Marconi

Outfit for the Misfits

A small boutique in the heart of Castro where you can find trendy, fashionable and affordable clothes and shoes, all in one shop. The store has branched out for another location also in the Castro where they sell and clear off season clothing and shoe line. Staff are mostly friendly yet one was abrupt but just mistaken to be arrogant at first. In the end very helpful.

A Taste of India by Polk St.

It's not conspicuous except for the little white signage outside that entices Lunch Specials fanatics. This small and cozy Indian restaurant is by far at par with bigger Indian restaurants in the city. If not the best there is with regard to its food. From the samosas to masalas and the naan bread, believe me there most popular Indian Restaurant is a lowly comparison. For the price and food, I give this Indian restaurant two smelling like curry thumbs up.

On for Tuesday Comedy Nights

A special treat when you and your friends take your dinner at Harvey's on the corner of 18th and Castro St. Now popular for its Tuesday Comedy Show, that usually draws diners, Harvey's is definitely a place to sit, unwind and sip a great drink in the Castro. Servings are more than okay. It is enough to feed a couple. But brace yourselves with the lineup of comic acts. They will definitely make you LYAO (Laugh Your Ass Off.)

Sundance Kitchenomics

Where's the best way to eat before or right after a great foreign and Hollywood films? Where else at the Sundance Kitchen right below the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas at the Post St close to Japantown. The bar and restaurant is cozy for cold customers from the chilly weather. Menu is fusion food such as Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese and of course American. Great service from the staff and a place for claustrophobic eaters. The place has high ceilings and wider table arrangements. The drinks selection is excellent for being well mixed and appeals to the discriminating palates of cocktail lovers.

Catch-A-Britto

As an art aficionado, dining for the first time at the Catch along Market St. close to Castro was such a delight when two of renowned Brazilian-American artist Romero Britto's original paintings (as verified by the staff) are hanging inside the walls of the restaurant. The colorful paintings inside adds to the fine dining ambience complementing the excellent yet minimal menu of the restaurant. My favorite is the beer-battered fish and chips. Hefty servings for a heavy appetite. The staff are amazingly attentive and nice. Only drawback is that the restaurant is such a hit that you have to make reservations or wait in the line. Well, that says it all in there...

Chinese-Halal Anyone?

Yes. I can't believe it either. I've had great and delectable Chinese food in authentic Chinese restaurants but this one is something new to me. Chinese restaurant that serves halal or prayed over meat? As Chinese food is known for pork cuisines, this restaurant doesn't serve pork for obvious reasons. The hotpot is amazingly deelish! The flour ball (sounds like a Power Puff Girl character) is a must-order. Lastly, the lamb dimsum. OMG. Yes, I called God when I had my first bite. It was so good! Come to think of it, I should've called Allah. Excellent Chinese restaurant proven by its consistent inclusion to the top 100 Chinese restaurants across the nation. According to the owner, the place is starting to get smaller due to its growing popularity in the city.