Small World: Chef James McDonald Finds Maui at Delfina in San Francisco
[cue music] It’s a small world, after all… [music out]
No, I’m not talking about Disney World’s fun little ride. I’m talking about the fun ride my wife and I recently had in San Francisco at Delfina restaurant. This is a cozy little Italian place in the Mission that we had an absolutely fantastic dinner at. Mind you, we did some serious and light hearted dining throughout the city, but for me this was the highlight.
The chef is Craig Stoll, a 2008 James Beard winner and New York native. The restaurant also has a Delfina Pizza located directly next door as well. We didn’t have the chance to try that but will on our next visit.
I would have to say that the most memorable dish for me was the fresh fettuccini pasta with the braised duck gizzards. Absolutely rich and delicious! We enjoyed a nice bottle of Sangiovese to give us a real sense of place. The portions are light so you can try many dishes and the prices won’t set you back as much as the mini bar at the Ritz did. The menu changes often so you may not have the chance to order that dish if you happen to get in.
What makes it a small world you might ask? Well I’ll tell you. While chatting up the couple sitting next to us, we mentioned we were from Maui and they said they had just been there. Ok. “You may know a friend of ours, Beverly Gannon? Hmmm, let me call her I said.” Come to find out that our new good friends are also going to Paris in two weeks with Joe and Bev. By the way, Bev was in Portland when I called, ironically we ended up on the same flight back to Maui, funny.
Now I say, isn’t it a beautifully small world?