Famished Girl
The Blue Plate, the Mission
With a menu that includes meatloaf, duck confit and macaroni and drunken Spanish goat cheese, The Blue Plate succeeds at being both comfortable and sophisticated. After six years, this cozy spot is still packing them in every night.
A dinner here starts off just right with the complimentary rosemary focaccia — brought to the table straight from the oven, piping-hot. On a recent visit, the appetizers ordered at my table included the grilled hearts of romaine, veal sweetbread piccata and coriander crusted lamb. There wasn’t a bite left on any of the plates. (And yes, we did ask for a second helping of the delicious focaccia.)
For the main course, the meatloaf hits the spot if you’ve got a comfort-foods craving; while the Niman Ranch pork osso buco is another highlight of the menu. The grit cakes that accompany the pork are perfectly crisp on the outside, with bits of tasso (cured pork) added in for a nice flavor.
Although my first two courses here were excellent, my favorite part of the evening was the dessert: apple fritters served with honey ice cream. These fritters are not like the ones you get at the 24-hour donut/Chinese food/burger joint down the street from you. The Blue Plate’s version — served hot — consists of apple slices, dipped in batter, deep-fried and coated with sugar and cinnamon. What’s not to love?
The next time you’re in the mood for solid, American fare, step up to The Blue Plate. Just be sure to make a reservation, or you may be stuck waiting outside for a while.
TIP: The restaurant is comprised of several dining rooms. Ask for the front if you want to watch the action in the kitchen. If the weather isn’t bad, definitely go for a table in the garden.
The Blue Plate
3218 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 282-6777
