duck en Croute if I have the time and patience but if I make it for the dinner, you will all be my guinea pigs since I don’t think I’d make it twice…. Too much work!

Do You DAT?

SF Dine About Town
Two-Course Lunches: $17.95*
Three-Course Dinners: $34.95*
January 15-31, 2011
*Prices are per person and do not include beverage, tax or gratuity.

To see a list of restaurants, go to: San Francisco Dine About Town (opentable.com also has a list)

We are going to try Garibaldi’s on Presidio this weekend but have tried Tommy Toys, The Big Four, Fringale and another restaurants that no longer exist. All of the menus have been very good and we’ve enjoyed trying new restaurants. Some of the places have become our favorites and this year, some of our favorites are now on the list. Because restaurants have been having a tough time in this economy, it’s a good time to try some new places, cuisines and chefs.

If you try any new places, remember to take photos (the new iphones have a flash now!) and write a short review so we can take advantage of your experience! I'll write about Garibaldi's on Monday...the hardest part for me is to remember to take the photos!