Tomsd: you were with Standard Oil computer dept in SF?

Maybe our paths have crossed. I used to work for a computer company here in Silicon Valley and one of the customers in "my territory" was Standard Oil. I also had Bechtel...interesting.

yk: my apologies again for hijacking your thread.

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. I haven't had a chance to look at each restaurant's website & menu yet. Once I do, I'll try to narrow down the choices and get more opinions from all of you. Thanks again!

Yup - the Standard Oil of Californias (back then - the 6th largest corp in the world) Computer Dep in SF - in the Business Applications section/group. There was also a Systems group, a Chevron Chemical Group and an Engineering divison within the computer Dept - and we worked with them all/pretty much all knew each other.

I was called a Systems Analyst - and was there from April 1970 (after my MBA) until Sep 1972 when I left to go to UC Hastings.

We had a good group of people, and also worked closely with IBM's large computer reps, who also worked with Bechtel - who was just down Market Street. I was on the "fast track" management program - but had enough geek in me to understand computers (at least a little bit, and they wanted you to be in the tech side for a few years before you became an upper level manager :)

However, I decided to go to law school. Simple really - law school was 3 years and a Doctorate in Psychology was 5 - so law school it was. :)

BTW Easyt - what was your company's name.

And yk - hope we provided some useful info for you - in addition to our trip down memory lane. :)

yk and rkkwan are siblings????? I didn't know that!!

Easy mentioned Farallon, where DD and I had a meal two years ago or so. The dinner was good, but the Happy Hour menu is better. It is offered every day, until 7 p.m. It makes a good meal in itself. Hope this menu is useful:

S I X U N T I L S E V E N
Available before 7 pm in the Jellyfish Lounge & Oyster Bar
$6 per selection




ORGANIC BABY SPINACH
swanton strawberries, irish white cheddar, white balsamic vinaigrette
TRUFFLED KENNEBEC FRENCH FRIES
parmesan, aioli
HALF DOZEN DRAKE’S BAY OYSTER
champagne mignonette
CRISP YUKON GOLD POTATO CROQUETTES
cavedoni balsamico, basil pesto
STEAMED LITTLENECK CLAMS
chorizo, toasted levain, fumet
STERLING SILVER FARMS BEEF SLIDERS
kennebec fries, arugula, aïoli
SHAVED SERRANO HAM
petite salad, cornichons, grilled levain




Russian Standard Moscow Mule
Caipirinha
Hemingway Daiquiri
Classic Margarita
Sparkling, Törley, Gála Dry, Hungary NV
Chardonnay, Glen Carlou, Paarl, South Africa 2009
Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo, Gran Sasso, Italy 2009
Hinano, Tahiti
An 18% Gratuity will be added
to all parties of five or more persons

http://www.farallonrestaurant.com/index.php

Some other choices: Slanted Door at the Embarcadero, and Fog City diner (try the red curry mussel stew). I don't know if they are within the desired distance though.

I love the decor at Farallon but haven't been there in years.

Any of the restaurants at Belden Place. Or Mocca on Maiden Lane.

Thanks again for all your input. I've checked the websites/menus and consulted with DH. We have decided on Cotogna and Farallon for our 2 dinners. [Barbacco looks good too, but we don't want Italian on both nights.]

Great choices! Have you made a reservation at Cotogna? They're very hard to come by!

yk - do you already have a hotel? IF not - http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...hotel-deal.cfm

Wow, sf is right - no reservations at Cotogna until 7/31!! Looks great though.

I've only had lunch there and it is great. Deb, when will you be in SF?

Yes, I made reservations at both places. We'll eating dinner a bit on the early side, but that's okay with us.

Cotogna can be visited last-minute if you're flexible. Call or check opentable when you want to head over. If it's not prime time you should be able to sit at the bar at least (nice bar). It is usually easy to waltz in at around 3pm for lunner. I do that when I want to pretend I am on vacation. Have never made a rez there more than a few hours in advance, but if you have limited time definitely make a Plan B.

Had a really good late lunch at Barbacco yesterday. Got off work early and met some friends from out of town. They were pleased!

Oops, yk, we were cross posting. Have a great trip and enjoy your meals.

August 14 to 23,sf.

Great choices, yk!

Enjoy!

Would you like to go XLBing with Shanghainese and myself when you're in town? You two should definitely meet!

easytraveler, we have such a short time in SF on this trip that I'm afraid we won't have time! Can you take a rain check?

<b>One more question</b>

To walk to/from our hotel and Cotogna, should we stick with Market St & Montgomery street? I know Market St is pretty flat, but is there a hill up Montgomery to get to Cotogna? I just need to figure in extra time if we have to hike up a hill.

Also, is that the best/safest route to walk, esp at night after dinner back to the hotel? Thanks!