Faves and raves by Justin Simoneaux (Click the picture to see Justin’s faves)
Personal stats
AGE: 26
YEARS IN THE CITY: Seven
NEIGHBORHOOD: Haight-Ashbury
OCCUPATION: Executive chef, Boxing Room in Hayes Valley
SELF-DESCRIPTION: A Southern Louisiana native who loves his mom, has a strong affinity for the New Orleans Saints and knows his way around a fryer
FAVORITE PLACE TO GET A SUSHI FIX
Domo
WHERE: 511 Laguna St., between Fell and Linden streets
WHAT: Try the firecracker balls
INFO: (415) 861-8887 or www.domosf.com
The restaurant is small and cozy, and the sashimi is super fresh. I love their firecracker balls; they’re made of spicy tuna and flash fried.
FAVORITE PLACE TO GO FOR A COCKTAIL
The Alembic
WHERE: 1725 Haight St., between Cole and Shrader streets
WHAT: Great cocktails!
INFO: (415) 666-0822 or www.alembicbar.com
This place is like an extended family to me, and they make great cocktails. Plus, I like to check in and make sure the bartenders are still on top of their game.
FAVORITE CAFE
Arlequin Café
WHERE: 384 Hayes St., between Franklin and Gough streets
WHAT: Great food, outdoor courtyard and attached wine store
INFO: (415) 626-1211 or www.arlequincafe.com
They have great sandwiches and not many places have a big outdoor courtyard where you can bring your food to eat. Also, there is a wine store connected to the café, so if you’re in the mood you can grab a glass of wine to go along with your sandwich. What’s not to love?
FAVORITE PLACE TO GET HOT CHICKEN WINGS
Wings Wings
WHERE: 422 Haight St., between Webster and Fillmore streets
WHAT: Variety, from green herb sauce to super spicy!
INFO: (415) 834-5001 or wingwingssf.com
I love the variety — you can get them with the house sauce — a green herb sauce — and the Korean is super spicy.
FAVORITE PLACE FOR SOUTHERN CUISINE
The Blue Plate
WHERE: 3218 Mission St., between Fair Avenue and Valencia Street
WHAT: Just like my mom’s Southern cooking
INFO: (415) 282-6777 or www.blueplatesf.com
I always order the meatloaf and pork chop — the food reminds me of the South and my mom’s cooking.
FAVORITE CHEAP EATS RESTAURANT, STAND, FOOD TRUCK
Señor Sisig — Filipino Fusion Food Truck
WHERE: Varies — follow on Twitter @SeñorSisig to find out where and when
WHAT: Off the hook California Sisig Burrito
INFO: (415) 608-5048 or www.senorsisig.com
Their California Sisig Burrito with pork is off the hook with pork. Some friends from San Diego introduced me to the concept of french fries in a burrito, and I have never looked back.
FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT FORBIDDEN FOOD (JUNK, UNHEALTHY)
Wonderful Foods Co.
WHERE: 2035 Irving St., between 22nd and 23rd avenues
WHAT: Candy!
INFO: (415) 731-6889
I feel like most of the food I eat is healthy food, but I’m a sucker for candy and whenever I go here I just go to town and get a huge mixed bag of sweets.
FAVORITE PLACE TO BRING OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS
Magnolia Pub & Brewery
WHERE: 1398 Haight St., between Central and Masonic avenues
WHAT: Good beer and good food
INFO: (415) 864-7468 or www.magnoliapub.com
It’s cozy, close to home and reasonably priced. Good beer and good food. What more could you ask for a place to take out-of-town guest?
FAVORITE PLACE FOR A SEAFOOD PO-BOY
Boxing Room
WHERE: 399 Grove St., at Gough Street
WHAT: I’m the chef. I make a great po-boy!
INFO: (415) 430-6590 or www.boxingroomsf.com
I don’t mean to biased, but I make the po-boy exactly how I like it.
