San Francisco’s Mint Plaza, that L-shaped wedge of open
space behind the old Mint Building at the corner of 5th and Mission,
is bustling once again with restaurants, food trucks and events. Just steps
away from the Westfield Center and Union Square, Mint Plaza is a relaxing
refuge from the holiday bustle, a place to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds
of the city. Here is what you need to know now about what is happening in and
around the Plaza.
Restaurants
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A sampling of deliciousness at Oro; photo credit Nader Khouri |
Exposed concrete walls frame tall tables and a white marble bar downstairs at Oro, the newest restaurant from Commonwealth chef Jason Fox and partner Timothy Felkner of Vigilante Hospitality. Open for dinner since mid-September, the two story newcomer offers approachable, seasonal dishes in bar bites such as sea urchin with scrambled egg and pickled jalapeño or larger plates that feed a crew such as the roasted whole rock cod, broccoli, summer pepper and celery salsa. Go for the blind tasting menu and let the chef surprise you, dish after intriguing dish.
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Oro interior, photo credit Nader Khouri |
The address may confuse you - 54
Mint is located at 16 Mint Plaza (blame the city for the indecipherable
renumbering) – but the exciting Roman food from Chef Mattia Marcelli
and Roman owner Gianluca Legrottaglie has meant 54 Mint has been busy since
it first opened in 2009. Beef saltimbocca with pancetta and sage is a perennial
favorite while newer dishes like grilled octopus with and tomato-braised oxtail
have found a dedicated following. Al fresco dining on the terrace at dinner or
at lunch when the sun is warming the pavers is a highlight but don’t forget to
peek downstairs at the wine cellar, loaded with indigenous Italian varietals.
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A view east toward Westfield Center |
Hashiri
With an anticipated opening date of early 2016, Hashiri,
which translates from Japanese as “the beginning of the season,” will soon
greet customers with a four seasons menu of sushi and kaiseki. A spin-off from
Hashiri Daikanyama restaurant in Tokyo, Hashiri plans to bring in a Grand Sushi
Chef from Hashiri Tokyo under the direction of executive chef Takashi Saito (Yuzuki,
Ame and Pabu). Shinichi Aoki, the long-term Executive Chef at Mitsunobu is
also on board. Seigo Takei of Keiko a Nob Hill is consulting with the Hashiri
team to build an extensive, Burgundy-focused wine list. Dassai and other
Japanese sake along with Japanese whiskey will be served.
Open since 2008, Blue Bottle quickly energized this once
sleepy nook of a neighborhood. A full breakfast and lunch menu (think sunny
side up eggs with roasted cauliflower or roasted lemon tarragon chicken salad
sandwich) are highlights at this busy location of this well-regarded,
Oakland-grown coffee roaster and brewer.
Food
Trucks and Other Carts
Food trucks rotate in and out of the parking spaces
along Jessie Street on the Plaza’s north side but a few have become regulars.
Del
Popolo serves a classic margarita pizza or fennel sausage
pizza from its on-board wood-fired oven. They are on the Plaza every Thursday
from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Acai bowls, smoothies and juices are on tap at Bowl D’ Acai, weekdays
from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Every Thursday from 12 to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 11:30 a.m.
to 6:30 p.m., Tulipan
Floral Design, from owner
and lead designer, Dorothy Kelley-Farias, brings its unique cut flowers
and branches, to the Plaza. Aariety of local and sustainably grown flowers from
Coyote Family Farm and other local purveyors are available as are custom arrangements.
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A view of the old Mint from 54 Mint's terrace |
Labels: blue bottle cafe mint plaza, blue bottle mobile, mint plaza restaurants, mint plaza sf, san francisco food trucks