As I wait one more day for my kitchen countertops, sink and faucet to arrive, I will share with you some more of our food-filled adventures in San Francisco. 

Janine, Dave, Darren and I spent a full day traveling from location-to-location in search of event space.  We tried to walk through as much of the city as possible (proving an interesting challenge when our directions took us straight up hill).

“What are you trying to do, kill me” Dave complained.  “I didn’t sign up for exercise.” 

We joked and made the best of it, but by the end of the day, we were hungry and tired.  I made reservations for us to dine at the Zuni Café.  While my second visit, Dave, Darren and Janine had no idea what to expect.

“I don’t usually order chicken when going out to a restaurant,” Dave commented.

“Neither do I, but this restaurant specializes in chicken that is roasted in a wood fired oven.  I promise you, you will not be disappointed,” I explained as we walked the four blocks down Market street toward the restaurant.  

The cold wind blew through us, reminding me of each joint between my bones.  The team was not thrilled that we were once again walking to our destination.  Upon our arrival, we positioned ourselves between the bar and the woodstove and ordered drinks.  Both the alcohol and the wood heat began their healing affects on our weary bodies. After a few moments, the host came to seat us.

We all agreed to order family style.  They left the decisions to me. 

We began with an assortment of oysters… Westcott pacific, Marin Miyagi, Hog Kumamoto, Malpeque, Ninigret Cup, and some littleneck clams for good measure.

Next, we tried the nettles risotto and the braised leeks, of which the latter far exceeded the former.

We then moved on to the ricotta gnocchi.  Having tired this dish twice now (the first time last July), I am reminded each time of the delicate texture, slight sweetness and comforting warmth of these wonderful gnocchi.

At this point, we were ready for wine.  We decided upon a bottle of 2005 Gigondas from Domaine de la Bouissires.

Accompanying our wine, we began the main course… pan fried sole (dusted in polenta), wood-grilled fillet with mashed potatoes, and of course… the piece de resistance… the wood-oven roasted chicken.

The magical combination of seasoning, choice-of-poultry, and wood firing makes Zuni Café’s chicken stand above any other chicken I have ever tried.  Never failing to impress, this chicken is the reason to go Zuni Café.  It is well worth it.

We shared our desserts— chocotinis for all, an orange sorbet, housemade ice cream, and apple tart – then bravely made our way out into the cold streets to walk back down Market street toward our hotel.