Sundown, somewhere in San Francisco.

Your heart starts racing. Palms damp with sweat. A wave of curry-induced panic sets in as thoughts of shochu and naan spin through your head.

And... that’ll never happen. Because this is the part where we tell you about two just-opened ethnic restaurants with food of a spicy and delicious nature.

Here’s Spice Jar (pictured left).
Recall the old Local’s Corner spot in the Mission. This is where that used to be. It’s bright, with a tin ceiling and many spice-filled mason jars lining the walls.

Park yourself at the communal table under the manzanita-tree-branch chandelier. Try the jalapeño-infused plum wine. Or some sake and shochu. It all pairs quite well with tonkotsu ramen and six-hour-braised sparerib bao.

And basically everything else.

And here’s Lasan.
It’s in Cow Hollow and brought to you by the Indian Oven team. And if you think they’ll be consistently pumping flatbreads out of their massive tandoor oven, you’re... correct. Good job with that thought.

It’s the kind of place where a date would appreciate your careful recommendations as you skim the menu and contemplate the virtues of saag paneer, steak tikka masala and tandoori of all persuasions.

Alternate scenario: just eat them.