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Showing posts with label outdoor dining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outdoor dining. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Lolita Squeeze at Tacolicious in San Francisco

Tacolicious has several locations in San Francisco and just recently opened a location in Palo Alto. With this warm weather, I'm on a Tacolicous roll. The color reminds me of a Watermelon Jolly Rancher. But don't be deceived by the color, it's not sweet. You can easily order one after another of this refreshing cocktail. Beware, one to many and you don't know who you'll be showing your version of the Lolita Squeeze.

The Drink - Lolita Squeeze, $10
Olmeca Altos reposado, watermelon, cilantro, lime, agave

The Place - Tacolicious
San Francisco, Mission District
Mexican restaurant
Lunch and dinner 7 days a week

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Mucho Gusto at Tacolicious in San Francisco

Tacolicious has several locations in San Francisco and one in Palo Alto. With the different variations, it's my go to place for margaritas in the city. As you read for the Margarita Fresca, my lunch date and I were looking for a Vitamin D kick The Tacolicious Valencia Street location with the outside alley, is the perfect spot for a hit of sun. This cocktail is easy to drink, refreshing and hydrating (with the coconut water). I must say it was a pleasure to "meet" this drink.

The Drink - Mucho Gusto, $10 per glass or $32 per pitcher
Pueblo Viejo blanco, pineapple, coconut water, lime, agave


The Place - Tacolicious
San Francisco, Mission District
Mexican restaurant
Lunch and dinner 7 days a week

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Margarita Fresca at Tacolicious in San Francisco

Tacolicious has several locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. I frequent the one on Valencia Street. My lunch date and I were in search for some sun in the city of San Francisco and knew we could head to the Mission District to find it on cold windy day. We were wandering around Valencia street, and decided to head to Tacolicious for a quick bite and margarita. The cute narrow outdoor alley at Tacolicous is a slice of sun heaven. It even protects you from the wind on a sunny but windy day. We arrived just in time. By the time our cocktails arrived, every outdoor seat was occupied (even on a weekday). This light and fresh margarita was a much needed coolant from the unrelenting rays of sunlight. We were seeking sun, and we found it!

The Drink - Margarita Fresca, $10 per glass, $32 per pitcher
Azul silver, strawberry, basil, agave, lime

The Place - Tacolicious
San Francisco, Mission District
Mexican restaurant
Lunch and dinner 7 days a week

Other pictures from the visit
 Beet Salad
Taco of the Week, pork something

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

TBD, Mission Bowling Club

Mission Bowling Club is located in the Mission District of San Francisco. There are 6 bowling lanes at their facility and they house a restaurant in the front of the establishment. I've been anxiously waiting for an opening in my schedule to check them out since they opened. I'm so glad that I had an opening this weekend. When I was searching for fried chicken places in San Francisco, I saw that MBC had fried chicken. So besides checking out their cocktails, I was excited about trying their fried chicken and waffles. I didn't have to read any further than the 1st cocktail listed on the menu. From the House Cocktails section, number one of the menu is TBD. With mezcal and a jalapeno jam, how could I not try this cocktail first? My lips were hopping. But not so much that I was downing water between each sip. It gets better, spicier and smokier as you drink. Its the perfect drink to spice up the day. Also, it's a perfect pairing with the fried chicken and waffles (that sit atop a sriracha sauce).


*Note, this is our first picture using my new HTC One. 

The Drink - TBD, $10
Mezcal, dry vermouth, jalapeno jam, lime

The Place - Mission Bowling Club
San Francisco, Mission District
21+ weekdays and after 7pm weekends
Family friendly 11AM to 7PM weekends
Daily dinner and bar bites, weekend brunch, full bar
http://missionbowlingclub.com/

Other pictures from the visit
Fried Chicken and Waffles, $10 (the sriracha is below the waffles)

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Cure, Skool


Skool is one my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. I am never disappointed with their food, drinks or service. For some time, I've been wanting to swim with Skool for brunch. Their facebook page picture posts have finally hooked me in for a visit. I am definitely addicted to Skool and this Cure. I'd drink multiple shots of this even without needing one. It's so delicious and reenergizing. Would mixing the Cure with vodka still have the same effect? Stop by and give it a try. I will definitely be back.

*The cure is in the shot glass in the foreground. Behind is another one of my Skool favorites, the Imperial Caipirinha.

The Drink - The Cure, $2
Ginger juice and honey water

The Place - Skool
San Francisco, Design District
Asian inspired seafood
Daily lunch and dinner, weekend brunch, happy hour, full bar
http://skoolsf.com/

Other Skool drinks

The International
Haole's Downfall
Empress Elizabeth
Sansho Stiles
Summer Mary
Noche Martini 
La Fresa
Imperial Caipirinha

Other pictures from this visit
 Veggie Omelette, $12.50
Crab Brandade, $14

Thursday, February 21, 2013

El Burro Ruso, Tipsy Pig

The Tipsy Pig is located in the Marina District of San Francisco. I have always enjoyed the cocktails and food here. It's been awhile since I've been so I was glad to see a few of my favorite drinks still on the menu and then some new ones. El Burro Ruso is a twist on a Moscow Mule(vodka based). El Burro Ruso translates from Spanish to English as the Russian Donkey. The drink was light and refreshing. Since I love cocktails that pop with flavor, I do wish there was a bit more ginger flavor in the drink.

The Drink - El Burro Ruso, $10
Chinaco Bianco Tequila, King's Ginger Liquer, a squeeze of lime, ginger beer

The Place - The Tipsy Pig
San Francisco, Marina
Lunch Wed - Sunday, Dinner 7 days a week, full bar
http://thetipsypigsf.com/

Other Tipsy Pig drinks
The Chipotle Margarita
The Tipsy Tea

Wedge Salad with Arctic Char, $19

Monday, October 1, 2012

Smokey and the Bandito, Skool


Skool is a Japenese influenced seafood restaurant in the Design District of San Francisco. Frequent readers of Drinks in the City know that I love the food, cocktails and service at Skool. They have updated their menus to reflect the change in the seasons. I just love trying new cocktails at my favorite places. The Smokey and the Bandito intrigued me with the tequila, pineapple gum and the Laguvulin rinse. It took me on a smartphone research trip to get more info about the movie. I never knew that it was illegal to distribute Coors beer east of the Mississippi or perhaps that Coors limited their distribution. In any case, so glad that the Smokey and the Bandito is not illegal. Yes, if you do have too many of these, Smokey may be chasing you. So remember, please don't drink and drive.

Today mark's Drinks in the City's one year anniversary. An overflowing toast and big thanks to all of you who are celebrating the deliciosity of the liquid experience with us!

The Drink - Smokey and the Bandito, $10
Tequila blanco, pineapple gum syrup, egg white and lemon, served in a Laguvulin 16 yr rinsed coupe glass.

The Place - Skool
San Francisco, Design District
Seafood
Daily lunch, daily dinner, weekend brunch, full bar, happy hour, outdoor dining

Other Skool drinks

The International
Haole's Downfall
Empress Elizabeth
Sansho Stiles
Summer Mary
Noche Martini 
La Fresa
Imperial Caipirinha


Other pictures from this visit (new menu items)

$5 Mussels during Detention Hall

Smoked Salmon Flatbread, $10

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

G Rated, Skool

Skool is a Japanese inspired seafood restaurant in the Design District in San Francisco. I love the play on words for many of the things at Skool. The Safe Cocktail section (aka non-alcoholic drinks), is no different. The G rated mocktail captures your attention with it's name, it's guava color, the mint garnish and most importantly it's refreshing taste!

The Drink - G Rated, $4
Guava, lychee, mint and soda

The Place - Skool
San Francisco, Design District
Weekday lunch, dinner nightly, weekend brunch, Detention Hall (aka happy hour), full bar
www.skoolsf.com

Other Skool drinks

The International
Haole's Downfall
Empress Elizabeth
Sansho Stiles
Summer Mary
Noche Martini 
La Fresa
Imperial Caipirinha

Birds of a Feather, Skool


Skool is a Japanese inspired seafood restaurant located in the Design District of San Francisco. It's one of my favorite happy hours and outdoor dining spots in San Francisco. With all the new places opening in San Francisco this summer and other summer travel, it's been a while since I've popped into Skool. Since I haven't been making regular visits to Skool this summer, there is no better way to discipline yourself but by showing up for Detention Hall at Skool (aka their happy hour). And what do Birds of a Feather order at Detention Hall? An aptly named Birds of a Feather cocktail. I never knew rye and grapefruit went so well together! The cherry garnish was a great complement to the drink.

It's hard to believe since it feels like yesterday we celebrated our 100th post. This is our 200th post today. Many thanks to our followers, contributors and researchers.

The Drink - Birds of a Feather, $10
Redemption Rye, Yellow Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino, Peychaud's Bitters, Fresh Grapefruit Juice

The Place - Skool
San Francisco, Design District
Weekday lunch, dinner nightly, weekend brunch, happy hour, full bar
www.skoolsf.com

Other Skool drinks

The International
Haole's Downfall
Empress Elizabeth
Sansho Stiles
Summer Mary
Noche Martini 
La Fresa
Imperial Caipirinha




Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Street Beat, Jones


Jones is restaurant, bar, outdoor dining space located just 3 blocks from Union Square in San Francisco. Since there are few outdoor drinking spaces in San Francisco, I've been wanting to check it out since it opened. Luckily this summer has found me in the Union Square neighborhood pretty regularly. The cocktail menu is such a fun read with Signature Cocktails ($15), Jones Cocktails ($10), and Classic Cocktails ($10). With tequila and jalapeno as two of the ingredients in the Street Beat cocktail on the Jones Menu, I knew what I had to try. Also, the fun name and description for this cocktail in the menu convinced me, "Don Julio Tequila, agave syrup, hash jalapeno and cucumber with lime juice join forces to form a dance party in your mouth. Give it a whirl. See how it moves you." I like when what you read is what you get!

It used to be rare to find tequila based spicy cocktails. I'm so glad it's been on about 50% of the cocktail menus I've opened this summer. I'll be back to Jones soon to try some of the other fun named cocktails, Kensington Zinger, Don't Call me Barbie, First Glance, or the Cherry Berry Sour. But on a windy and chilly day, I'll sit indoors next time, although the bar stools don't look as comfy as the outdoor seats.

The Drink - Street Beat, $10
Don Julio Tequila, agave syrup, hash jalapeno and cucumber with lime juice join forces to form a dance party in your mouth. Give it a whirl. See how it moves you.

The Place - Jones
San Francisco, Union Square
Tuesday - Saturday 5pm-midnight/2am, Sunday brunch, full bar
http://620-jones.com/

Monday, July 9, 2012

Black Hand, Pican

Pican is a Southern restaurant located in the Uptown neighborhood of Oakland. I rarely get across to the East Bay and am glad that I met friends at Pican before an event. What else would a cocktail enthusiast order at Pican than a bourban cocktail? The Black Hand is a wonderful addition to the Pican Signature Cocktail menu. When I ordered it, the server said that it was his favorite drink. I can definitely see why. It's smooth, well balanced, and fragrant. This is my first drink with a vinegar in it, although it is a balsamic syrup. Loved it!

Michael Bauer of the SF Chronicle recently mentioned in his "This Week" article that he left Pican early due to poor service. I did not notice any poor service at all(perhaps since the article was written). Pican serves great Southern inspired cuisine and cocktails served with great Southern hospitality.

The Drink - Black Hand, $11
Wild Turkey 81 Bourbon, basil, balsamic syrup, and ginger beer

The Place - Pican
Oakland, Uptown
Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week, happy hour (social hour) weekday 3:30 - 6:30, Full bar
http://www.picanrestaurant.com/


Other Drinks from Pican
Deep South
Stone Rye

Other pictures from the visit
Fried Green Tomatoes
Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Mac and Cheese

Friday, July 6, 2012

Imperial Caipirinha, Skool

Skool is located in the Design District of San Francisco. It's one of my favorite places to go for happy hour (otherwise known as Detention Hall) and when warm enough for outdoor dining. With menu cocktail menus changing seasonally at many places, I'm glad to see that at Skool, they not only bring new fresh cocktails to their menu, but they also rotate some of my favorites. The Imperial Caipirinha is a majestic twist on a typical Caipirinha with chunks of lychee to enjoy at the end of the cocktail.

The Imperial Caipirinha is now served tall. When I had this drink last summer as pictured above it was served short and I believe without the Pur Pear and ginger beer. The new version smoother than the original edgy version. Both are amazing, but I prefer edgy! You can ask for the short edgy version and hopefully the bartender will know how to make it.

It's hard to believe, but the Imperial Caipirinha is our 150th drink. It seems like only yesterday that we celebrated our 100th drink!

The Cocktail - Imperial Caipirinha, $10
Novo Fogo Organic Cachaca, Pur Pear, lime, lychee and fresh ginger beer

The Place - Skool
Weekday lunch, dinner 7 nights a week, weekend brunch, happy hour, full bar
www.skoolsf.com

Other Skool drinks

The International
Haole's Downfall
Empress Elizabeth
Sansho Stiles
Summer Mary
Noche Martini 
La Fresa

Monday, June 11, 2012

La Fresa, Skool


Skool is a fish focused restaurant located in the Design District of San Francisco. La Fresa is a new cocktail on the Skool menu. The fresh strawberry infused tequila, Pimms, lemon juice, sugar, habanero shrub and fresh basil combine to offer an invigorating elixir to refresh the soul. On this hot San Francisco day, the La Fresa is perfect. Skool's outside patio was packed on this sunny afternoon at 5:15 too. Arrive by 5pm on nice days to score a seat outside.

The Skinny
lunch and dinner 7 days a week, weekend brunch, full bar, happy hour
www.skoolsf.com
La Fresa, $10

Other Skool drinks

The International
Haole's Downfall
Empress Elizabeth
Sansho Stiles
Summer Mary
Noche Martini 
Imperial Caipirinha


Other pics from the visit
 Mushroom Burger (includes soup), $12

 Oyster Sandwich (includes soup), $13

 Table decorations




Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Valentino, Cotogna

Cotogna is an Italian restaurant located in the Jackson Square neighborhood of San Francisco. I have not had a cocktail at Cotogna that I have not loved. The Valentino apertivo continues the affair. The Valentino first teases you with the color. The seduction is complete with the smoky and sexy combination of mezcal, blackberry and blood orange. I told my research companion that they should taste the drink. When they tried it, they said, "Wow, that's strong." Within seconds, they then said "Wow, that's really good." From the first glance on the menu, to the first look, to the aroma and to the final sip, the Valentino takes your breath away.

On a sunny day, if you are fortunate enough, you can get an outdoor seat along the sunny side of Pacific Ave.

The Skinny
Lunch, Dinner, full bar
http://www.cotognasf.com/
Valentino, $10

Other Cotogna drinks
Strait Breeze
Vodoo Child
Viceroy
All Summer Long
La Capilla
Crystal Beach

Other pictures from the visit
 Raviol topped with an egg

Burrata with Ramps and Mushrooms

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Haole's Downfall, Skool


Skool is a fish focused restaurant located in the Design District of San Francisco. La Fresa is a new cocktail on the Skool menu. The fresh strawberry infused tequila, Pimms, lemon juice, sugar, habanero shrub and fresh basil combine to offer an invigorating elixir to refresh the soul. On this hot San Francisco day, the La Fresa is perfect. Skool's outside patio was packed on this sunny afternoon at 5:15 too. Arrive by 5pm on nice days to score a seat outside.

The Skinny
lunch and dinner 7 days a week, weekend brunch, full bar, happy hour
www.skoolsf.com
La Fresa, $10

Other Skool drinks

The International
Empress Elizabeth
Sansho Stiles
Summer Mary
Noche Martini 
Imperial Caipirinha


Other pics from the visit
 Mushroom Burger (includes soup), $12

 Oyster Sandwich (includes soup), $13

 Table decorations




Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The International, Skool

Skool is located in the Design District of San Francisco. The International is another new cocktail on the seasonal cocktail menu. From Skool, "The International is an array of products from around the globe. From Cocchi Americano of Italy, Kaffir leaves commonly used in India and assorted Asian countries, Belvedere Lemon Tea naturally infused vodka from Poland, fresh California Oranges and peach bitters." I love all the layers of citrus that come through in this intriguing global cocktail.

Today's post is the official 100th drink for Drinks in the City. Thank you to all who continue to join us on this adventure.

The Skinny
lunch and dinner 7 days a week, full bar, weekend brunch
www.skoolsf.com
The International, $10

Other drinks from Skool

Haole's Downfall
Empress Elizabeth
Sansho Stiles
Summer Mary
Noche Martini 
La Fresa
Imperial Caipirinha

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Scorpione, Farina

Farina is located in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco.  I have always enjoyed not only the quality but also the color of the cocktails at Farina. The Scorpione is new on the Modern Italian section of the cocktail menu. The Flor de Cana rum, meyer lemon juice, simple syrup, and aperol combine to create a delicate sweetness, light citrus flavor and distinct hue of orange.  The thick lemon wedge and basil atop the ice cube complete the visual experience.
I have enjoyed many weekday lunches in the sun in the outdoor sidewalk patio when Farina used to be open for service during the day. I can't wait to return in April when their rooftop terrace opens.

The Skinny
Brunch Sunday, Dinner Monday-Sunday, full bar
http://www.farina-foods.com/
Scorpione, $12

Other Farina Drinks
Basil Supreme
Other Pics from this visit:

Stracci con vongole e gamberetti (shown split order), $24 (for whole portion)

Insalatina di Salmone, $16

Profiteroles Scomposti (pistachio). $10

Monday, March 19, 2012

Chili Mango Margarita, JRDN


From the Mixed Pleasures section of the cocktail menu, the Chili Mango Margarita @ JRDN in the hotel Tower 23 in San Diego. With chili infused tequila, mango and house mix, this spicy sweet margarita hits the perfect spot after a sunny afternoon in Pacific Beach. The squeeze of lime smoothed the sweetness of the mango/house mix.  During the day you can sip the afternoon away in the outdoor seating area to catch more rays and to observe the characters strolling down the boardwalk.

The Skinny
Weekend brunch, lunch Monday - Friday, Dinner 7 nights a week, full bar
http://www.t23hotel.com/
Chili Mango Margarita, $9
Virgin Pomegrate Mojito

Scallops and Risotto

Chicken Caesar Salad

Green Salad

Ribs

Creme Brule

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Sansho Stiles, Skool

The Sansho Stiles at Skool in San Francisco's Design District is an aromatic herbaceous modern cocktail. The tequila, La Peche liqueur, yuzu juice, cilantro, sansho pepper and spiced rim combine to knock your socks off. The server recommended that I don't use the straw.  The sugar spiced rim makes the drink even better. Created by the bar manager, Linda Stiles, this mexican japanese cocktail defines the new cocktail fusion revolution.

The Skinny
Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week, weekend brunch, full bar, happy hour (aka detention hall)