Steph's Blog

The name of this Asian-fusion tapas restaurant is a play on words. Kuma Inn when said out loud sounds like the word to “eat” in Tagalog (kumain). I’ve been here twice and both times I was impressed. The atmosphere is casual — located in an upstairs dining area with few tables that create an inimate setting. I had a craving for Filipino food, so after a mojito at a bar restaurant close by, my friend and I walked over to get some lumpia shanghai — a traditional Filipino dish of thin eggrolls filled with shrimp and pork fried to crispy perfection, among other Asian-fusion tapas style dishes. It’s BYOB here so if you want to drink and dine, bring your own alcohol of choice. Personally speaking, I think most medium-body, spicey reds go with Filipino food.

The Harrison, located in Tribeca, is one of those restaurants when upon walking in, you think you know what you’ll be getting, but then are pleasantly surprised at what is served to you. I had the cold pea soup with a dollup of chilled radish mousse. I normally don’t like cold soup, I believe that soup should be reserved for cold winter nights, but it was 90 degrees out at 10 pm, so having cold soup actually sounded good. It was a refreshing way to hit the spot on a hot night. We then had grilled octopus cooked perfectly and fried artichoke hearts that were the best I thinik I’ve ever had. That is saying a lot being that I come from the artichoke capital of the world (Castroville) and have had many artichoke hearts in my life. Next time you’re in Tribeca and have more than a few bucks to spare, check out The Harrison.

A hipster cafe, in “the lesser trodden yet still sprinkled with good bars and restaurants” section of the Mission. On any given night you’ll find a ton of folks clicking away on their Macs (me included) using the free wi-fi and sucking down some of the best coffee in the city. They’ve also got a nice selection of cupcakes. I come here once a week to write my blog, which I’m doing right now. Just to be safe, come with a fully-charged computer because often times they cover up the outlets. Arrive with a jones for coffee and leave amped with your clothes smelling of freshly roasted beans.

Ritual Coffee Roasters

Monk’s Kettle is just right for a cold San Francisco night, so it’s appropriate that they opened just two weeks ago on the former site of Kelly’s Burgers at 16th and Valencia. I went last night for a New Year’s Eve dinner of comfort food — fries, iceberg lettuce with bacon and blue cheese dressing, black bean cake with roasted corn and to wash it down, Pilsner Urquell on tap. Monk’s Kettle has the feel of an English pub, but with a Mission clientele. The dark woods and dark chalk boards with names of beers add to the cozy feel of the place, like a respite from the cold.

Monk’s Kettle

If you’re looking for some down home Filipino food that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve just downed 5 tablespoons of pork fat, check out Kuya’s Asian Cusine. Seriously, this place is good. I’ve been here 3 times now and damn, each time I’m satisfied. Come with a large group of people so you can order a variety of dishes and not over-stuff yourself. I’ve had the pancit, lumpiang shanghai and pinakbet and all were good. Top off your meal with a hearty helping of halo-halo.

Sarap!