Back in SF, Back in Bocadillos

When you develop a favorite restaurant, the main thing you look for is consistency. You look for some of the same dishes, the same flavors, and the same feeling that keeps you coming back.

Years later, Bocadillos is still my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. The restaurant is still fun, inviting, friendly. And, the food is still so consistent and filled with flavors that excite and comfort.


Place your cursor above "Notes" below to read the captions for each photo.

The slide show here runs on Flash. If you can't see it, check out my Flickr album: Bocadillos

A Night with Chef Gerald Hirigoyen

Last night I went with Guam Foodie  and my parents to see a cooking demonstration from Chef Gerald Hirigoyen, of Bocadillos and Piperade.

The class was so enjoyable that we were left wanting more.  So we drove from San Mateo to San Francisco to have more food and wine at Bocadillos.  We ended up eating, drinking, and chatting it up all night with Chefs Gerald and Bob and the bar manager.  I can’t wait to go back!

Chef Gerald and his executive chef, Bob
Gerard was our chef and stand-up comic of the night.  He’s so much fun!

Pouring his Gift for the Class
Txakolina!  Pairs so nicely with all the food he made.

Tomato and Watermelon Salad
So delicious and refreshing!  I didn’t want this small plate to finish.  There were bits of avocado and herbs, as well.  The balsamic vinaigrette had a nice sweetness.

Snapper Ceviche
With frisee.  He likes using frisee.  The snapper was nicely coated with the acids and fish sauce.  The addition of Thai peppers provided a subtle spice.

Mussels with Bread Salad
The mussels were juicy and plump!  This was another refreshing small plate.

Monkfish
With olive oil, tomato, basil, olives, and capers.  This made the class smell so good.  The fish was nicely light and tender.  Such a simple, yet delicious dish!

Salt Cod with Piperade
Bacalao (salt cod) is one of my favorites.  I love its delicate bite.

With the chefs of the night!
Gerald is on my right, and Bob is on my left.  (I closed my eyes :(  -- I guess I was way too excited to be in their presence….)

My Favorite Restaurant

Thanks to the generosity of my parents, I've had the privilege of eating at some of the best restaurants around the world. One of my all time favorite restaurants is Bocadillos. It's located in the Financial District in San Francisco. Chef Gerard Hirigoyen creates some of the most delicious tapas I've had. It's "San Sebastian meets Barcelona."
It's one of my favorite restaurants because it's so much fun to eat there, it's comfort food, and it's affordable. And, of course, it's amazingly delicious.

The Lighted Wall

La Montessa Tempranillo, 2005
When you eat tapas, you have to pair it with a Rioja or Tempranillo. The food brings out the complexity of the wine, and the wine brings out the depth of the food.

Charred Corn Salad
Includes jicama, romaine, pimientos. Nice and refreshing!

Monterey Bay Sardines
Eating this dish was as though I was swimming in the Monterey Bay and took a bite of a live sardine. It was that fresh! This was so tasty!

Prawns with Garlic
Gambas ala Plancha. This is one of my favorite plates on the menu. You have to get this! The shrimp is cooked so perfectly. Every single bit is succulent. You HAVE to eat the innards of the head. It's the best part!

Halibut Fish Sticks
Well fried! All of their seafood is so deliciously fresh.

Warm Octopus
With confit potatoes and piquillos. Another successful dish!

Calamari with Romesco Sauce
Lightly battered and perfectly fried! The best calamari is here.

Braised Tripe
This is another one of my favorite dishes. I love tripe! This braised tripe is so delicious. Bread crumbs provide a nice contrasting texture.

House-Made Chorizo
Nicely spiced and fresh tasting.

Lamb Albondigas (Meatballs)
With white beans and fava beans. A new addition to the menu and it should stay on the menu. Yum!

Pork Axoa
Another new dish. The pork was deliciously stewed.

Lamb Burger
And another new dish. This should definitely stay on the menu. It's so perfectly good and well seasoned!


If you dine out in the city, you have to consider this restaurant. It's one of the best.