Outer Richmond, Part One

You’re out in the ‘wilds’ of the Richmond, near the ocean or the Presidio… in the midst of housing grids where restaurants seem infrequent and predominantly Asian. But there’s way more to the Richmond than its fabulous array of authentic, cheap Asian food. Like just about every neighborhood in the city, Outer Richmond holds treasures aplenty, varied and affordable, if you know where to look.

CAFES/TEA & COFFEE

Bazaar Café: One of my favorite quirky, personality-filled cafes, it’s too bad the drinks are just ok. Decent coffee, tea, and pastries warm up a morning or evening. But come for the idyllic neighborhood café setting, to linger over conversation, a good book, or to write. Inside it’s eclectic and homey, with storytelling nights or sing-a-long/open mics around the piano. The back patio is a magic secret garden that makes you wish it was your own backyard. It almost feels like it is…

Tal-y-tara: With another delightful back garden and impeccable British tea, this Polo Shop/Tea Haven is a unique place you cannot find the equal to anywhere. The owners of this family run shop are amazing people who will make you feel like old friends stopping in for a ‘spot of tea’.

BBQ

Ironwood BBQ: Randomly situated on a golf course in Golden Gate Park, next to the Archery Field (with parking!) this unexpected BBQ mecca offers some of SF’s best Pulled Pork, Brisket and homemade BBQ Sauce. Using a rare Wham Turbo BBQ Pit from Memphis, meats are 100% oak-wood fired. You can order juicy Ribs or Chicken but I’m a Pulled Pork girl first, and theirs does not disappoint. Sit outside overlooking the golfing green, whether foggy or sunny, for a unique experience of down home BBQ by the ocean in GG Park. I’ve been happily going since they opened, as this is one of SF’s lesser-known food havens.

MOROCCAN & MIDDLE EASTERN

Aziza: Pricey for the Richmond, Aziza, with finely subdued Moroccan décor, is recognized citywide for its Moroccan cuisine and well-crafted cocktails. Chicken & Almond Bastilla (they call it Basteeya; $18) is exquisitely flaky, sweet, savory. They haveFig Lamb Chops ($26), Rabbit with Dried Cherries ($24), Vegetarian ($17) or Meat ($21) Couscous platters and a range of intriguing small plates, such asWatermelon with Honey, Feta, Rosemary, Honeydew ($9). Cocktails ($10) explore the herbal and exotic with The Tarragon (made with Cachaca and aromatic, floating Cardamom Pods), or The Kumquat balanced with Rum and Thyme. There’s also extensive wines, beers and teas for the cocktail-averse.

El Mansour: Not as experimental as Aziza, I almost prefer that it’s a more traditional Moroccan meal, though by no means staid. Reminiscent of feasts I actually had in Morocco (note: you’ll be eating every course with your hands), sink into low, pillow-drenched couches in a vibrantly colorful, tent-like draped room, until first course (and belly dancer) appears. The whole experience is transporting. Prix Fixe menus are the only option so come prepared for a multi-course event – a fabulous place to bring a group. My full review: www.theperfectspotsf.com/archive/sep_07/established.html.

Layaly: (2435 Clement Street at 25th Ave; 415-668-1676; Lunch/Dinner) – Another Outer Richmond surprise, this affordable mid-range Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean café serves classic hummus, Mezze platters, Kabobs and beyond in a crisply clean setting, with affordable and generous service. The price to quality/taste ratio makes this a real neighborhood find.

PIZZA

Gaspare’s: Gaspare himself is from Sicily (my heritage, thank you very much!), serving up authentic thin crust pizzas ($10.50-$22.50, depending on size) since the ‘80’s on Geary Blvd. It’s Old School in all the right ways… though maybe not the best pizza in the city, it’s some of the most comforting. Put some coins in the table jukeboxes while you chow down on a hearty Pepperoni, a “Gaspare’s Special” with fresh tomatoes, roasted bell pepper, feta and mozzarella, or a spicy Enrico’s Pizza Caliente, loaded with jalapeno, sausage and onions.

Pizzetta 211: A long time favorite for “creative” (I hate to say Californian) thin crust pizza ($9-14; serves 1-2), their pizzas actually remind me of great pizzas in Italy – not Neopolitan-style, but simple, with uber-quality meats and vegetables, crispy crust, olive oil drizzle or an egg on top. I’ve been going here years before Pizzeria Delfina even opened and I think this place is way better (as are many!) Pizzetta’s lackluster service can leave something to be desired – and the space is not much bigger than a closet, so get it to go, or come early/late to sit at one of few indoor or outdoor tables. It’s all about the food here… even the daily changing baked goods and desserts are mouth-watering.