A hidden treasure in North Beach
Written: Mar 14 '00 (Updated Mar 14 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Everything on the menu
Cons: Uh, it's near a bunch of strip clubs?
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| Sharon.T's Full Review: The House |
In the barrage of Cal/Asian/Fusion restaurants that abound in San Francisco, none impress me more than The House in North Beach. No, you won't find hip, beautiful people there. Or a valet. Or even a fancy schmancy bar to hang out at. What you will find is fresh, innovative dishes that will keep the endorphins rushing to your brain. Let me take you through a typical meal at this fine establishment:
1) First, make reservations if you go on the weekend. Or, get there before seven. If you promise to eat quickly sometimes you can finagle a table before the 8 o'clock reservations show up. And try to get a table up front. The larger parties are usually sat in the back of the room and tend to get really loud.
2) After you are seated, you'll get a small dish of pickled cucumber slices (very tasty), and the incredible menu. I've tried pretty much all the appetizers and my top recommendations would be the Tempura-Fried Blue Lake Beans (not greasy at all) and the Chicken and Shitake Mushroom Potstickers. Both come with delicious soy-ginger dipping sauces.
3) For entrees, fish is the way to go. They do serve steak specials and pork, but I think their forte is the seafood. The Chilean Sea Bass with Garlic Noodles is excellent. The Sea Bass is very buttery and rich, but is balanced by the sweet soy dipping sauce that accompanies it. The Seared Ahi Tuna is also very good, and the Scallops with Chive Gnnochi will suit you well if you're in a pasta mood. One tip: If you're really diggin' the garlic noodles that come with the Sea Bass, try the noodle and beef dish. It's a combination of the same noodles (just a lot more of them), with slices of beef (or salmon if you request it). There are also many good seafood specials (that aren't on the menu) that are worth trying.
4) Okay, dessert. All I can say is that for a Cal/Asian/Fusion restaurant, they make a damn good apple pie. It's an apple crisp-type of homemade pie that comes a la mode. Couple that with a good cup of coffee and you're ready for food coma heaven. Trust me, I've done it many a time.
5) Some things in general: they have a small, but well-chosen wine list. The presentation of all the dishes is beautiful (you'll wonder how they get vegetables to twist like that). The decor is simple, yet elegant. And the service is usually very good (I'm probably getting too specific, but John, the Asian guy with glasses, is the best waiter around.)
So, that is one of my typical meals at The House. Of course, you don't have to go all out like that (sometimes I just order appetizers), but the caloric guilt afterwards is definitely worth it. I haven't been to the other House restaurant (I believe it's in the Richmond), but I've heard it's just as good.
All in all, this is a great place to take out-of-town guests, to go on a casual date, or to have a small group dinner. But most of all, it's a great place for unpretentious, creative, fresh dishes. No, I don't work for the damn place--I just love their food.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Sharon.T
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Member: sharon tao
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 1 member
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