The Slanted Door
584 Valencia Street
415-861-8032
My parents live in Ohio—the land of sauerkraut balls and pierogies. However, my parents have lived in L.A., New York City, traveled around the world, and know that there is an entire world full of cuisines outside of what is served at the dozen decent restaurants in Akron. My father was desperate for any Asian cuisine outside of the eggroll and mu-shu joints he usually frequents at home. So, when my parents came to town, I made reservations at the Slanted Door.
I called three weeks ahead to find out that the restaurant was booked solid that Saturday, and instead I humbly took reservations for Wednesday at 6:00 PM. I arrived with parents in tow promptly at six after a warning from Carlos, the maitre’d, who called to confirm reservations and mentioned that our table would be given away if we were not at the restaurant by 6:10.
But once we sat down at the table, our trauma ended and we were served appetizers within five minutes. Most impressive service! And the food was sheer bliss. We started with fresh spring rolls, daikon rice cakes and honey BBQ ribs that were so tasty my father who usually shuns red meat was tempted to order another serving. The main courses were all wonderful fusions of aromatic spices and vinegars. The shaking beef was made from the most tender bits of filet minion and the seabass was the whitest and most pure meat I’ve seen. But the best entrée was certainly the carmelized shrimp. I actually rolled my eyes to heaven and gasped after tasting one of those beautiful little sea creatures. We also ordered the spinach with garlic, which was the first empty plate at the table—Popeye would have been in spinach heaven if he could have had a bite. Even the desserts were wonderful. We split the homemade tropical ice cream and were delighted with the big chunks of jackfruit, lycee and coconut, which would have put Ben and Jerry’s to shame.
Would I return to the Slanted Door? Hell, yeah, but I would remember to call a month in advance instead of a mere three weeks and just count each day until I taste the carmelized shrimp again.
Stuff to do in San Francisco:
Amanda goes for a day at the Exploratorium.
Even if you do prefer caffeine and ciggies over over spiritual inner peace, you might be ready for Yoga for the Cynics.
Surfing down at Crissy Field--we're not suggesting that you necessarily have to go do it. But, it's free to watch. And it's against one of the most beautiful views around. Be glad you live in San Francisco.
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