12/28/09

Oh, Nine
Everything That Was Important in 2009

Come Thursday, when the clock strikes midnight, we'll be saying good-bye to one year and hello to another. Before we kiss off the '00s and ring in the '10s, let's step back and reminisce about the last of this century's fresh single-digit years.

DRINK LISTS DOUBLE AS A GOOD READ

Rickhouse

It's hard to argue with a bar that opens at noon because you'll need that kind of a lead time to make a dent in the 30-page, 60-cocktail drink menu that reads like a history book for cocktails. If only we had been so studious in college…

411:: Rickhouse, 246 Kearny St, 415-398-2827

THE OTHER WHITE MEAT GETS A TWIST

Nduja

Just as we were getting our fill of bacon and other porkly goods, the guys at Boccalone swept in with their spicy salume spread. And suddenly our passion for all things pig was revived.

411:: Available at Boccalone, Ferry Building Marketplace, 415-433-6500

BEER GOT SERIOUS

Sommelier-Selected Beer Lists

After dominating the cocktail scene out in the Mission, the good people of Beretta set their sights on beer, and brought on a beer sommelier to craft the lists for their new outposts: Castro's Starbelly and Marina's Delarosa. Next, the world.

411:: Starbelly, 3583 16th St, 415-252-7500; Delarosa, 2175 Chestnut St, 415-673-7100

BRINGING THE CITY TO YOU AT 4AM

TCB Courier

When we thought The Country's Best Couriers had already bested themselves, they went and expanded their expeditious anytime bike delivery to include areas like Union Square, Chinatown and the FiDi. More than ever, your 3am burrito and stogie fix need not go unfulfilled.

411:: TCB Courier, 415-797-2255

MADE IN THE USA

Unionmade

Maybe it was the change in administration or the economy, but we've noticed a renewed interest in getting back to our roots—or at least dressing the part. Thus the advent of stores like Unionmade, carrying U.S.-made labels like Levis, Rogues Gallery and Woolrich.

411:: Unionmade, 493 Sanchez St, 415-861-3373

WATERBEDS MAKE A COMEBACK

Kozy Kar

Some eras are worth reliving, especially if centerfolds and waterbeds are involved. Kudos to Kozy Kar for unabashedly embracing the '70s and early '80s by covering its floors and bars with vintage centerfolds, adding mirrored ceilings and, of course, installing a custom 1983 GMC in the heart of it all for inspiration.

411:: Kozy Kar, 1548 Polk St, 415-336-2340

SOMA IS THROWN TO THE DOGS

Bloodhound

Out went the Irish pub and in came this lodge-like hunter's club that's one part country for each part city. Think antler chandeliers, taxidermy and beers served in mason jars on one hand, and jukeboxes, leather sofas and martinis on the other.

411:: Bloodhound, 1145 Folsom St, 415-863-2840

ITALY TAKES OVER THE MISSION

Flour and Water

Even though the waits for a table at this Mission eatery are long enough to rival flights to Italy and back, it's all worth it once the Neapolitan pies arrive at your table perfectly blistered. Besides, there's nothing a little extra wine can't fix.

411:: Flour + Water, 2401 Harrison St, 415-826-7000

MEALS ON WHEELS

Sweet Delivery

If anything defined the food scene this year, it was the street cart. And a happy outgrowth was mobile foods delivered in ways we could only dream of—like when flaky pies are toted to you via truck and decked out mini cupcakes roll up in a golf cart. (Tiger could probably use a dozen of these right now...)

411:: Alameda Pie and Mission Minis

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