Bite worthy: Scotch Eggs at Wexler's

The best bite worth having in San Francisco right now: the Scotch Eggs at Wexler's.

A relatively new spot in the Financial District, Wexler's does American barbeque fare with a touch of class, and trendiness. It's a small spot tucked in next to Wayfare Tavern, with vintage-chic decor. Think white, wood, mirrors and elaborate hanging light fixtures.

What's remarkable about almost everything on their menu is that they take what can be sloppy, heavy and rich foods and make them refreshing and somewhat refined. Think bites of hush puppies with pickled shallots, or a plate of pork with a dainty and whimsical presentation (and really delicious contents).

The drinks at the bar are cheeky and different. Try the cocktail concoction with arugula and fennel.

But the star of the edible show at Wexler's is definitely the scotch eggs. Scotch eggs are a British import (Fortnum & Mason claim to have invented them back in the 18th century), but the Americans at Wexler's have definitely taken this at times too-hearty dish to a new height. A scotch egg is a hardboiled egg, wrapped in sausage, breaded and then deep fried.

The Wexler's version adds some cornmeal to the bredding for an extra crispness, soft boils the egg to leave it soft and rich in the center, and complements the dish with a tart sweet tea gastrique and a harissa-inspired hot sauce. The result is pure deliciousness.

This is definitely my favorite bite in SF right now.

Wexler's

568 Sacramento Street

San Francisco, CA 94111

415.983.0102

Need a nosh in Seattle?

Piroskhy Piroshky's the spot. Consider it yet another reason to visit Pike Place market when you're in Seattle.

These delicious Russian-style pastries come with all kinds of sweet - and savory - fillings inside warm and buttery pastry crusts. Think a Cornish Pie, but with much better stuffings. Try the sweet marzipan roll, the beef and cheese, or the potato mushroom and onion one (my personal favorite).

You'll find Piroshky Piroshky tucked into an unassuming store front off the market entrance. Look for all of the rave reviews plastered in the window to find it. Just make sure you get there before noon or the line can be tremendous.

Piroshky Piroshky

1908 Pike Place

Seattle, WA 98101

206.441.6068

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The debate over SF's best pizza spot rages on, and there are quite a few new contenders to add to the mix.

I won't opine here on where the best pie resides, but I can tell you that one of SF's newest pizza places has other reasons to visit: the starters and desserts.

Zero Zero, Bruce Hill's new SOMA spot, is the place to visit. The starters to order: try their watermelon salad starter, as well as the padron pepper poppers (say that three times fast). The latter are especially addictive. You can check out the entire menu here.

I'll give you another hint: the house red wine is the best glass on the list. Use it to wash down the many scrumptious pizza options.

But the real show stealer on this menu, as far as I'm concerned, is dessert. It comes in a simple, unassuming white cup. And it sounds deceptively simple - drive-through style soft serve. The difference? It's particularly creamy and rich, and dressed elegantly with olive oil and sea salt. Get two spoons, since it's even more delicious shared. Just make sure you try it!


Zero Zero
826 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 348-8800