VeggieSF  

Welcome to VeggieSF ("San Francisco"), a 50s-themed vegetarian (and vegan-friendly) restaurant that also happens to be one of my favorite all-around food experiences of recent memory. The atmosphere is simply wonderful. The walls are covered with seemingly endless varieties of authentic and tongue-in-cheek 50s-era kitsch to explore (including Anne Taintor, or Anne-Taintor-esque, signage like you see on the right above). I probably could have spent another hour or two just combing through it all, but that's what repeat visits are for. And, believe me, there will be many repeat visits. I feel a desire to go back right now, actually, but let's make sure to talk about the food before I dash out the door...Here we have a fresh fruit soy shake that is thick, rich, and dairy-free (which doesn't necessarily matter to me, but I tend to prefer it, so I was very pleased to have the option). I have no idea what fruit was included (I'd at least guess banana), but I know it was mighty tasty and satisfying without being too sweet or too filling. Very much recommended.The main course: an organic beet burger. Such a staggeringly creative idea (certainly something I'd never seen before) and I sat in awe of its deliciousness. The chef somehow minced beets to formed a stable patty, covered it with cheese (optional), cucumber, tomato, and sprouts, then surrounded it with a toasted bun. They have a few other burger choices (black bean, grilled portobello and pineapple), but I just can't imagine any of them topping this: every component was beautiful and the flavor combination was perfect. Before we move on, I must give service to the included sides because each absolutely held its own. The salad had a nice variety of vegetables and just the right amount of tangy house dressing (not overwhelming; a detail I really appreciate since I prefer to enjoy the flavor of the veggies and often don't even use dressing). And the herb roasted wedges! The potatoes were lovely, to be sure, but the pumpkin was the real star. I'd suggest adding one more slice of pumpkin to the plate because one was most certainly not enough!A last minute addition: the egg-free chocolate truffle cake. Woo boy. This was rather like having a slice of firm-but-fluffy mousse, not a flour-based risen cake. It was so smooth, rich, and creamy that my descriptions can't do it justice. You'll have to go experience it for yourself.

That all sounds great, right? Well I haven't even gotten to the best part: the family of amazingly friendly staff who work there. They really went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I got there early and, at first, I was the only person being served (I was alone). The owner, who was hanging out at a nearby table, noticed and started a very entertaining conversation with me that led to me being introduced to the whole staff. They made me feel like a king and I'd never even been there before. Let me take this opportunity to send a giant thank you to the whole VeggieSF team for making my dinner tonight so wonderful. I'm coming back and I'm bringing friends.