La Pinata at Padrecito in San Francisco

Whenever I go to Padrecito in Cole Valley, I know I am going to enjoy my evening cocktails. It usually starts with the smoky La Copa Verde and ends with a churro paired with a La Arma. But today I decided to spice it up a bit with La Pinata. It's the perfect balance of sweet heat with a wonderful light rosemary aroma as you take each sip. Despite the kick of heat from the jalapeno this cocktail is difficult to drink slowly. It's definitely an addictive drink that's hard to stop at one. I think the next party I organize, I will definitely have to buy a pinata and serve my version of this drink perhaps with a grilled pineapple garnish...

The Drink - La Pinata, $9
Reposado tequila, jalapeno, pineapple, rosemary, lime

The Place - Padrecito
San Francisco, Cole Valley
Mexican restaurant
Dinner Tuesday - Saturday, full bar
http://www.padrecitosf.com/

Other Padrecito Drinks
La Copa Verde
La Arma

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Knot Hole at Roka Akor in San Francisco

By the time dessert rolled around at Roka Akor, I just asked the server to bring anything that would pair well with the dessert we ordered (warm chocolate cake and Roka pop rocks). The server surprised me with the Knot Hole. It was definitely in my eyes the perfect pairing. With the Roka pop rocks and this ice cream soda like cocktail, I felt like a little kid all over again. The perfect ending to an exceptional meal that started off the nursery rhyme and cocktail Little Jack Horner.

I wish I could return to Roka Akor to enjoy some of the other cocktails that were on the menu at the time (Prickly Heat, Crimson Tide and the Desert Rose). But alas, those cocktails are all gone with the recent change at the bar. I'll need to go back soon to see what's new on the menu.

The Drink - Knot Hole, $15
Bulleit Rye, Black Walnut Liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse, cream and soda

The Place - Roka Akor
San Francisco, Jackson Square
Japanese Restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner, full bar
http://www.rokaakor.com/locations/san-francisco/

Other Roka Akor Drinks
Jack Horner
Golden Seal

Other picture from the visit

Roka Pop Rocks Dessert

Warm Chocolate Cake Dessert

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Golden Seal at Roka Akor in San Francisco

The tequila in the Golden Seal cocktail at Roka Akor sealed the deal for my next cocktail order. By that point, after the many laughs during my first cocktail Jack Horner, it didn't matter there were sweet syrup and agave ingredients. Fortunately, the mild acidity in the champagne vinegar counteracts the sweet ingredients. The beautiful golden hue adds to the character of this complex cocktail. Everything about this cocktail including the stemware added to the table conversation.

The Drink - Golden Seal, $14
Sino Reposado Tequila, nutty sherry, syrup made from golden raisins, white wine sweetened with agave nectar, champagne vinegar

The Place - Roka Akor
San Francisco, Jackson Square
Japanese Restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner, full bar
http://www.rokaakor.com/locations/san-francisco/

Other Roka Akor Drinks
Jack Horner

Other pictures from the visit

 Crispy Brussel Sprouts, $7.50

Heavenly Robata Grilled Scallops, $14

One of the steaks...perfectly grilled on the robata

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Jack Horner at Roka Akor in San Francisco

I just read that there's been a changing of the guard at the bar at Roka Akor in San Francisco. I had a few memorable drinks there earlier in the summer which were scheduled next month to post. These next few cocktails are no longer available but worth sharing anyways. Here's my ode to the Daniel Hyatt days at Roka Akor.

I'm usually not a fan of going to Asian restaurants for their cocktails. I've found that many Asian restaurants have cocktail programs that are on the sweet and fruity side. Lychee cocktails anyone? When I first perused the Roka Akor menu and saw the ingredients plum puree, golden raisin syrup and honey, I had a tough time deciding what to drink. I asked the server for some help. Given that my only requirement for a cocktail is that it isn't sweet, the server came back and suggested the Jack Horner with the plum puree. Visions of the nursery rhyme with a Christmas pie and a thumb with a sweet plum came to mind. So while I wondered again if it was going to be sweet, I went ahead an ordered it anyways. I am so glad I did. Each ingredient's flavor came through with each sip. Forget the Christmas pie, this cocktail rocks. My fellow researchers and I tried to come up with just as memorable rhyme for this drink. We did have a few laughs but enjoyed too many cocktails to remember them the next day.

The Drink - Jack Horner, $15
Single Malt Whiskey, seaweed, ginger, plum puree, rose water

The Place - Roka Akor
San Francisco, Jackson Square
Japanese Restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner, full bar
http://www.rokaakor.com/locations/san-francisco/

Other pictures from the visit

Delicious Tuna Tataki, $17

Perfectly spiced Waygu Beef and Kimchi Dumplings, $10

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March Madness at Ssiso in San Francisco

I have to admit, I'd been to the Ssisso location when it was Denny's. I am impressed at how the space has been transformed. After my first Pomegranate Mint soju cocktail, I asked the bartender for something not as sweet. He surprised me with the March Madness that he had been working on for the menu. It was smack in the middle of the NCAA tournament when I went there, hence his inspiration. I'm not a big fan of orange juice in my cocktails, but this drink definitely delivered on not being sweet! It's the perfect cocktail enjoy watching some March Madness games.

The Drink - March Madness, $9

Oj, mango syrup, soju, soda water

The Place - Ssisso
San Francisco, Japantown
Contemporary Korean restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner, wine and beer
http://ssissosf.com/

Other Ssisso drinks
Pomegranate Mint

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Pomegranate Mint at Ssisso in San Francisco

A few days ago I saw on my Twitter feed that Thrillist had posted their favorite 8 places for Chicken Wings in San Francisco. As I was reading through the list I saw that Ssisso's garlic soy chicken wings were on the menu. I enjoyed a great meal there last March and searched through my March pictures folder to see if I had any pictures from the meal. Sure enough, I did, but only the drinks. While I remember this soju cocktail was on the sweet side for my taste, I didn't have trouble finishing it. Love the pink hue with the pop of minty green.

The Drink - Pomegranate Mint, $9/glass or $31/pitcher
Soju, pomegranate, mint

The Place - Ssiso
San Francisco, Japantown
Contemporary Korean restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner, wine and beer
http://ssissosf.com/

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A Lambrusco at Gioia Pizzeria in San Francisco

I used to live in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. Whenever I am in that area of the city, I enjoy seeing that some of my favorite places are still there (Aux Delice and La Folie). But I am also thrilled for the neighborhood with the new additions such as Gioia Pizzeria. I rarely see Lambrusco on menus, so when I saw it on Gioia's, I knew it would be the perfect pairing for a warm sunny San Francisco day. I enjoyed it so much, that I headed to the local Italian specialty wine shop, Biondivino, for a bottle of Lambrusco to enjoy at home.

The Drink - Lambrusco 

The Place - Gioia Pizzeria
San Francisco, Russian Hill
Italian restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner, weekend brunch, wine and beer

http://www.gioiapizzeria.com/

Caesar Salad

NY Style Pizza, available by the slice before dinner service

Chicken Parmesan

Perhaps the thinnest fries I've been served...addicting

 

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The Bitter Truth at Spruce in San Francisco

The reality of living in a wonderful foodie and cocktail city is that I rarely make it to some of my favorite restaurants, like Spruce, as often as I would like. It's been over a year since my last visit. Each of the cocktails on the menu looked so inviting. I settled on the Bitter Truth. After which, I wished I had the the time to sip my way through the cocktail menu. I hope it won't take another year for me to return.

The Drink - The Bitter Truth, $10
Square One Botanical, Aperol, lemon, grapefruit, agave nectar, Peychaud's Bitters

The Place - Spruce
San Francisco, Presidio Heights
Lunch and dinner, full bar
www.sprucesf.com

Other Spruce drinks
Pharoah's Gold
La Fresa Fresca

Hierba Dulce

Othe pictures from the visit

Delicious dessert

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Smoke and Mirrors at Cotogna in San Francisco

It's been a while since I've been to Cotogna. I'm so glad there was a last minute opening for brunch a few weekends ago. I decided to indulge a little bit for brunch and ordered the fried chicken and biscuits for my meal. However for my brunch cocktail, I had a tough time deciding what to drink. Should I order the Blackberry Fix with my choice of vodka/gin/rye? Or should I just start the party early with the Smoke and Mirrors with mezcal, grapefruit and chili. It was probably the first time in a while that I had to ask the server to come back for my cocktail order. When he returned I still didn't know so I blurted out the Smoke and Mirrors. I'm so glad I did. The smoky and spicy bite woke up not only my taste buds but me too.

The Drink - Smoke and Mirrors, $12

Mezcal, Gran Classico, grapefruit, chili

The Place - Cotogna
San Francisco, Jackson Square
Italian
Weekday lunch, dinner nightly, weekend brunch, full bar
http://www.cotognasf.com/

Other Cotogna drinks
Strait Breeze
Vodoo Child
Viceroy
Valentino
All Summer Long
La Capilla
Crystal Beach
Spezzatura
Chattanoga Girl
Calypso

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Revolucion at Coqueta in San Francisco

There's a revolution happening on the San Francisco waterfront and it's from the tasty cuisine and cocktail offerings at Michael Chiarello's Coqueta. I specifically asked for a recommendation on a savory cocktail. The server recommended the Revolucion, from the Spanish Gin and Tonic section of the menu. I even asked with the passion fruit, are you sure? The reassured me so I went ahead an ordered it. For me it was definitely more on the sweeter side than the savory. But I still loved this unique cocktail.

The drink - Revolucion, $12
St. George Dry Rye Gin, Anise Tonic, Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, Pedro Ximenez, passion fruit

The Place - Coqueta
San Francisco, Embarcadero
Spanish restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner

http://www.coquetasf.com/

Other Coqueta drinks
Barca Gintonic
Spanish Golden Ale
The Sun Never Sets

Other pictures from this visit

 Fresh from the market Piquillo peppers

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The Sun Never Sets at Coqueta in San Francisco

When I saw the Sun Never Sets on Coqueta's menu with tequila and mezcal, I knew I would be ordering it sometime during dinner. I enjoy watching the sun set. However, you won't ever want it to set with this cocktail. Luckily once you've sipped the last drop, you don't have to wait another day to order one. I'm hoping this will still be on the menu on my next visit to Coqueta. I'll make sure I'm at the bar the next time to watch the show that usually happens with bruleed cocktails.

The drink - The Sun Never Set, $11
Licor 43, Tequila 123 anejo, lime, fresh pressed pineapple juice, mezcal pineapple espuma brulee

The Place - Coqueta
San Francisco, Embarcadero
Spanish restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner

http://www.coquetasf.com/

Other Coqueta drinks
Barca Gintonic
Spanish Golden Ale

Other pictures from the visit
I didn't enjoy this delicious cocktail with the dessert course, but you can easily drink this cocktail as your dessert. However with the delicious bites on the dessert menu, you'll just have to enjoy both. 

 Manchego Cheesecake and Pan con Chocolate with olive oil ice cream

Dessert Pinxtos

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Spanish Golden Ale at Coqueta in San Francisco

My research partner was so surprised when my drink that she said in shock "You ordered a beer?". But I hadn't. The name and your first glance trick you into thinking this Spanish Golden Ale cocktail is some type of beer. From the Modern Cocktail (Cockteles Vanguardia) section on the menu, this Golden Ale wows you from it's grand entrance and captivates you with it's flavor from the first sip to the last. I stared at this cocktail for some time before I took my first sip. It's mesmerizing to watch this golden cocktail swirl.

The drink - Spanish Golden Ale, $11

Ransom Old Tom Gin, Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, Amontillado Sherry, chocolate bitters, gold, lemon espuma

The Place - Coqueta
San Francisco, Embarcadero
Spanish restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner

http://www.coquetasf.com/

Other Coqueta drinks
Barca Gintonic

Other pictures from the visit

 Pinxtos

 Heirloom tomato salad

These Pinxtos were so delicious we had to do another round of these. Fill in the blank, what did my research partner say again, "Better than _________!"

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A Coffee at Stanza Coffee Bar in San Francisco

I was early for an appointment in the Mission, so I decided to walk into Stanza Coffee Bar. I'm not a big coffee drinker, but once I walked in the door, there was no turning back. It's an experience to walk through the doors at Stanza. The Moroccan inspired decor is stunning. I couldn't help but stare at the beauty of many of the the pieces from lighting to the serving pieces. When I next looked at the time on my phone, I had to rush out to my meeting....a few minutes late.

The Drink - Coffee

The Place - Stanza 
San Francisco, Mission District
Coffee Bar
Open Daily early morning to 8pm
https://www.facebook.com/stanzasf

Other pictures from the visit

Coffee and donuts?

Would you like some cream with your coffee?

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Spicy Blood Orange Margarita at Base Camp Pizza in South Lake Tahoe

I was in South Lake Tahoe for one evening this summer and my friends decided to meet at Base Camp Pizza for dinner. We made the mistake of not making a reservation during a busy Friday night. There was some confusion prior to our seating. We were all thirsty to order something when we were finally seated. My friends immediately ordered beers and wine before I could even open the menu. I was pleasantly surprised to see several cocktails on the menu and promptly ordered the Spicy Blood Orange Margarita. When I placed my order, my friends all changed their drink orders to a cocktail. Most of them variations on the Blood Orange Margarita. Since we were all fortunate enough to be able to walk back to our hotels, we all ordered more than a few rounds of this margarita.

*This post is dedicated to a friend who shared drinks that evening who died a few weeks ago in an accident. RIP Tommy.

The Drink Spicy Blood Orange Margarita, $9.75
Jalapeno infused tequila, blood orange puree and a splash of sweet and sour.

The Place
South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly
Restaurant with full bar
Per their website, call for hours of operation
http://basecamppizzaco.com/

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Boogie Beer with Boba at Ken Ken Ramen in San Francisco

If you want to enjoy a boba cocktail, head on over to Boba Guys' pop up location at Ken Ken Ramen in the Mission. I had a hard time deciding which boba cocktail to enjoy at brunch time. The server suggested I give the Boogie Beer cocktail a try. I have to admit, I'm not a big beer drinker, but decided to give it a try, the Boogie in the name convinced me. It's similar to a Michelada and the guava juice is a nice touch. 

The Drink - Boogie Beer with Boba, $6
Guava juice, Premium Asahi Beer, Boba

The Place - Boba Guys pop up at Ken Ken Ramen
San Francisco, Mission
Snack Bar at  and other pop up locations
Monday to Friday 11:30am - 2pm, Sat/Sun12pm to 4pm
http://bobaguys.com/

Other Drinks from Ken Ken Ramen and Boba Guys
Milk Tea

Other pictures from the visit

Love the lanterns above the bar

Salmon Bento Brunch Box

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Commodore 64 at S+R Lounge in San Francisco

In the 80's, The Commodore 64 was the buzz of the computer industry. I don't think I was fortunate enough to ever use one. S+R Lounge pays tribute to the to this computer on their Remedies section of the menu. Let this Commodore 64 take command as you sip your worries away.

The Drink - The Commodore 64, $12
Vodka, White Vermouth, and Orange Bitters

The Place - S+R Lounge

San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)

Hotel Lobby bar

Snacks and full bar

http://www.viceroyhotelgroup.com/zetta/dining_and_nightlife/salvage-rescue-lounge

Tip - You can head here for pre or post Cavalier (restaurant next door) dinner drinks. Or for some fun on the second floor with games like pool and soccer ball plinko.

Other S+R Lounge drinks

The Valley
404
Angel

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Angel at S+R Lounge in San Francisco

You won't find an angel to the rescue at S+R Lounge but an Angel on the Remedy section of the menu. I mostly think of Greyhounds (vodka base) when I see grapefruit in a cocktail and forgotten about all the other grapefruit cocktails I've enjoyed in the past. This is the perfect refreshing and zesty cocktail that will lift up your spirits whether you've been shopping at the Westfield Center next door, been listening to speakers at a conference in the nearby Moscone Center, or been thinking of pitching your idea to an angel investor.

The Drink - The Angel, $12
Gin, grapefruit, bitter and tonic

The Place - S+R Lounge

San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)

Hotel Lobby bar

Snacks and full bar

http://www.viceroyhotelgroup.com/zetta/dining_and_nightlife/salvage-rescue-lounge

Tip - You can head here for pre or post Cavalier (restaurant next door) dinner drinks. Or for some fun on the second floor with games like pool and soccer ball plinko.

Other S+R Lounge drinks

The Valley
404

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404 at S+R Lounge in San Francisco

My research partner for the afternoon was held up in a meeting, so I ended up ordering a second drink (after The Valley) before they arrived. I knew I had to slow down with the petite cocktails, but that didn't stop me from ordering the 404 with tequila from the Remedies section of the menu. While I sat there wondering if the 404 was named  "404-not found" on a website (aka Clueless), the 404 area code from Atlanta, Georgia or some other reason, I was knocked back to reality with the first sip of this petite cocktail that packs a punch. You enjoy each sip and the chocolate bitters finish that melts in your mouth. I can't wait to return to enjoy this cocktail again.

The Drink - 404, $12

Reposado, Brandy, Cocchi & Chocolate Bitters

The Place - S+R Lounge

San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)

Hotel Lobby bar

Snacks and full bar

http://www.viceroyhotelgroup.com/zetta/dining_and_nightlife/salvage-rescue-lounge

Tip - You can head here for pre or post Cavalier (restaurant next door) dinner drinks. Or for some fun on the second floor with games like pool and soccer ball plinko.

Other S+R Lounge drinks

The Valley

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The Valley at S+R Lounge in San Francisco

I just love when friends text you and ask "Are you available to have a drink? If so, you pick the place."

So decided to check out the newly opened S+R Lounge (short for Salvage and Rescue) in the Hotel Zetta in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood. Their cocktail menu has 2 sections, Rescue and Remedies. With mezcal and pineapple, I enjoyed a spicy Valley Cocktail from the Remedies section of the menu. It reminded me of other mezcal/pineapple/chili drinks made at other places. I asked the bartender what's the difference between the Rescue and the Remedies section. She responded, "Good question. Think of Remedies as cures for hangovers and Rescues with the digestifs in them to help with digestion." I've had hangovers where I wish I could be rescued too. 

The Drink - The Valley, $11
Mezcal, pineapple, lime, chili

The Place - S+R Lounge
San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)
Hotel Lobby bar
Snacks and full bar, open 4pm daily
http://www.viceroyhotelgroup.com/zetta/dining_and_nightlife/salvage-rescue-lounge

Tip - You can head here for pre or post Cavalier (restaurant next door) dinner drinks. Or for some fun on the second floor with games like pool and soccer ball plinko.

Other pictures from the visit

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The Barrister at The Cavalier in San Francisco

When I think of a barrister, images of a British lawyer donning a white wig and arguing the merits of a case come into vision. But thankfully for those in the profession in the UK, per a Daily Telegraph article the  "Pompous, pointless and itchy" wigs are no more. With so much tradition and order in the barrister profession, it makes sense that one would be inspired to create a cocktail. One of my research companions ordered a Barrister from the Cavalier Classic section as his pre-dinner cocktail. We basically ordered most of the dishes that our server recommended. So when we asked for what two desserts he think we'd like, he responded "I'll take care of you." Since I didn't know what desserts we'd be getting, I also asked, what cocktail would pair well with the desserts. He responded "I've got that too." He brought me a Barrister to enjoy with the Chocolate Delice and Lemon Posset desserts. It's perfect drink for a hardworking and fearless barrister or wannabe barrister to enjoy at the end of a long day.

The Drink - The Barrister, $13
Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Nardini Amaro, White Vermouth, Benedictine

The Place - The Cavalier
San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)
Restaurant
Dinner daily, full bar
http://www.thecavaliersf.com/

Other drinks from The Cavalier
The White Lady
Twisted Thistle IPA
Rum Punch
The Victorian

Other pictures from the visit

 Chocolate Delice

Lemon Posset

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