Pizza at 5:00

Well, not quite 5, more like 5:30. But if you want to eat at Pizzeria Delfina on California St. and not have to wait in line, then you must get there early! And despite the loud music--geared to a crowd younger than we are--it is well worth it! The gypsy peppers served with tuna and oil married the savory with the sweetness of the albacore. The tricolore salad is a favorite--three simple igredients: arugula, endive and radicchio in a lovely lemony vinegarette draped with ribbons of Parmesan. Add to that a puffy Proscuitto pizza with more arugula and a simple cheese and the result is a very satisfying meal! That plus some white wine.

Ethnic Eating

Have been enjoying several days of good meals--mostly lunches out. Burma Super Star on Clement was indeed super and the tea leaf salad as good as it's touted to be! Add to that Nopalito near the Panhandle for a generous portion of carnitas, some strawberrry lemonade and a king-sized bowl of pozole and you're set for at least two people.

Lastly, SPQR on Fillmore (soon to have a new chef now that Nate Appleman has fled the Bay Area for the "mean" streets of Manhattan) delivered its usual inventive fare--fried cauliflower with capers, garlic and chilies, green beans with mint, lemon and almonds, ricotta balls, lightly spiced homemade pork sausage with slightly sweet roasted corn and green tomato relish, and a heavenly smooth tonnato with crudites! Let's hope the new chef retains some of my favorites and continues to deliver creative and delicious small plates. We're told SPQR will close for about a week in mid-September for some renovations and then re-open with the new menu.