Gourmet Carousel - San Francisco

Prior to Jennie's last show at the Gough Street Playhouse, we went out to Gourmet Carousel. I hear you asking, "Haven't you had enough Chinese food?" My answer is, "Bú!"

They started us off with some chicken and corn soup along with an appetizer that contained eight pot stickers - we must have looked like we were hungry. These were some of the best I've had this trip but they only had soy sauce for dipping.

They are known for their seafood, so I went for the Roasted Prawns with Salt and Pepper.

Very messy but licking the spices from my fingers was not only delicious  but required for cleanliness.

Brian had the Braised Short Ribs. Very tasty but very little meat. 

It was an authentic meal for a very good price and I'd definitely recommend it.  

Anchor Oyster Bar - San Francisco

What visit to San Francisco can be called complete without some clam chowder or Dungeness crab? Not a one!

We were in the Castro today around lunchtime, so we stopped at Anchor Oyster Bar. I used to live up the street from there and would regularly come down to sit at the bar with a cup of chowder and some sourdough bread.


We started the meal the same way with a cup of chowder each and we ended up with three orders of bread, as I was using mine as a spoon. The soup is rich and creamy with lots of clams. After a chilly morning of photographing, it certainly hit the spot.

We both ordered the special - Dungeness crab meat burger on a toasted sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato, and tarter sauce. Large pieces of lump crab meat on an overfilled sandwich. Just a hint of sauce to hold things together but not overwhelm the delicate taste of the crab.

In short, it was a terrific sandwich and a wonderful meal!

While I think they are a little stingy with the bread, the wait staff is quick and efficient.

Grubstake - San Francisco

There is a scene in Dark Passage, where Humphrey Bogart hurries from a rail car diner.

That place is now the Grubstake Diner and has even been featured in Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Brian and I stopped by for dinner before we went to see Jennie perform in "Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them" with The Custom Made Theatre Company. She is starring as Luella in the Bay Area premiere of a comedy by Christopher Durang.

I had the Strike Cheeseburger with seasoned fries. A good burger, it was made better by the thick chocolate shake I had to go with it.

Brian had the turkey burger with onion rings. I thought the onion rings were quite tasty but he didn't have too much to say about his burger.

It is decorated with an eclectic mix of Portugal soccer memorabilia and black and white photographs. Definitely a place to stop by for film noir buffs or those wanting a bit of San Francisco history.

They are also open until 4am, so you can also stop in after a night of drinking and you won't regret it.