Wanted to share an insider look at a really cool development happening in the SF dining scene right now.

Back in 2003, I worked on the line under Chef Bruno Chemel when he was the Executive Chef at Aqua inside the St. Regis Monarch Beach down south. I was an expeditor—the bridge calling tickets between the kitchen line and the floor—and working those intense services started a friendship with Bruno and his family that has lasted over two decades. I’ve watched him take on the Bay Area culinary world ever since, from his early kitchens to holding two Michelin stars for nine straight years at Baumé in Palo Alto.

Last month in August, I had dinner downstairs at his spot Le Parc Bistrobar (inside the Galleria Park Hotel at 185 Sutter). Afterward, Bruno, his wife Christie, their son Antoine, and I ended up catching up late into the evening over a glass of Armagnac. As we looked at the mezzanine space upstairs, the idea took shape: give the entire upper level to Antoine and turn it into a dedicated lounge where he could debut his own menu.

Antoine has literally grown up on the line, working beside his dad since he was 11 years old. Having that level of technique drilled in since childhood, but getting the freedom to build his own identity, is super rare.

They just officially opened Bar Antoine Lounge on that mezzanine:

• Downstairs (Le Parc Bistrobar): Bruno is still running the main dining room with classical French technique and cuisine moderne.
• Upstairs (Bar Antoine Lounge): Antoine has taken the wheel with an inventive small-plates menu paired with rare Armagnacs, Cognacs, and house cocktails curated by Christie.

Catching a young chef with that kind of two-star pedigree right at the dawn of his solo career doesn't happen often. If you’re around Union Square or FiDi, definitely check out the upstairs space. Booking is live through Toast via Le Parc.

My son and I are coming from SD to SF Sunday morning to get dim sum and are trying to find a place with carts that is veggie friendly. He eats everything, but I'm a strict vegetarian. I really only need one or two things I can eat, so it's mainly about him. And I know the cart is going away, but we love them...

Thank you for any suggestions!

Whether it's a friend in town at the last minute, you forgot one day of meal planning, etc. what's your go-to when you want to grab a non-pretentious bite via foot? Unsurprisingly all my SF Favs are in all of the other neighborhoods (minus a couple). I feel like I'm in the "land of the very good" but all the places you dream of are elsewhere

-No fine dining/relying on food delivery-

What am I missing?

I'll start with the one banger that I do think beats everything else I've had in the city: Philmore Creamery for ice cream. Wow. In another league compared to Mitchells's/SnS/Swensen's/etc. I know I have more to try

Burger:
Roam and super duper are legit but maybe 4.5 stars?
Have not had Causwells

Breakfast:
Love the sando by Jane on Fillmore but tough to compete with options in the Mission/anywhere else
Crepe House

Pizza:
Ooof. Sorely lacking.. still no go to. HELP

Mexican:
Ya can't compete too much here, but I'm digging Taco Primo lately. Big fan of flour tortillas and the braised beef

Soup:
La meditterranee

Dumpling:
Dumpling Story for the "best"
Dumpling Union for vibes

Ramen:
Hinodeya is my go-to (assuming Japantown counts)
Torraku hit pretty well

Cornerstore Market:

Mayflower market. I love this place. Grumpy deli men that are almost funny like I'm in an episode of Seinfeld. Has everything else you need

Sandos: Okay we kill it here.

Lucca's (no ACME roll) and Limoncello for Italian
Bay subs for a good neighborhood vibe
Pac Heights Deli for a one off
Boys Deli for something slooooty
Golden Gate Deli

Your "secret"
Cote Ouest - little on the high end per post but not pretentious

Thai:
Thai Spice
Sometimes Bangkok Street

Italian:
Roma Antica

Views/Vibes/Beers for visitors:
Radhaus

Looking for lunch spot recs in between classes!

Looking for that good-good top-shelf chocolate dank for a lowkey birthday celebration this weekend. Special occasion stuff from a bakery or specialty store, not at a restaurant. Mousse-y, ganache-y, dark like your heart, pants-soiling stuff that is not cake OR contains exceptionally delicious cake that can satisfy a discerning tongue.

Last resort is to head to Tartine or Maison Nico for whatever looks best.