Sunny Sundays With a View

Having just spent an evening Remembering Playland, a craving forced us back to the crash of Ocean Beach waves. This time, it was for brunch at the iconic lookout point that has had many face lifts, the Cliff House.


Still a huge hot spot for double-decker buses to drop off tourists, the restaurant that was established in 1863 shows them what they want, but especially opens it's arms to locals. They offer week day dinner specials and have two different dining levels depending on what style you are going for. The downstairs portion, Sutro's, is gorgeous, modern and costs a pretty penny. The upstairs section, Bistro, is more casual with a large wooden bar, wicker furniture and tiled floors. The waiter are loud and proud to spout off to you why it is so great to live in the most beautiful city in the world.


Our preference is Bistro as it is more in our price range and they make AMAZING Bloody Mary's. While we waited, we were served a basket of beautiful buttery popovers. Better than croissants, these little wonders made it hard to save room for the main course. We ordered the famous Johnson omelet with huge chunks of Dungeness crab, avocado and a dollop of sour cream on top. This isn't a cheap omelet (18.95) but you certainly get your a ton of crab and a priceless view.


It's true that this is a special occasion-kind-of-place, but when the weather is sunny and warm (a rarity in SF) then that's an occasion all on it's own. Head out there and stare off into the waves.

The Bistro at the Cliff House doesn't take reservations but most of the crowd there is to just look around and not eat, so don't get intimidated. Sutro's strongly recommends making reservations. The Cliff House is located at the end of Geary and the top of The Great Highway. They are open every day.

Putting the Soul back in Food

Finch and I had an amazing discovery on one beautiful San Francisco Sunday morning. We had heard rumors of all you could eat fried chicken and cornbread brunch in the Tenderloin. There were even whispers that it was under $20 per person. We had to see if this was a dream come true or a cruel urban legend.


Farmer Brown is everything we wanted. The rumors were all true. This is one of those places that is so hip that it makes you grateful to live the city. A place like this wouldn't fly in a small town. When you first walk in, there are thumping beats from the live band. The dude on the mic is into it and you instantly get in a better mood due to their rhythm. We were seated right next to them and didn't mind at all.


Finch can never say no to a Bloody Mary at brunch and I had to try the mimosa. Both a little pricey ($9 and $7) but tasty. We were then shown the buffet. Hot fried chicken, homemade biscuits, thick country gravy (with or without sausage), a steaming pot of grits, spicy cornbread, crisp bacon, fluffy eggs, flapjacks, grapefruit, and an assortment of desserts including sweet potato pie. This was my first real experience with grits. I tried them Finch's way, with salt and butter, then my moms way, syrup on top and then the waitress' way, mixed with sausage gravy. I couldn't pick a favorite. Everything was scrumptious! The fried chicken especially deserves a spotlight. It is crispy and will leave grease all around your face. This place must really go through some napkins. The soul in the food, the music and the atmosphere had a lasting impression on us. For the rest of the day we were in great moods and our souls kept purring.


If you want to try Farmer Brown for yourself, it is located at:
25 Mason St (between Turk St & Market St) in San Francisco.
$16.50 gets you all you can eat brunch.
Brunch 9:00-2:30 Saturdays and Sundays
They are also open for dinner and soon for lunch (starting April 20th)