Latest reviews by Piperita's friends http://trustedplaces.com/user/Piperita Reviews by friends of Piperita en Colibri Mexican - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/138ay6n/colibri-mexican
Colibri Mexican - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: 438 Geary Street, 94102, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.440.2737

Website: http://www.colibrimexicanbistro.com

Tags: lively, cocktails, crowded, mexican, noisy, friendly

The venue for our first meal in San Francisco was Colibri Mexican, not far from Union Square. Thankfully I had pre-booked a table as the place was jam packed. The narrow restaurant was buzzing (read: noisy) and had a great atmosphere. Tables were packed in tight but that suited the friendly style of the place.

We started the night with a couple of mojitos which turned out to be a mistake as they were terrible. Oh well, the wine we had next was good, as was our food.

To eat we started with the Sopes Surtidos and the Tostadas de Tinga to share. Loved them both, especially the Tostadas which were topped with chicken and avocado. Our main courses were the Mole Poblano and the Pato en Pipian. Again both were very tasty and along with sides of Frijoles Negros and rice, were more than enough to fill us right up.

Would happily have stayed for more drinks but jet-lag was catching up on us, so we waddled back to the hotel, very satisfied with our first San Francisco food experience.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:57:08 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/138ay6n/colibri-mexican1554315560 lively cocktails crowded mexican noisy friendly 37.7871009 -122.4106109 Colibri Mexican - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/138ay6n/colibri-mexican
Colibri Mexican - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: 438 Geary Street, 94102, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.440.2737

Website: http://www.colibrimexicanbistro.com

Tags: lively, cocktails, crowded, mexican, noisy, friendly

The venue for our first meal in San Francisco was Colibri Mexican, not far from Union Square. Thankfully I had pre-booked a table as the place was jam packed. The narrow restaurant was buzzing (read: noisy) and had a great atmosphere. Tables were packed in tight but that suited the friendly style of the place.

We started the night with a couple of mojitos which turned out to be a mistake as they were terrible. Oh well, the wine we had next was good, as was our food.

To eat we started with the Sopes Surtidos and the Tostadas de Tinga to share. Loved them both, especially the Tostadas which were topped with chicken and avocado. Our main courses were the Mole Poblano and the Pato en Pipian. Again both were very tasty and along with sides of Frijoles Negros and rice, were more than enough to fill us right up.

Would happily have stayed for more drinks but jet-lag was catching up on us, so we waddled back to the hotel, very satisfied with our first San Francisco food experience.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:57:08 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/138ay6n/colibri-mexican3518332 lively cocktails crowded mexican noisy friendly 37.7871009 -122.4106109 Colibri Mexican - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/138ay6n/colibri-mexican
Colibri Mexican - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: 438 Geary Street, 94102, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.440.2737

Website: http://www.colibrimexicanbistro.com

Tags: lively, cocktails, crowded, mexican, noisy, friendly

The venue for our first meal in San Francisco was Colibri Mexican, not far from Union Square. Thankfully I had pre-booked a table as the place was jam packed. The narrow restaurant was buzzing (read: noisy) and had a great atmosphere. Tables were packed in tight but that suited the friendly style of the place.

We started the night with a couple of mojitos which turned out to be a mistake as they were terrible. Oh well, the wine we had next was good, as was our food.

To eat we started with the Sopes Surtidos and the Tostadas de Tinga to share. Loved them both, especially the Tostadas which were topped with chicken and avocado. Our main courses were the Mole Poblano and the Pato en Pipian. Again both were very tasty and along with sides of Frijoles Negros and rice, were more than enough to fill us right up.

Would happily have stayed for more drinks but jet-lag was catching up on us, so we waddled back to the hotel, very satisfied with our first San Francisco food experience.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:57:08 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/138ay6n/colibri-mexican1082338743 lively cocktails crowded mexican noisy friendly 37.7871009 -122.4106109 Colibri Mexican - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/138ay6n/colibri-mexican
Colibri Mexican - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: 438 Geary Street, 94102, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.440.2737

Website: http://www.colibrimexicanbistro.com

Tags: lively, cocktails, crowded, mexican, noisy, friendly

The venue for our first meal in San Francisco was Colibri Mexican, not far from Union Square. Thankfully I had pre-booked a table as the place was jam packed. The narrow restaurant was buzzing (read: noisy) and had a great atmosphere. Tables were packed in tight but that suited the friendly style of the place.

We started the night with a couple of mojitos which turned out to be a mistake as they were terrible. Oh well, the wine we had next was good, as was our food.

To eat we started with the Sopes Surtidos and the Tostadas de Tinga to share. Loved them both, especially the Tostadas which were topped with chicken and avocado. Our main courses were the Mole Poblano and the Pato en Pipian. Again both were very tasty and along with sides of Frijoles Negros and rice, were more than enough to fill us right up.

Would happily have stayed for more drinks but jet-lag was catching up on us, so we waddled back to the hotel, very satisfied with our first San Francisco food experience.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:57:08 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/138ay6n/colibri-mexican1039983354 lively cocktails crowded mexican noisy friendly 37.7871009 -122.4106109 Michael Mina - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/1g5668x/michael-mina
Michael Mina - review by sue

Rating: 3.5

Location: The Westen St Francis, 94102, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: (866) 379-0399

Website: http://www.westinstfrancis.com/

Tags: european, californian, international, dark, expensive, french

We decided to have one 'special' meal (ie. really expensive) during our time in San Francisco, and chose the two Michelin starred Michael Mina, which is located in the Westin St Francis Hotel, opposite Union Square. Michael Mina's speciality is to serve ingredients prepared three ways, called a "trio". This was intriguing to us and a table was booked well in advance of our visit.

Initial impressions were ok - staff were certainly friendly and professional, and the dining room was sophisticated with well spaced tables. Lighting was a bit too dim for my liking. As our meal at Michael Mina progressed we found the staff more and more annoying with their "we trust you enjoyed that" comments - said in a way that seemed to imply that of course we must have enjoyed it... even though I only ate half my starter...

The wine list/novel was daunting. A few hundred pages of wine, mostly French, and only a small handful for under $100. Yes, I know this is an expensive restaurant but it would have been nice to have a few more choices for us not-so-wealthy.

The food. We started with the Black Mussel Souffle (what was I thinking!? It was terrible); and the Bacon Wrapped Scallops - Chowder Trio, which looked good, but the flavours of the three small dishes were too similar.

Main course was two trio's, the Elysian Fields Farm Lamb - chop, shank and saddle; and the Brandt Farm Beef - filet tail, short rib, rib-eye. Loved the presentation of these, and many of the flavours were interesting, though didn't like that by the time you got around to tasting the third trio it was already cold.

Dessert was a big disappointment. We both opted for the Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, with Sourdough Ice Cream, Peanut Ganache and Brandied Bananas. It sounded and looked like it should have been tasty, but neither of us enjoyed the flavours and textures.

Overall we were really disappointed in our experience at Michael Mina and I felt resentful at having to pay out so much at the end of it.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:48:19 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/1g5668x/michael-mina156044947 european californian international dark expensive french 37.787979 -122.408365 Michael Mina - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/1g5668x/michael-mina
Michael Mina - review by sue

Rating: 3.5

Location: The Westen St Francis, 94102, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: (866) 379-0399

Website: http://www.westinstfrancis.com/

Tags: european, californian, international, dark, expensive, french

We decided to have one 'special' meal (ie. really expensive) during our time in San Francisco, and chose the two Michelin starred Michael Mina, which is located in the Westin St Francis Hotel, opposite Union Square. Michael Mina's speciality is to serve ingredients prepared three ways, called a "trio". This was intriguing to us and a table was booked well in advance of our visit.

Initial impressions were ok - staff were certainly friendly and professional, and the dining room was sophisticated with well spaced tables. Lighting was a bit too dim for my liking. As our meal at Michael Mina progressed we found the staff more and more annoying with their "we trust you enjoyed that" comments - said in a way that seemed to imply that of course we must have enjoyed it... even though I only ate half my starter...

The wine list/novel was daunting. A few hundred pages of wine, mostly French, and only a small handful for under $100. Yes, I know this is an expensive restaurant but it would have been nice to have a few more choices for us not-so-wealthy.

The food. We started with the Black Mussel Souffle (what was I thinking!? It was terrible); and the Bacon Wrapped Scallops - Chowder Trio, which looked good, but the flavours of the three small dishes were too similar.

Main course was two trio's, the Elysian Fields Farm Lamb - chop, shank and saddle; and the Brandt Farm Beef - filet tail, short rib, rib-eye. Loved the presentation of these, and many of the flavours were interesting, though didn't like that by the time you got around to tasting the third trio it was already cold.

Dessert was a big disappointment. We both opted for the Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, with Sourdough Ice Cream, Peanut Ganache and Brandied Bananas. It sounded and looked like it should have been tasty, but neither of us enjoyed the flavours and textures.

Overall we were really disappointed in our experience at Michael Mina and I felt resentful at having to pay out so much at the end of it.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:48:19 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/1g5668x/michael-mina1108018838 european californian international dark expensive french 37.787979 -122.408365 Michael Mina - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/1g5668x/michael-mina
Michael Mina - review by sue

Rating: 3.5

Location: The Westen St Francis, 94102, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: (866) 379-0399

Website: http://www.westinstfrancis.com/

Tags: european, californian, international, dark, expensive, french

We decided to have one 'special' meal (ie. really expensive) during our time in San Francisco, and chose the two Michelin starred Michael Mina, which is located in the Westin St Francis Hotel, opposite Union Square. Michael Mina's speciality is to serve ingredients prepared three ways, called a "trio". This was intriguing to us and a table was booked well in advance of our visit.

Initial impressions were ok - staff were certainly friendly and professional, and the dining room was sophisticated with well spaced tables. Lighting was a bit too dim for my liking. As our meal at Michael Mina progressed we found the staff more and more annoying with their "we trust you enjoyed that" comments - said in a way that seemed to imply that of course we must have enjoyed it... even though I only ate half my starter...

The wine list/novel was daunting. A few hundred pages of wine, mostly French, and only a small handful for under $100. Yes, I know this is an expensive restaurant but it would have been nice to have a few more choices for us not-so-wealthy.

The food. We started with the Black Mussel Souffle (what was I thinking!? It was terrible); and the Bacon Wrapped Scallops - Chowder Trio, which looked good, but the flavours of the three small dishes were too similar.

Main course was two trio's, the Elysian Fields Farm Lamb - chop, shank and saddle; and the Brandt Farm Beef - filet tail, short rib, rib-eye. Loved the presentation of these, and many of the flavours were interesting, though didn't like that by the time you got around to tasting the third trio it was already cold.

Dessert was a big disappointment. We both opted for the Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, with Sourdough Ice Cream, Peanut Ganache and Brandied Bananas. It sounded and looked like it should have been tasty, but neither of us enjoyed the flavours and textures.

Overall we were really disappointed in our experience at Michael Mina and I felt resentful at having to pay out so much at the end of it.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:48:19 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/1g5668x/michael-mina1207920884 european californian international dark expensive french 37.787979 -122.408365 Michael Mina - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/1g5668x/michael-mina
Michael Mina - review by sue

Rating: 3.5

Location: The Westen St Francis, 94102, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: (866) 379-0399

Website: http://www.westinstfrancis.com/

Tags: european, californian, international, dark, expensive, french

We decided to have one 'special' meal (ie. really expensive) during our time in San Francisco, and chose the two Michelin starred Michael Mina, which is located in the Westin St Francis Hotel, opposite Union Square. Michael Mina's speciality is to serve ingredients prepared three ways, called a "trio". This was intriguing to us and a table was booked well in advance of our visit.

Initial impressions were ok - staff were certainly friendly and professional, and the dining room was sophisticated with well spaced tables. Lighting was a bit too dim for my liking. As our meal at Michael Mina progressed we found the staff more and more annoying with their "we trust you enjoyed that" comments - said in a way that seemed to imply that of course we must have enjoyed it... even though I only ate half my starter...

The wine list/novel was daunting. A few hundred pages of wine, mostly French, and only a small handful for under $100. Yes, I know this is an expensive restaurant but it would have been nice to have a few more choices for us not-so-wealthy.

The food. We started with the Black Mussel Souffle (what was I thinking!? It was terrible); and the Bacon Wrapped Scallops - Chowder Trio, which looked good, but the flavours of the three small dishes were too similar.

Main course was two trio's, the Elysian Fields Farm Lamb - chop, shank and saddle; and the Brandt Farm Beef - filet tail, short rib, rib-eye. Loved the presentation of these, and many of the flavours were interesting, though didn't like that by the time you got around to tasting the third trio it was already cold.

Dessert was a big disappointment. We both opted for the Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, with Sourdough Ice Cream, Peanut Ganache and Brandied Bananas. It sounded and looked like it should have been tasty, but neither of us enjoyed the flavours and textures.

Overall we were really disappointed in our experience at Michael Mina and I felt resentful at having to pay out so much at the end of it.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:48:19 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/1g5668x/michael-mina867869086 european californian international dark expensive french 37.787979 -122.408365 Yank Sing - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/139ay6m/yank-sing
Yank Sing - review by sue

Rating: 3.0

Location: 49 Stevenson Street, 94105, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.541.4949

Website: http://yanksing.com/locations/stevenson.html

Tags: lively, dim sum, good value, chinese

A friend's sister recommended Yank Sing as a good place for some Dim Sum. There are two branches in San Francisco, and we visited the smaller one on Stevenson Street, one block back from Market Street. We arrived earlyish for Sunday lunch and were pleased to see no queue had formed yet (though had by the time we left).

We were hustled to a table and before we had even had a chance to settle we were being bombarded with plates and bamboo containers of tasty looking food. We grabbed a couple to start and ordered some Chinese tea.

The food kept coming past regularly, some on a small trolley, and other plates just carried around and waved under our nose to tempt us. We ended up having several plates, finishing off with some mandatory egg tarts. Food was fresh and enjoyable, service typically pushy but amiable.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:40:54 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/139ay6m/yank-sing2117118602 lively dim sum good value chinese 37.789736 -122.399352 Yank Sing - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/139ay6m/yank-sing
Yank Sing - review by sue

Rating: 3.0

Location: 49 Stevenson Street, 94105, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.541.4949

Website: http://yanksing.com/locations/stevenson.html

Tags: lively, dim sum, good value, chinese

A friend's sister recommended Yank Sing as a good place for some Dim Sum. There are two branches in San Francisco, and we visited the smaller one on Stevenson Street, one block back from Market Street. We arrived earlyish for Sunday lunch and were pleased to see no queue had formed yet (though had by the time we left).

We were hustled to a table and before we had even had a chance to settle we were being bombarded with plates and bamboo containers of tasty looking food. We grabbed a couple to start and ordered some Chinese tea.

The food kept coming past regularly, some on a small trolley, and other plates just carried around and waved under our nose to tempt us. We ended up having several plates, finishing off with some mandatory egg tarts. Food was fresh and enjoyable, service typically pushy but amiable.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:40:54 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/139ay6m/yank-sing873770994 lively dim sum good value chinese 37.789736 -122.399352 Yank Sing - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/139ay6m/yank-sing
Yank Sing - review by sue

Rating: 3.0

Location: 49 Stevenson Street, 94105, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.541.4949

Website: http://yanksing.com/locations/stevenson.html

Tags: lively, dim sum, good value, chinese

A friend's sister recommended Yank Sing as a good place for some Dim Sum. There are two branches in San Francisco, and we visited the smaller one on Stevenson Street, one block back from Market Street. We arrived earlyish for Sunday lunch and were pleased to see no queue had formed yet (though had by the time we left).

We were hustled to a table and before we had even had a chance to settle we were being bombarded with plates and bamboo containers of tasty looking food. We grabbed a couple to start and ordered some Chinese tea.

The food kept coming past regularly, some on a small trolley, and other plates just carried around and waved under our nose to tempt us. We ended up having several plates, finishing off with some mandatory egg tarts. Food was fresh and enjoyable, service typically pushy but amiable.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:40:54 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/139ay6m/yank-sing487578818 lively dim sum good value chinese 37.789736 -122.399352 Yank Sing - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/139ay6m/yank-sing
Yank Sing - review by sue

Rating: 3.0

Location: 49 Stevenson Street, 94105, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.541.4949

Website: http://yanksing.com/locations/stevenson.html

Tags: lively, dim sum, good value, chinese

A friend's sister recommended Yank Sing as a good place for some Dim Sum. There are two branches in San Francisco, and we visited the smaller one on Stevenson Street, one block back from Market Street. We arrived earlyish for Sunday lunch and were pleased to see no queue had formed yet (though had by the time we left).

We were hustled to a table and before we had even had a chance to settle we were being bombarded with plates and bamboo containers of tasty looking food. We grabbed a couple to start and ordered some Chinese tea.

The food kept coming past regularly, some on a small trolley, and other plates just carried around and waved under our nose to tempt us. We ended up having several plates, finishing off with some mandatory egg tarts. Food was fresh and enjoyable, service typically pushy but amiable.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:40:54 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/139ay6m/yank-sing581710004 lively dim sum good value chinese 37.789736 -122.399352 Takara - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/130ay7l/takara
Takara - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: 22 Peace Plaza, 94115, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.921.2000

Tags: japanese, japan town, sushi

I really wanted to have some sushi and figured that we should be able to get some good stuff in the area called Japan Town. The restaurant we settled on was Takara, which is tucked upstairs in the Peace Plaza (shopping centre).

It took us some time to find it, and when we did found there was a queue for tables. We put our name on the waiting list and sat on a bench outside for about 10 minutes until called.

We were only after a light lunch so ordered a few items to share, including some salmon and tuna nigiri, some tempura prawn sushi rolls, and some crispy eel sushi rolls. The salmon was so melt-in-your-mouth good, and the rest was delish too.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:34:31 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/130ay7l/takara212034788 japanese japan town sushi 37.7854486 -122.4297953 Takara - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/130ay7l/takara
Takara - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: 22 Peace Plaza, 94115, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.921.2000

Tags: japanese, japan town, sushi

I really wanted to have some sushi and figured that we should be able to get some good stuff in the area called Japan Town. The restaurant we settled on was Takara, which is tucked upstairs in the Peace Plaza (shopping centre).

It took us some time to find it, and when we did found there was a queue for tables. We put our name on the waiting list and sat on a bench outside for about 10 minutes until called.

We were only after a light lunch so ordered a few items to share, including some salmon and tuna nigiri, some tempura prawn sushi rolls, and some crispy eel sushi rolls. The salmon was so melt-in-your-mouth good, and the rest was delish too.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:34:31 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/130ay7l/takara32489932 japanese japan town sushi 37.7854486 -122.4297953 Takara - review by sue http://trustedplaces.com/review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/130ay7l/takara
Takara - review by sue

Rating: 4.0

Location: 22 Peace Plaza, 94115, San Francisco, United States of America

Phone: 415.921.2000

Tags: japanese, japan town, sushi

I really wanted to have some sushi and figured that we should be able to get some good stuff in the area called Japan Town. The restaurant we settled on was Takara, which is tucked upstairs in the Peace Plaza (shopping centre).

It took us some time to find it, and when we did found there was a queue for tables. We put our name on the waiting list and sat on a bench outside for about 10 minutes until called.

We were only after a light lunch so ordered a few items to share, including some salmon and tuna nigiri, some tempura prawn sushi rolls, and some crispy eel sushi rolls. The salmon was so melt-in-your-mouth good, and the rest was delish too.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:34:31 +0000 /review/us/ca/san-francisco/restaurant/130ay7l/takara2026263236 japanese japan town sushi 37.7854486 -122.4297953