Very Fine Food at Frances

Lonely Planet writer and food critic AB was right. Relative Castro neighborhood newcomer Frances is really, really good. I'd been led astray by a luke-cold review of the place, but it seems that review was (way) off the mark. I mean, what's not to love about beignets, light fluffy clouds studded with savory bacon with a perfectly crisped exterior, or giganto tender gnocchi tossed with earthy morels and spring vegetables, served with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. I've told everyone and their mother to go check it out. I'll be going back again. And big plus: the menu changes often ... to match the season and what's available locally.


in front: bacon beignets—some of the best I've ever had; behind: flash grilled calamari nestled in fresh leaves of arugula


pig trotters ... kinda like crabcakes, but with pork instead. mmmmmm.


pillowy gnocchi with morels and more


in front: creamy polenta with mushrooms and scallions; in back: oh-so-tender lamb loin with gigantes and things