Forty-Two Degrees
235
16th Street (at Illinois)
(415) 777-5558
"Where to mange in San Francisco's cornucopia of restaurants?", was the quandary sifting through my indecisive mind after my cool college days' friend phoned me about a nocturnal rendezvous whilst she was in town for a brief techie trade show event. Since she lived in the alpine Mid-West region of the United States, I did not want to subject her to Rocky Mountain oysters, diner grub, or marginal beer. So, what dining establishment is rather unique, classy, and tucked-away from the city's driving and parking gridlock?
Think: near the bay, warehouse chic, jazz tunes, and a Mediterranean point of latitude…Forty-Two Degrees is the worldly hotspot. It's situated in the city's land of industry-factories, outlets, cargo and shipping, and moored salty dogs.Actually, the Esprit outlet is its notable neighbor, allowing for plenty of parking and pre-dinner shopping. Many would be completely lost in attempting to find this restaurant if it were not for this clothing outlet being a beacon of location.
So, onward with the Degrees, as we braved the Friday evening traffic and arrived a touch early for our reserved dinner time. Our fourth member of the night party was delayed driving over the GG Bridge; therefore, a splendid chance to saddle up to the sleek bar for a tipple or two. I had a thirst-quenching G&T, and my visiting friend had a truly pink cosmo. I loved the bright, girlie color! The bartender must have added more lime than cranberry juice.
Once our dinner party was complete, we were immediately guided to our awaiting table which met a wall of glass, giving the diner an open patio viewpoint and a subtle human reflection. The overall décor of the place exudes light, openess, and minimalist industrial. Even the napkin rings are made of a utilitarian metal clamp piece. Oh, and the menus are simply bound like ancient texts.
The food offerings are interestingly straightforward and representative of Mediterranean cuisine. The starters range from shaved fennel salad ($8), to an antipasto consisting of Serrano ham, melon, black mission figs, and Laura Chenel chevre & black pepper breadsticks ($9.50). One also has a choice of tapas-like dishes from the daily chalkboard. These nibbles mayinclude verde gazpacho soup ($6) and bacalao, baked salt cod with garlic, potatoes, and cream ($7). Now for the showcase, the entrees present such performances as a pepper seared wild king salmon ($22) and a smoked Libertyduck breast ($23).
I had the endive salad as an app, a medley of nice, curly leaves, sugary
walnuts, and blue cheese. It was light in flavor and portioned appropriately.
My friend tried the seared tuna off of the chalkboard, but she was disappointed
that the fishwas cooked through and did not tantalize her taste sensors.
My 'other self' ordered a superb bottle of Chateau de Maimbray's Sancerre,
Loire Valley, 1996($31). This wine has a firm, flinty flavor with a pleasant,
lingering finish. It complemented my halibut en papillote ($24) rather
favorably. This fish is dressed with tomato confit, fennel, olives, and
capers; however, this combinationdid not shine as a star entrée.
But the side dish of yukon gold mashed potatoes was comfortably delicious
to me and my fellow tasters. The grilled Niman Ranch pork chop ($23) was
had by my college revel buddy, and she enjoyed it along with the buttermilk
battered onion rings and rhubarb sauce. Jazz music in the front section
of the restaurant had begun to set the tempo to the lofty and eclectic
scene.
Our group decided to skip on the dessert menu, though, Forty-Two does offer apolished array of after-dinner drinks: port, sherry, grappa, brandy, and single malt scotch. A patron could ostensibly order a Glenlivet ($8-$10) at the bar and enjoy the lively rat-tat tunes and resonant meal gathering convo. The service was professional, yet not pretentious, and there was a casual, unhurried approach to meal delivery and clearing. My 'numero uno' peeve is to have my plate taken away before I am finished savoring my dish. Some people are not hoovers when it comes to non fast-food.
Overall, I would recommend Forty-Two Degrees and its 90s ambiance. But, pay heed to bring a wad of bills or your credit plastique unlimited for spending as if you are on the Med. It is open for lunch Monday through Friday, and dinner is prepared Wednesday through Saturday. Sunday and holidays are rest days for the new head chef, Mark Denham, and staff. The menu selection changes as well, so be prepared for choices to come hither and go thither. Bon Appetit and Esprit!
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