The Best Pasta, and other recommendations

We've gotten busy, so it's time to catch up. Last night we went to Caffe Puccini's, a top-5 "Best Pasta in North Beach" recommendation. When I dropped S off, she went, "Are you sure this is a restaurant? They just have drinks..." but boy are we glad we stayed. I had a pasta with orange duck sauce, and S had a mushroom one, and the sauces were just amazing! Plus, they're just across the street from our favorite pastry cafe Stella's, where the Sacripantina is still a taste of heaven.

Other awesome recent experiences include Chez Maman's on Union - very inexpensive French .. try the steak!!! Also, Laiola's, a Spanish tapas restaurant, just newly opened, was so fabulous we took home 2 biz cards. However, despite all the good food, we've actually gotten tired of trying out places in our neighborhood.

We drive by Citizen Cake on Gough on the way to 101, so one day recently we decided to try it. It's a block from Davies and a huge theatre crowd favorite, so reservations are recommended, esp for 7 or earlier seatings. The chef's been on Food Network, and the food does not disappoint. Entrees like steak are mixed with a hint of dessert - mushroom-flavored ice cream, which melts over the steak for unbelievable flavor. We also had rosewater-flavored Creme Brulee, the best S has ever had. We had to try 3 different desserts!! The portions are small but very distinct.

While we'll be planning return trips to the above places, we definitely won't be going back to Marina Pizza. Bleh!! Can anything good be found on Lombard St.? The pizza was soggy, very greasy, and gave both S and I knots in our stomachs!!

With house hunting and other things occupying our time, not sure when we'll write again, but happy eating in the meantime!