How many times have I replied to the restaurant inquiries of visitors to San Francisco by suggesting the places on Belden Lane? How often have I said that Plouf is the perfect place to lunch on a wet and chilly day?

Well, today started badly. Lots of frustrations and disappointments, including my lunching partner being down with the flu. So - I kept the lunch date - with myself.

Walked up to Belden from Mission Street through a drizzle. Entered Plouf and in minutes I was at the bar with a glass of wine and a platter of oysters while a table was readied for "mamselle" (so gratifying not to be automatically called madame just YET). Once seated, I resisted the siren call of my usual order of a kettle of mussels cooked a la mariniere and ordered the day's special, arctic char. It was luscious - moist and flavourful and lying atop a dice of multi-colored beets. I lingered as long as my work ethic (hahaha) would let me, then headed back to the salt mine, I mean, the office.

Corny as it sounds, the sun was breaking through when I left Belden Lane and it was a reflection of my much improved mood. Perhaps I had a zinc or manganese deficiency and the oysters fixed that. Or maybe it had to do with the waiters in their saucy nautical outfits.

Anyway, here's to personally checking out what one recommends to posters - raise a glass with me!

Oh yes, one more thing - they had the little fireplace lit on the hearth inside Plouf. Even though it's not a genuine wood burning one, it sure adds to the welcome on a grey and wet day.

Cheers! And good for you for having an enjoyable lunch when your "date" had to cancel. So many of us would have just grabbed a sandwich and stayed at the old grind.

When you become fed up with the "salt mine," I think you might have a career in writing restaurant reviews.

oh, who needs a career?!? When one can have a lunch with mademoiselle! I wish I were in SF so I could go to Plouf!

The sun is definitely shining now! Thanks guys.

dovima, what a strange coincidence. It was rainy and chilly here in the s. Sacramento Valley also. I need to go to SF but probaly won't have the time for 2 weeks. And while having coffee I found myself thinking of Ploufs.

Good for you, and thanks for the report. Almost made me feel as though I had been there today, except I didn't get the wine, oysters and fish. But sure glad you did!!

I don't even eat oysters and I wished I was there with you eating oysters!

Good for you! And today it was a sunny crisp, yet balmy 60 in Chicago, and yet I will have a big apple log fire tonight. I am also treating myself because I had great news from the doctor today.

WISH everyone, especially all women of every age, would treat themselves in such a manner. Sometimes dining alone (or lunching) is the "best company". And in your case, I'm sure it was true.
Great name too- PLOUF!

dovima-
You should have called me. I had nobody to eat dinner with last night or lunch today in SF. Next trip!