Anchor and Hope: "Angels on Horseback"

Girl-bonding Lunch Date with Heather: September 3, 2010 @ 12:30 PM

Do not underestimate the power of girlfriendship. Mix it up with good food and you will feel like "SuperGirl" -- ready to tackle any relationship and/or work issues, or annoying inconviences that life dishes out your way.

My beautiful "foodie buddy" Heather and I had another fantastic lunch at Anchor and Hope.  Those two short but very enjoyable hours of eating and talking are so full of girl-wisdom that they are better than hours on the therapist's couch.

Anchor and Hope is located in an alley in the FiDi. At a glance it is easy to brush it off as just another old warehouse in San Francisco.  It has a weathered look on the outside.

 Inside is a bustling restaurant with high ceilings, conspicuous big pipes from the original architecture and thick nautical ropes hanging from the ceiling.

We were seated just right by the entrance to the very busy open kitchen. I felt a little cramped but it was fun to watched the choreographed actions of the cooks, servers and behind the scene staff.

Since it's a work day I had to forgo imbibing.Water, however, was plentiful in the brown jug left on our table.

We had "Angels on Horseback" for starters. They were bacon-wrapped oysters served on half-shell nestled on a green salad. Even for a not a big bacon fan like me, it was fantastic! The crispiness of the bacon complimented the tender oyster meat. The flavors were great together! And the creative presentation was really appreciated.

"Angels on Horseback" (Bacon-wrapped oysters)

Heather asked for bread and we were given a whole Acme baguette in brown paper bag, as if it was just purchased from the store. Bread was complimentary.

Complimentary Acme Baguette

Heather and I shared an Heirloom Tomato Salad-- a mound of organic greens with  tomatoes, croutons and Burrata. A very simple salad but the ingredients were noticeably fresh and the tomatoes were sweet. Very refreshing.

Heirloon Tomato Salad with Burrata

We also shared the Ahi Tuna Melt with Fontina Cheese and Oven Dried Tomatoes. We were expecting a seared ahi tuna type sandwich but we got a traditional tuna salad instead. We were not disappointed because it was actually quite tasty.

Ahi Tuna Melt with Fontina Cheese

Service was friendly and professional. However, we requested for no cheese on the sandwich but it still came with cheese. I decided to take a chance since I am allergic to dairy but thank God I did not get sick this time. 

It was a very enjoyable lunch. Tab was $50 including tax and 18% tip. ($25 per person.) This has been our cheapest girl-bonding lunch ever. I think it was because we shared everything. We were comfortably full and satisfied with our meal.

Until our next "foodie lunch," Heather!

FOODIE GIRL'S RATING: 4 Stars
Food:       4        Fresh ingredients but very tasty.
Service:    3.5     Friendly, professional but our server disappeared after we got our food.
Decor:      4.5    Unique and fun place for lunch.
Value:       $$$   Average prices for dishes are $13 to $24 each for lunch.

Recommend:  "Angel on Horseback." Any salad for their freshness.

Key:
0 Star: Never again!!! These people should not be in business.
1 Star: Chalk it to bad experience. Live and learn.
2 Stars: Very disappointing but there it has some good things to offer.
3 Stars: It is okay but do not expect much. I will still return.
4 Stars: I like it! I will be singing your praises!
5 Stars: I will be dreaming of you at night!
6 Stars: Perfection (or close to!)