I'm here all week on business. I might check out Tosca's. I'm near the Hyatt Embarcadero so it's not too far from here. I was actually born at Oakland Army Base (moved to La. at age 5) so I have shallow roots here.
Saban, Tosca is a famous bar in that they filmed scenes from Basic Instinct there. I have friends who have spotted various celebs, Nicolas Cage, Sean Penn, etc, there. The owner is a strange old hag but she throws private parties in there after hours for her friends when big-name bands are in town. Bono & U2 actually used her bar as a stage and sang one late night several years back... Another good bar down by where you are is Jack's in the Cannery. Mostly tourists but an AWESOME beer selection - 80+ on tap. Try my friend's beer El Toro. They're ALL good. Right where Columbus dead ends into Beach there's a little Irish bar called Fiddler's Green. For some reason it doesn't attract tourists (it IS a little funky) and the local Irish transplants hang out there. it's really got it's own thing goin' on. That place WILL BE A ROCKIN' Wednesday as sure as you're born, laddy... And for old Kezar memories, ya GOTTA go to the Kezar Pub. Check it out - they stil remember Y.A. there... http://www.kezarpub.com/home.html If ya need any more recommendations let me know....
I used to work for Guinness and SF is great you should try Johnny Foleys and Irish Bank while in town.....Dont forget Napa...
The Stinkin' Rose? The first time I went there was about 10 years ago. I was up there for the annual Semicon show at the Moscone Center and a vendor took us to lunch there. I ordered the 40 clove garlic chicken. That night my wife made me sleep on the couch. I STILL like that place & I eat there occasionally... Hot enough for ya Saban? It's still 77 outside here at my house - SMOKIN' for mid- March!!!! Thank GOD I have central air
Bengal - ALL ales are beers. Ales are top fermented. The "other" type of beer is lager. Lagers are bottom-fermented. Here is a GREAT place to start gettin' educated: http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style I have been drinkin' micro for 20 years. Have even brewed my own hoppy rye ale. I like ALL styles as long as its done well... ...but pressed for an answer I probably prefer ales over lagers... ... I have PERSONALLY VISITED most of the 75+ micros within a 100 mile radius... ...which makes me a good drunk reference...
I probably used the wrong choice of words when I refered to Guiness as an ale. I believe its in the stout category. I've brewed a few batches myself but I haven't advanced beyond the can of malt extract stage of using my own hops and stuff.
It is in the stout cat however evey beer is one of the other ale or lager. Anyway I got out while the getting was good. Guinness is owned by a very large English company. Diageo. I found a better gig... The stinking rose is that in Hollywood? Back to beer for a moment you have to try Stella Artois. Cheers
