Gay Travel Buddy

Abri Gay Hotel – Union Square – San Francisco

I have strangely become a fan of orange. We have the Hotel Abri in San Francisco to thank for that change in attitude towards a color that doesn’t fall onto the rainbow flag.

Hotel Abri is located smack dab in the heart of Union Square and less than a block from the main “Powell Station” for BART and MUNI, the two most convenient modes of transportation for getting around the city (and to and from the airport).

We were pleasantly surprised as we rounded the corner to the hotel to see a proudly displayed Pride Flag directly above the hotels namesake flag.

Check in was a breeze and the nice gentlemen behind the desk welcomed us genuinely to the hotel, didn’t blink at our request for a king size bed and had arranged for us to be upgraded to a corner room! While checking in be sure to take a moment to enjoy one of the complimentary orange ‘shots’ that are offered (as well as a giant orange gum ball). The shots change daily, and the Saturday we checked in we were treated to a vodka and orange energy drink. Much needed for a Saturday night on the town!

The lobby was warm an inviting, and looked like a great space to sit by the fire and participate in one of our favorite past times, people watching. (We wouldn’t have minded watching the two boys that checked in while we were headed to our room either!)

Our room was in a corner on the fourth floor and we were amazed at the generous size of the room when we entered.  The bedroom was large enough for a king size bed and a chaise lounge (with obligatory flat screen TV mounted to the wall), a walk through bathroom connecting it to the living area was a nice touch, and we stopped to admire the bathroom. Normally a hotel bathroom doesn’t excite me too much, but the ample L’Occitane bath essentials and the shower stood out. The glass enclosed shower was a dream, nice and large with a rainfall shower head positioned at least 7 feet high, perfect for someone who is 6’4”, and rare to find in a hotel.

The living area was fit for a gathering of friends, or a lazy night in watching the ample flat screen with a large comfortable couch for lounging as well as another lounge chair and a table for cocktails. The mini fridge was empty, and there was a ‘pocket’ in the door that fit our bottle of vodka perfectly! Another nice feature was that the ice came in a pre-packaged plastic bag, perfect for pre-gaming before hitting all the nightlife that San Francisco has to offer. One thing we were amazed about based on the hotels location was the lack of noise. Besides the occasional clattery clack of the cable car, it was rather quiet, and honestly, hearing the cable car just reinforced the fact that you were in the heart of San Francisco.

A few of the nice touches that we enjoyed were the ample availability of outlets throughout the room, the iPod player in the bedroom, and the work-station which had plenty of outlets, free WiFi and included access to the “Tech-Bar”, where you could borrow, or buy such things as a phone charger, iGo Laptop Charger, Compact Power Strip, Mini Speakers, and so much more.

The little orange touches throughout, including the whimsical lava lamp and the bright orange coffee mugs were fun and really played well into the overall theme of the hotel.

The staff was amazing, and quite knowledgeable and able to direct us to a variety of gay bars in both SOMA and in the Castro area that night, and the next morning was sure to point out the fact that Puccini and Pinetti (Link) recently started serving breakfast., and is conveniently located next door.

The only complaint we had about our stay was that we only had one night in this very gay friendly and super comfortable home away from home in San Francisco’s Union Square.

Le Central near Union Square – San Francisco

Le Central opened its doors in 1974 to a town that was a bit different than it is now. A bit wilder, a bit ballsier. French cuisine was not cutting edge, but more of the earmark of upper-end dining. Le Central managed to stand out among a sea of cassoulets and steaks au poivre. It not only stood the test of time, it also managed to become a landmark and staple of San Francisco dining.

There was a small group of men that helped to make Le Central what it is today. The member have changed a bit over the years but the core group included such legends as  Herb Caen(reporter SF Gate) , Willie Brown(politician and Mayor of SF) , Wilkes Bashford(clothier) , Harry de Wildt(socialite) and Matthew Kelly(musician). They had a standing lunch date every Friday and would start with drinks at the bar, followed by a dice game for the bar tab. Then they would choose a table, often by the window,and dine and hurl insults at each other while glad handing whichever passers-by took notice of them. These men were cornerstones of San Francisco society and were united in their love of the city. They had a true and lasting camaraderie that the insults barely masked. They loved Le Central too, and for good reasons.

The first thing that delights the eye about Le Central is the red tabac sign. It is a total throwback to a common sight in Paris. The interior is also quite authentic, with Plat du Jour chalkboards and fresh flowers on each table. Even the large bar was sent over from France to lend even more authenticity to a place steeped in it.

The menu is pretty classic and it would be hard to take a misstep ordering. There rae a few standards that have been in residence here since the beginning. There is a sign on the wall that ets you know how long the cassoulet has been going for (which is since he opening day) and as anyone who has ever dined at Le Central, it is a symphony of delicious. It is a white bean stew with duck confit, lamb, sausage and pork. The ingredients are all in perfect harmony and the quality of the cassoulet makes it one to measure all others against.

There are other delicious items on the menu, such as the roast chicken pommes frites which is a half of a chicken served with sauteed spinach. The chicken is tender and juicy and the pommes frites ( French fries) are a salty revelation. The filet mignon au poivre is served with pommes purée (mashed potatoes), haricot verts(green beans) with a brandy peppercorn sauce. Classic and well executed here. The daily items are almost always a good bet as well, making it difficult to choose just one item.

Le Central has a great bartender, a respectable wine list and a nice happy hour. The dessert menu can be a bit hit or miss, but do not let that dissuade one from ordering from it, because the hits are home runs. The staff can be a bit austere, but the that can change based on the day as well.

Le Central is a place to visit to not only have an excellent dining experience, but also to be a part of this historical restaurant and gathering place. They have an outstanding happy hour with a small discounted menu. Plus, sitting at the bar gives one a chance to meet  Dave Gabine, bartender extraordinaire. He makes a mean cocktails and has stories for days. Le Central is a San Francisco classic, and I hope it stays that way.

453 Bush St. near Union Square San Francisco Click for Google Map

Cafe Zuni – Union Square – San Francisco

Over thirty years ago, Zuni Cafe opened its doors as a tiny Mexican restaurant. It was a quarter of the size it is today and used highly creative and economic methods to turn out its menu ( such as using the milk steamer on the espresso machine to make eggs. Over the years, Billy West has transformed that tiny corner restaurant into the San fRancisco classic that it is today. The menu has moved away from it’s Mexican beginnings, with small nods here and there. It serves a more “Californian Mediterranean” menu now and has a full kitchen plus a wood oven to make their signature dishes in.

Today, Zuni is a classic visiting place for residents and visitors alike. It resides in a sort of no-man’s land of Market and Rose streets. Part of the newly-coined  “Deco Ghetto”, the neighborhood can be a little gritty at times, but do not let that dissuade one from dining here. The corner spot is often serving politicians, tourists, socialites and  artists at any given time and the variety of customers only adds to the inherent charm of this place.

The menu has included a number of dishes that have been deemed Zuni classics. The fervor for these items is such that the chefs have’nt been able to remove them for fear of disappointing too much of the returning clientele. The biggest complaint of the chefs seem to be that these items are so highly sought after that they have a hard time getting customers to deviate from their favorites and try the specials! If that isn’t an endorsement, I don’t know what is!

The roasted chicken is one of the classics on the menu. Prepared in the wood burning oven that projects into the dining room, the skin is crisped to perfection while the meat remains tender and juicy. The Caesar salad is another favorite. It is prepared fresh table-side and comes in generous portions. The pizza that is prepared in the same oven as the chicken is an excellent choice as well.

The burgers and shoestring fries are possible the best in the whole city. Zuni has been given many awards over the years, not the least of which is showing up on Michael Bauer’s “100 Best Restaurants of San Francisco” year after year after year. In and of itself, that is no small feat. In fact, it is difficult ( but not impossible) to find a person who isn’t a devout Zuni follower.

In addition to all of the lovely history and wonderful cuisine, Zuni has a delightful outside heated patio. On warm days, it is always packed to the hilt with diners and imbibers. The bar at Zuni is wonderful, offering a splendid array of wines and cocktails. I personally have always been charmed by the fact that on Rose Street, there is a small parking area for bikes and scooters which is invariable full of classic Vespas. Brunch, lunch or dinner, Cafe Zuni keeps them coming back for more…with style.

1658 Market St.  San Francisco Click here for Google Map

Amber India – SOMA – San Francisco

Sometimes when searching for a place to dine for the evening, I have often lamented a lack of higher end Indian restaurants. So many of the places are carry out or delivery worthy, that I had almost forgotten what it was like to eat Indian off of proper plates and bowls. Amber India fills that need by providing a slow food alternative in an upscale setting.

Amber India has many member in its family who have helped to pave its way. The group of restaurants includes the Palo ALto and Moutainview locations as well as other restaurants that are slightly different conceptually, resembling cafes more than upscale dining. The cuisine in all places is quite wonderfully assembled Indian and all of the restaurants hold their own comparatively.

The interior of Amber is full of rich earth tones with accents of color that are similar to the hues of the fare. The tables are made of dark wood with buttery leather chairs in yellows and reds. The banquettes are a rusty orange and the accent walls in the dining room are red with vibrant artwork.

The dinner menu is quite stunning, with over 40 items to choose from. There are far more hits than misses here, so selecting items is a safe bet. The palak chaat is an excellent place to start. The flash fried spinach is served with yogurt and tamarind chutney. Fried spinach never fails to surprise and delight me, this was no exception. I love samosas and the aloo peas samosas were fried crisp with warm potatoes and split peas on the inside.

The dinner menu offered a delicious tandoori half chicken which was as good as I have ever had it. The lamb chop frontier was outstanding and consisted of Australian lamb rack served with signature spiced mixed yogurt. The butter chicken is a much debated dish at Amber. It is considered a signature dish and is highlighted on the menu. Upon actually being presented with the chicken, some folks found it to be underwhelming, while others were delighted. It is shredded tandoori chicken served with a tomato sauce. I think one could describe it a Indian comfort food and leave it at that.

There are  a wide array of tandoori breads to be chosen from. The offerings include classic nan and lacha paratha which is flaky, layered whole wheat bread. There were also two kulchas, which are stuffed leavened bread, one with peas and potatoes, one with Amul cheese and Serrano chilies.

After or before dinner, there is a delightfully over the top lounge with many, many cocktails to choose from. The bar has backless purple stools facing a display backlit with led lights is a changing array. Some have likened this show to a sort of light therapy. There are also generous happy hour specials; five dollars for a menu of drinks and appetizers. It is often difficult to get a seat at the bar due to these bargains. There is auxiliary seating in the lounge and handles he overflow nicely. This is definitely a date destination and you won’t have to worry about dry leaning your clothes  to get rid of the curry aromas afterwards.

 25 Yerba Buena Ln, SOMA San Francisco, CA Click to see Google map.

Bourbon Steak House – Financial District – San Francisco

Let me see if I can come up with some of the least exciting concepts for dining out: hotel restaurant? Check. Touristy part of town? Check. STeak house? Check. Sounds pretty humdrum to me. Until you realize that it is Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak in San Francisco’s Westin St. Francis. Wait a tic!

Located at Union Square, Bourbon Steak House is located on the ground floor on the hotel. Previously Aqua, another of Michael Mina’s establishments, the interior went through an overhaul, taking it from feminine and charming to masculine and elegant. The dining room is a symphony of refined grace in wood and cork and leather. Dark, deep colors and regal open spaces dominate the area.

So, what in the world can be done to a steak to make it special? I mean, I have a grill at home and I can make a pretty mean steak. What does Michael Mina’s kitchen do to make a steak truly special? The answer: poach each steak in clarified butter at 130 degrees F.

This seals in the juices of the beef while adding a little flavor and allowing for even browning whilst grilling and broiling. It makes the steaks moist and tender, which is the whole point, right?

The steaks may be the main attraction, but the rest of the menu is no second fiddle. There is the still lobster pot pie available, and it is exquisite. There are many items on the menu that are so very divine, but without reprinting the entire menu, the highlights of must-haves include: baby butter lettuce salad with avocado goddess dressing, tuna tartare, truffled macaroni and cheese, the selection of caviar (classic service, warm blinis, crispy potatoes, crème fraîche) and the root beer float

(sassafras, root beer, chocolate chip cookies). As if that weren’t enough, there is a tasting menu of five courses which rotates to accommodate seasonal ingredients and is well worth the expense.

The wine and drink lists are epic and extensive. The menu lists scores of wines available by the glass. There are specialty cocktails with housemade ingredients in classic and modern styles. Then every liquor is listed, priced by the glass. From vodka, rum, absinthe and pastis, to single malt and aged, there is a stunning array of options for those looking to imbibe. The wine list available by the bottle? Endless and expansive with some bottles priced into the thousands.

Speaking of imbibing, the bar also has one other gem for it’s patrons: a bar menu. Pulling from the items available on the dinner menu but in smaller portions and for a lesser cost, the bar menu is a real find. Unique to the bar are lobster corn dogs, black truffle popcorn, house-ground Bourbon Steak burger (Nicasio Valley reserve cheese and caramelized onions). I would say these are some of my favorite “bar nibbles” in the city.

Sure, the space looks different. The menu has changed and the the vibe is altered. The servers still give you just the right amount of attention. The food is positively delightful. The wine choices are plentiful and awe- inspiring. I say, embrace the new and enjoy a steak straight from heaven.

335 Powell St. Financial District – San Francisco Click to see Google Map

Cafe Claude – Union Square – San Francisco

After a trip to Paris, I found myself trying to find places to have a cocktail or meal that is reminiscent of my travels. I loved the cozy cafes and lack of fast food that was thoughtlessly prepared and full of empty calories and junk. I relished having a moment to sit and be still with a glass of wine or cup of coffee. Cafe Claude is a little slice of that experience. Located on Claude Lane off of Bush street, Cafe Claude has been likened over and over again to stumbling upon a a cafe in an alley in Paris and rightfully so.

The place appears to have been lifted from France and dropped into San Francisco. If it weren’t for a few tell-tale signs of modern day California ( earthquake beams and slender wall sconces), one might think that they had been transported to another place and time. The cafe has two floors. the bottom floor is mostly bar and micro mini bistro tables. The bar itself is a large, curvaceous zinc topped affair, gorgeous in its audaciousness. I can imagine no better place to sip a Fraternite (Ciroc vodka, muddled cucumber and mint, lemon and pineapple juice with a pimiento d’espellete salt rim), a pastis or absinthe. The wine list is impressive and offers over 25 wines by the glass plus many more by the bottle.

The second floor house the extremely “cozy” seating for dining. This is also a nod to classic french style because the tables are extremely close together. If personal space is an issue fpr you, this may be uncomfortable. However, if you enjoy making new acquaintances whilst dining, then do not be daunted. The menu is quite worth the elbow bumping.

Cafe Claude offers a delightful menu offering at devilishly low prices. The lunch menu includes classics done right. The soupe à l’oignon is marvelous, the salad Niçoise is fresh and delectable. The escargots en croute were served in a puff pastry and were divine. The cheese and charcuterie plates were perfect. It is hard to select anything not wonderful whilst dining here.

The dinner menu steps it up a notch and brings such quintessential dishes as coq au vin, filet mignon and  lamb sirloin. The bonus to all of this sumptuous French fare? The prices. Cafe Claude keeps their prices so competitive, it is hard to imagine why one would not want to dine here. French food can often be such a wallet-gauging affair, but at Cafe Claude, this is not the case.

At, a if all of that weren’t enough, there is jazz. On thursdays, fridays and saturdays, there is live jazz. The cast of performers rotates each night, and the schedule can be found on the website. And if the skies are clear, there is a heated patio available for seating. reservations are suggested for a complete dining experience. These can be made easily on the website also. Cafe Claude is a long standing classic in San Francisico for good reason.

7 Claude Lane. San Francisco Union Square Click for Google Map

Leatherneck Steak – House – Union Square – San Francisco

In the Theater District in Union Square, they lies a living monument to the veterans who fought in the Pacific during World War II. Inside a Beaux-Arts building is the Marines Memorial Club & Hotel, established to put veterans up in style. The hotel has over 130 rooms and is both classic and modern.

On the 12th floor of the hotel is the Leatherneck Steakhouse. It is  named after the slang term for for members of the U.S. Marines Corps, and is one of the most under-sung steak houses in the city. The decor is no match for the view on the 12th floor, which offers a vista that includes both the Financial District and the bay. The bar is populated with veterans and civilians alike, although it would be hard not to be able to pick out the former military members.

The theme of the entire experience is both retro and modern, with surprising and odd touches of both interspersed without. The lounge has been likened to a 1960’s lounge that was lightly remodeled. It serves drinks that are solid and stiff, as one would expect while serving former military. There is live piano being played near the dining room andf the tunes are the type of easy listening fare one would expect while waiting at the dentist’s office for an appointment.The Dining room is decorated with black and white linens, dark wood and the view of the bay.

The menu starts with a number of salads, soups and appetizers. There is fried calamari, oysters Rockefeller and ceviche to select from, all well done and delicious. The entrees and sides are offered separately with the sides serving two. The entrees range from prime rib, filet mignon, center cut pork chops, roasted sea bass and an angus burger. The standouts here are the filet mignon, which is perfectly cooked and tender and delicious.The rack of lamb is slow cooked to melt in your mouth. The sea bass is roasted with chorizo and clams and is meaty and delectable.

609 Sutter St. San Francisco Union Square – Click for google map

Akiko’s Restaurant – Union SquareIn a small alley off of Bush street, there lies a gem of a tiny restaurant that serves sushi and peace of mind. Inside, there are several tables available, making the setting qualify as a boutique restaurant. The intimacy is further enhanced by the ever-changing menus for food and drink, encouraging conversation between the staff, chefs and patrons to select the best options for each diner. If there is something that this author appreciates in a sushi establishment, it is an opportunity to be brought out of ordering habits and find new items to love.

In modern times, it is hard for a savvy individual to enjoy sushi without being aware that some fish are not environmentally sound to consume due to significant over fishing. For over 25 years, Akiko’s has made ecologically sound sushi options a priority on their menu, accepting responsibility for the impact their menu has in the global arena. Their menu is perpetually in flux so that there are items that are in season and ecologically sustainable available. In addition, listed with each nigiri or sashimi item is the country of origin, so that one can be assured that their sushi is indeed, not harming the environment.

Now, ethics are all fine and well, but if the sushi isn’t good, it is all for naught. That is not a problem at Akiko’s. The sushi is exquisite and inspired. The menu is rather intriguing, but so is the place. The winter nama menu includes white, vibrant and crustacean items from Japan and abroad. The items are available in sashimi or nigiri forms. The options currently include an array of sea life such as spotted parrot perch, Japanese rudderfish and Nunavut wild arctic char. The menu also included something I had never heard of – Keiji sake, which is also called “infant salmon.” |t is described as creamy with a sweet and delicate flavor which is found 1 in 10,0000 catches. Color me impressed.

Perhaps you have members in your party who are not feeling all that adventurous. Don’t fret, Akiko’s also has a menu of appetizers and small plate that have more familiar  Japanese items. There is edemame, miso soup, salads, including the scrumptious, not-to-be-missed cucumber salad, and gyoza. There is also teriyaki and tempura to choose from and ika, which is fried squid served with a spicy garlic aioli. Delish!

The sake and wine menus are changed frequently to best accent the food menu. There are always over ten options for wines by the glass and an extremely reasonable corkage fee of $10 if you wish to bring your own. There are Japanese beers and a stunning array of cold sakes to select from as well.

Akiko’s size lends itself to very specific types of dining experiences. The author would highly suggest renting out the entire establishment if a large party is what you had in mind. The restaurant is often used for these purposes, so they make it very easy to arrange for such a thing. If a small dinner for to to four is more what you had in mind, make a reservation. This place is popular and rightfully so. Reservations are quite easy to make and well worth it.

431 Bush St  San Francisco, CA 94108-3732 Click to see Google Map

Puccini and Pinetti – San Francisco

Sure… it is located in a busy section of touristy Union Square. Yes, it is located within a hotel, and yes, it is part of a large restaurant company (The Puccini Group)…but there is something that keeps us coming back week after week to Puccini and Pinetti.

Maybe it’s the fact that they offer a great happy hour every day from 3pm until 6pm with such items as their signature meatballs ($5.00), crab cakes ($7.00), Fritto Misto (Fried calamari & rock shrimp for $6.00) and personal sized artisan pizzas that change seasonally in true California style ($5.00), in addition to a number of other options, all well within a happy budget. The food is hearty and tasty and sure to satisfy.

And let’s not forget about the fabulous drink specials. For a mere $3.00 you can get a glass of red, white or sparkling wine, or a glass of beer, with a healthy selection to choose from. For the wine drinkers, here’s a tip: ask for the bottle for $12.00, which actually gives you a little extra, and you don’t have to wait for your next glass!

As if those weren’t reasons enough to head to P&P (as the locals call it), on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, they extend the Happy Hour ALL-NIGHT!  Happy hour goes from 3pm – 10pm, and trust me, this little piece of info has not gone unnoticed by the gay workers and shoppers in the area that have recently been flocking to the establishment.  On any given night we have seen a number of the LGBT community enjoying drinks with friends and co-workers at Puccini and Pinetti.

Only side note; make sure that you sit within the ‘bar area’ to take advantage of the happy hour, and be prepared to wait during the 5:00-6:00 time frame as word gets out.

Puccini & Pinetti
Italian Bar & Grill
129 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA
94102

Chez Papa – Union Square

In the heart of downtown in SoMa, the city is pulsing with activity. There are busy streets and crowded sidewalk full of folks taking care of their daily business. The racket from all of the activity can be quite deafening. It is hard to imagine that there is a place to go where you can escape the cacophony, even while sitting outside. To that end, there is Chez Papa Resto.

While dining at Chez Papa Resto, one word keeps coming to mind over and over again…”sexy.” This restaurant is positively teeming with sex appeal. The lighting is low, extremely flattering and emanates from large windows and plentiful chandeliers. The banquettes incorporate an orange Art Deco-inspired backrest that reaches half way up the wall. There are plentiful luxe touches such as horsehair panels on the walls and fabric boxed covered lighting ensure that there are no unflattering places to sit in the establishment.

The patio is heated either by the sun or heat lamps and is well sheltered from the din and distraction of the surrounding neighborhood which can be a little gritty. Weather permitting, it can make for an absolutely delightful escape into a bit of nature from the confines of an office.

Executive Chef Steven Rojas is currently at the helm of Chez Papas Resto. His pedigree includes Patina in Los Angeles and two separate Michelin three-star restaurants in Europe. His influences over the menu have been well received and the place is consistently busy and frequented by regulars and new customers alike. The menu is a combination of both California cuisine and French Provencal. They offer lunch and dinner menus. There is a four course seasonal tasting menu that is available with or with out the wine. The price is exceptionally reasonable for such an offering and the author is yet to be disappointed.

The cocktail menu is expansive and hand crafted. Chez Papa offers happy hour specials which include Muse Vert Absinthe for $5, classic cocktails for $6, draft beer $3 and house wine for $5 per glass. There is also a small menu that includes Hamachi sashimi, Chicharones, wings, Kobe beef tartare and pommes Dauphine at a reduced price.

There is a lunch or business lunch menu. The business lunch consists of three courses with 2 options to choose from for each. The lunch menu consists of lighter fare with the inclusion of sandwiches. Dinner is the main event here and there are a few dishes that are must-haves. In particular, the braised beef cheeks are simply divine served with a trio of cauliflower puréed, caramelized and pickled. The sweet potato Agnolotti, a kind of ravioli typical of the Piedmont Region is served with toasted hazelnuts, Parmesan, pickled raisins and beet greens.

All in all, Chez Papa is an oasis of luxury and elegance in the middle of the bustling downtown. An evening spent here will no doubt be filled with sumptuous food, sparkling ambiance and a marvelous experience.

4 Mint Plaza, San Francisco - Click to see Google Maps