Scala's Bistro - San Francisco

San Francisco - what else can you say?  Wonderful sites, busier than you would think, the #1 tourist destination in the US I was told - I might believe it based on the lines waiting for the cable cars - wow.  Make sure you build in a day to drive up to Sonoma and Napa - completely different climate within 30 mins of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.  We saw a lot of people visiting the wineries with   chauffeured cars - might be a very good idea if you plan to see more than one winery.  No such thing as free tastings anymore....pay as you play - so check that out in advance.

Nonetheless an amazing place to visit - cost of living there is enormous, as much as 60% of your income can be spent on rent/mortgages - yikes.  Did you also know that Mark Twain said that in July it was one of the coldest places he had been....I also believe it.

Scala's bistro is half a block of of Union Square downtown.  Make reservations as it is busy every night of the week.  I don't recall the name of the maitre d however she is wonderfully efficient and courteous in spite of the major hustle and bustle.  It is rare that every dish is a WINNER when you dine with four people - twas so at Scala's.  I had the mushroom toast appetizer - killer, and we also shared some mussels.  Four pasta mains - all amazing.  Nice portion sizes, served hot and all super fresh tasting....reasonable wines.  Service is efficient and direct...they have ipads at your table so that you can peruse drinks and wine and get that started pronto...nice touch without getting too techno.

It was the best meal of our trip!  So good in fact I took 17 colleagues there later that week....it was just as good the 2nd time.  They were able to seat us in a semi-private dining area - large group able to be accommodated on very short notice - nice!  Everyone loved the experience.  Can't wait to get try it again someday.