Places near the opera on a Sat.?
Nicole M. Bouchez
brunch/early lunch on a Saturday near the opera (SF). We are going for
a performance that starts at 1pm and since the astronomer in the party
has to rush off right after to get to his telescope, the planned dinner
is now out. So, we thought we would try and get together before hand.
Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks
-Nicole
Icono Clast
> a place to go for brunch/early lunch on a Saturday near the opera (SF).
Do you mean the War Memorial Opera House? If so, Stars is half a
block uphill and half a block to the Right. I don't know, however,
whether it's open on Saturdays.
There's another place on the corner of McAllister and Van Ness which
you'll pass on the way to Stars. I'm not a fan of Stars and haven't
eaten at the other place.
--
ICONO CLAST: A San Franciscan in 47.335² mile San Francisco.
Greg Burrell
I'm a regular at the SF opera house and symphony hall and I like
to eat so here are my suggestions. These are all in immediate
walking distance from the War Memorial Opera House. Check out
particulars at the Zagat site (www.zagat.com)
>> a place to go for brunch/early lunch on a Saturday near the opera (SF).
> There's another place on the corner of McAllister and Van Ness which
> you'll pass on the way to Stars.
The place at the corner of McAllister and Van Ness was called
"Sunny Jim's" which later became "City Grill". Mediocre food
but the location was perfect for a pre-opera or pre-symphony
drink. But it closed down and now that site remains empty.
You might also try "Ovation at The Opera" which is on Fulton,
across the street from the rear of the opera house. I believe
they're open for meals before and after most of the performances.
Very good food. (415) 553-8100
Another suggestion is "Jardiniere" on Grove St. A beautiful
"new French" restaurant with wonderful food. Its a one-minute
walk from the Opera House (and next to the parking garage).
(415) 861-5555
Two blocks up the street is Opera Plaza (Golden Gate/Van Ness)
where you'll find "Max's Opera Cafe". I find their food to be
rather atrocious and the singing can be annoying if you're
trying to enjoy dinner. Wow, do I sound like a curmudgeon! :)
In the same plaza is "Tempura House". I've not tried it yet.
(415) 292-9997
Also in the Opera Plaza is "Vivande" which has pretty good food
and a nice, relatively quiet interior. A good place for a pre-
concert drink and sometimes an appetizer at the bar.
(415) 673-9245
Across the street from Opera Plaza is the aforementioned "Stars".
Quality declined in recent years, the place fell on hard times,
and was sold by Jeramiah Tower. Its re-opened and I've read
several glowing reviews about the "new" Stars but have not
tried it yet. (415) 861-7827
Another idea to keep in mind is the cafe in the basement of the
opera house. The opera house opens early to accomodate those who
want a meal beforehand. I believe its a buffet. I've never eaten
there but its always an option.
-Greg ("he writes letters...")