Friday, May 30, 2008

Happy Hour at Azie

Azie is a charming Asian-fusion sort of restaurant which is located next to and is the sister restaurant to Restaurant LuLu. If you haven't been, I recommend going for happy hour which is offered on weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. If you will be a larger group contact the restaurant and they may extend the hours to include the duration of the evening. The specials include $3 well-drinks and bottled and tap beer, $5 specialty cocktails and $5 appetizers. The wine list is well-chosen and not expensive so you can easily do a glass or bottle or two without breaking the bank. The happy hour food choices are a bit limited but are inspired. Choices vary but can include breaded and fried tofu served with mixed Asian vegetables in a ginger-soy sauce, chicken wings with a sweet hoisin-based sauce, and pot stickers. The full menu is also available at the bar. The venue is two-stories which lends an airy vibe and the decor is minimal but appealing with lots of grey fixtures and bright colored seat cushions and artwork. I hope you pop in to check it out and enjoy.

Azie
826 Folsom Street in San Francisco

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Puerto Alegre


Puerto Alegre in the Mission has a fun and casual vibe with bright colors and always a good crowd. The margaritas are great but make sure you just order regular margaritas - the only choices listed on the menu are the much more expensive, top-shelf varieties. I can't taste the difference anyhow. The chips and thick and super crunchy, and I really enjoy the red salsa with big chunks of tomato and a good amount of cilantro. The tostada salad is fairly large and comes with tons of shredded chicken. The soft chicken taco with grilled or shredded chicken and side salad makes a gorgeous lighter meal. Lots of tasty fried items too of course. Perfect for brunch too with a nice egg menu as an addition, and also great for groups. Enjoy.

Puerto Alegre
546 Valencia Street in San Francisco


Happy Hour at Palio

Palio has a great happy hour on weekdays from 4 until 7pm. If you buy 2 or more alcoholic beverages, you can enjoy unlimited and quite tasty free pizza. The pizza options are -
Pizza Margherita alla Regina di Savoia
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Oregano and Basil
Pizza d'Asti
Fontina Valle d'Aosta, Shaved Asparagus and Thyme (no Sauce)
Pizza Siciliana
Berkshire Pork Fennel Sausage, Fire Roasted Peppers, Smoked Mozzarella, and Tomato Sauce
Pizza Capricciosa
Artichoke Hearts, Capers, Prosciutto Cotto, Olives, Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

The atmosphere is great for a date or happy hour and the service was better than anticipated. Drinks are not discounted at happy hour however but with free food, it's not a bad deal for sure. Enjoy.

Palio d'Asti
640 Sacramento Street in San Francisco