The Slanted Door - San Francisco, California

This will be my final post from my recent trip to San Francisco.  I hope you all enjoyed my adventures in the city by the bay, I had a great time sharing my experiences with all of you.

From the time I found out that I was going to visit San Francisco up until the time I was actually in the city, I tried, and tried, to get a dinner reservation at The Slanted Door.  Unfortunately for me, the restaurant was booked solid.  If I wanted to, I could have gotten a reservation for a late lunch (2:00 pm) on Sunday, but since I was doing lots of running around, I didn't want to hang around for that long. 

It was finally my last day in the city and I still hadn't gone to eat at the Slanted Door.  I called the restaurant and was told that they open at 11:00 am.  I asked about lunch and was advised that they weren't taking any reservations for that day, but I was told that I could sit at the bar and order lunch which I thought would be fine.  After packing, and checking out of the hotel, I made my way to the Ferry Building.  It was 10 minutes to 11, so that meant that we would have a few minutes to spare.

At 11, the door was opened and the crowd started to make their way inside.

After my friend and I had slipped through the door, I had noticed this subtle detail between the glass door in front and the reception counter hidden behind the thick black curtain. 

Stepping up to the counter, I found that the bar was empty.  I asked the host if there was a possibility of securing a table.  She said that we would be able to get a table right and took us to be seated.  YES! 

As we were leaving, about an hour and a half later, the bar area looked like this.

To me, there seemed to be a constant stream of people stepping up to the bar to enjoy a drink or a light lunch.

After being seated, I took this photo.  I honestly thought it would have been full of people by now.

This is what the restaurant looked like when our second dish, the cellophane noodles with fresh Dungeness crab arrived (about 20 minutes later).  See how crowded it got?

To start we each ordered a Vietnamese iced coffee (US$2.50).

This was brewed in the traditional manner with the coffee still dripping as it was delivered to the table.  The ratio of condensed milk to coffee was just right and this really hit the spot.

The first dish that arrived at our table was the Slanted Door spring rolls (US$7.50).

These were just like the summer rolls that we get here.  They had nice plump shrimps inside, and they were stuffed full of lean pork.  There was no skimping here.  The filling was rounded out by some mint and glass noodles.  The peanut sauce was thick and delicious.  These were a perfect start to the meal.

Next to arrive at our table was the cellophane noodles with fresh Dungeness crab meat (US$14.00).

Cellophane noodles were stir-fried with huge chunks of fresh Dungeness crab meat and perhaps a simple seasoning of garlic, black pepper and a few chopped green onions.  This dish was so simple, yet so tasty.  I could have eaten the whole serving myself.  That's how good this was.  I would definitely like to come back here just for these noodles.  On second thought, maybe I can try to recreate this dish at home.

The next dish that our server delivered was the lemongrass tofu with fresh shiitake mushrooms, onions and chili sauce (US$8.50).

Here the tofu, mushrooms and onions (green and red) were stir-fried with lemongrass and spices.  This was probably the spiciest dish that we ordered -- and it wasn't spicy.  In my opinion, there were just a little too many onions here, but there was also a surprise.  After I started, eating this, I discovered some "black" tofu, if I can describe it as that, hiding in this dish.  This was a tasty addition to this already delicious dish.

The last dish to arrive was the shaking beef (US$21.50).

This was described on the menu as being "cubed filet mignon with garlic and organic red onions".  The beef was nicely seasoned, lean and tender.  What I liked about this was that the beef had been seared on the outside and had sort of a "crust" when I bit into it.  The textural contrast was great.  I only wished that there was more beef, less onions, or more spinach (is that what it was?).  The somewhat tangy "dressing" gave this dish a little "oomph" and complimented all of the flavors well.

After eating all of that, we were satisfied, but had saved some room for dessert.  Since I had a plane to catch in a few hours, I decided that I would order dessert and share it.  I decided on the warm strawberry and Thai basil turnovers with coconut ice cream (US$6.00).

When the dessert arrived, I was almost afraid to eat it.  The presentation was outstanding.  I only worried about the flavor combination.  All my fears were set aside after I took the first bite.  WOW!  This was amazing.  The flaky pastry, the slightly tart strawberries, the cold ice cream, and the sweet Thai basil sauce all went together so well.  I couldn't stop eating this dessert.  After it was gone, I felt like ordering another -- it was that good.  In the end, I stopped myself, but I must say that this was one of the highlights of the meal.

After we were done eating, I had told my friend that I was initially skeptical about dining here.  I normally don't like "fusion" cuisine as it sometimes takes away the very element of a dish that makes it special.  That was not the case here.  The "street" element was well integrated into each dish and The Slanted Door excelled with each dish's presentation and execution.  Though the food was a bit pricey, but the quality of the ingredients more than made up for it.  The portion sizes were decent, enough to share, and I was not left feeling hungry even after several hours had elapsed.  The waitstaff is knowledgeable and helpful, and the service really can't be beat.  I am definitely coming here again if only for those cellophane noodles.

If you aren't able to secure a table at The Slanted Door, and if there is no space at the bar, there is a counter located inside the Ferry Building that does take out called Out The Door.  I didn't try the food here, but I would assume that the quality of the food is similar to what was served inside.  I heard that the emphasis at this counter was Vietnamese Street food.

The Slanted Door
One Ferry Building Space 3
San Francisco, California
Telephone:  415.861.8032
website

I'd like to thank the city of San Francisco for being such a gracious host and for providing me with clear weather (most of the time).  Good-bye San Francisco!  I'll be back.

Next stop?  Seattle -- September 2 thru 6.

Comments

[MrsT]

Lovely..!!

[Nic]

Hi Reid. Thanks for taking the time to document your SF trip for everyone! I can't wait for my next trip up to the bay area now.

[Malia]

If you're going to Seattle next, you must go to Malay Satay Hut in Chinatown. My mouth just waters thinking about it. Always have to have the roti canai. Makes me wish I hadn't moved back to Honolulu.

[babe_kl]

ooooo so delicious!

*green wid envious*

[Reid]

Hi MrsT,

It was lovely. I wish that everyone had the opportunity to try the food here.

Hi Nic,

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. =)

Funny thing though. If I hadn't started this blog, I probably would not be chronicling my vacations in the same fashion. I hope you enjoy your trip!

Hi Malia,

Welcome to my blog! =)

I've heard about Malay Satay Hut and if I have time, I will definitely try it.

Thanks for the tip! =)

Hi babe_kl,

It really was delicious even though it was a bit expensive. Would I do it all over again? Definitely.

Hopefully, you'll have the opportunity to visit SF and taste this for yourself. I'm sure you'd like it. =)

[Kirk]

Reid - Wonderful pic's as usual. The shrimp in those spring rolls look like they're about to jump out and into your mouth! I agree with you, there's a fine line between fusion and con-fusion, though when it's done well, we get to experience wonderful variations, after all I still consider Hawaii to be the home of fusion cuisine. Seattle next, huh? Can't wait....we usually go to Seattle every year and have a blast! Looking forward to your reports and pic's!

[alan]

Reid, it sounds like your trip was a dining success! San Francisco is one of my favorite cities on the planet.

[Lajja]

Shake shake shake that beef!
Reid, oh how I miss that beef dish! Used to have to wait forever when they were located on Mission St. and that was even with reservations! Thank you again for your delicious posts and photos! Can't wait for my own SF return in October. On your next visit, do make time for brunch at Dottie's True Blue Cafe right in the Tenderloin. It's where locals don't mind getting in line with tourists for some of the best pancakes in town. Happy eating!

[Reid]

Hi Kirk,

Yes, those shrimps were just jumping out at me! I'm glad I had those spring rolls, they were really quite meaty.

Yes, Seattle's next. To tell you the truth, it's been a few years since I've been there. I'm really looking forward to it.

Hi Alan,

There was moderate success with my dining in SF. I also consider SF one of my favorite cities as well. Before moving back to Hawaii in the mid-90s, I considered moving to Miami, Chicago, San Diego and San Francisco.

Hi Lajja,

I'm glad you enjoyed my post on SF. When I was in the city last, I wasn't able to eat at The Slanted Door either (too full). I'm glad I got to this time though.

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll keep it in my book for next time.

I hope you enjoy your upcoming trip back to SF. By the way, where do you live now, and do you have your own blog?

[AugustusGloop]

Yum! Those summer rolls look great. The rice paper sheet must've been huuuge to make such a big roll.

Shaking beef? Love that name!

Great photos as always. And I loved how you even remembered to take a photo of the "hidden entry".

[jezzjazz]

thanks for all the great postings and pics! we're going to sf ourselves in about 6 weeks, so your entries serve to increase the anticipation. yummmm.

so many restaurants, so little time. ...sigh.... ;)

[Reid]

Hi Jezzjazz,

Long time no hear! SF was fun...mostly! =)
I hope you have a good trip. And yes, you're so right. There is so little time and so much to eat. =P

[Reid]

Hi AG,

Didn't mean to pass you by! My apologies!

The summer rolls were huge and they were quite meaty. They obviously took great pride here in making each dish special. If you ask me, it was Vietnamese and not Vietnamese if you know what I mean.

The shaking beef is actually something called bo luc lac in Vietnamese, though I'm not really sure how it got it's English equivalent.

Pieman? Care to help on this one?

I've had the bo luc lac at a Vietnamese restaurant here in Hawaii and it was good, but not as good as this one. Of course, I only paid half the price as well. There is also a Cambodian dish loc lac (or sach ko loc lac) which is similar. It has a dressing made with lime juice.

BTW..thanks for compliment on the photos. I love those little details, don't you?

[Sam]

Reid - I feel so dumb - I missed all your SF posts. I think i checked in the beginning of your trip but hadn't been back to check since. I added a link to you in my Out the Door post and I can't wait to read (reid?:) through all your local experiences. That will keep me occupied at work tomorrow!
thanks

sam

[Jo]

As always, excellent timing! One of Mike's "BeeBuddies" is married to a lovely Vietnamese lady. We were up visiting last weekend and I asked her about making spring rolls and gave them a shot the very next day. I haven't been in touch with her since so I'll pose you a question instead. (Sweet of me huh?? ;o) I had no problem obtaining the wrappers, veggies, or noodles (although I used a vermicilli rather than cellophane noodle, what is the "official" name for cellophane noodles & how do you prep them?) She told me that the dipping sauce consisted of:
3p water: 1p peanut butter (approximately)
garlic
hoisen sauce
Gently (I figured this out by burning the first batch) heat this things together, whisking to incorporate the PB as it heats & "melts".

I used about 1/3 c. peanut butter to a cup of water, couple cloves of garlic minced fine and about a tablespoon of hosen sauce.

This tasted ok, but it seemed to be missing something. Got any suggestions?

[Cheryl]

beautiful reid, very beautiful. if only i could reach out and take those yummy food outta my screen. those juicy plump looking shrimps are just screaming for attention. excellent photos... i'm pretty sure they lived up to the taste as well. oh i love viet coffee... it's very diff. there was one i drank which reminded me very much of bailey's with coffee. there was no liquor whatsoever but i guess it must be the deep smokiness of it?

[Reid]

Hi Sam,

You don't have to feel dumb. We've all been busy. =( Sadly, I hate taking a vacation because the work gets all piled up while I'm gone. Then I'll have to work 10+ hours per day just to catch up.

Thanks for linking my post. I wish I could have met up with you all, but my friends were busy taking me shopping!

Hi Jo,

I'm not certain what the official Vietnamese name for rice vermicelli is, but I can do some checking for you if you'd like. There is a Vietnamese woman that I work with that might have the answer. She doesn't really cook Vietnamese food, so I can't ask her about the sauce recipe. Let me do some checking for you and I'll get back to you OK? =)

Hi Cheryl,

The food here was wonderful and I'm very glad that I got to dine here. To be funny, I was actually thinking of ordering a bowl of pho just to see how it would taste. Maybe I'll do that the next time I visit. =)

I like Vietnamese coffee too, but I'm not sure what makes it taste so good. Maybe it's because the roasting process is different.

[Lajja]

Hi Reid,

Would you believe, am finally living out my childhood fantasies of living right here in lovely Honolulu? We love it here! Of course, we had withdrawal symptoms from having to do without some of the awesome Indian and Mexican food from the Bay Area, but hey, we're becoming better cooks at home. My own blog? hmmm...you're giving me an idea :)

[BT in SF]

Hi Reid,

Awesome... didn't realize you already had plans to hit Slanted Door. I've never tried the Tofu/Shiitake dish there but looks like I'll have to now.

Hope you had a great trip.

Hey, what's your favorite place to eat in Kaneohe? (any cuisine) Going for a quick weekend on the 23rd and we get tired of driving to town to eat.

[Paul]

Hi Reid,

Fun to hear of your exploits in S.F. The slanted door is at the top of my list for my next trip down. Hey, when your in Seattle you should come on up to Juneau. We don't have great places to eat, but I'll cook you a real nice AK. seafood dinner. Or at least you should go up to Vancouver, if you are looking for tips for Vancouver let me know. We spent ten days eating there last summer. Enjoy, Seattle has some good food too.

[Reid]

Hi Lajja,

I didn't know you were here in Honolulu. =)

As for starting your own blog, I find that it's a great stress reliever and it helps me relax after a long day at work. An added bonus is that I've met so many wonderful people because of it!

BTW...I can imagine the withdrawls you got. Indian food here leaves much to be desired, although I find that India Cafe is pretty decent.

Hi BT in SF,

Yes, the Slanted Door was on the agenda, and I was going to eat there no matter what. I'm just glad I finally got to eat there after all these years. It was definitely worth it!

I don't often dine in Kaneohe, but you might want to check out Haleiwa Joes. They have two locations and the food is quite good. Here's a link to their website:

http://www.haleiwajoes.com/

I haven't been there in a while, but friends of mine eat there all the time. If you want some other options, send me an e-mail.

Hi Paul,

I would love to visit Alaska, but I'm not sure that I'll have enough time. This last vacation was a bit too harried, especially since I was on the go a lot. This time I think I want to just relax a bit.

Thanks for the invite though. If I do decide to drive up, I'll send you an e-mail. =)

[Paul]

Hi Reid,

If you want to drive you will need a boat or plane. The invite still stands. Enjoy Seattle.

Paul

[Reid]

Hi Paul,

Thanks again for the offer. I will definitely enjoy Seattle.