Edward Carter's TRAVELS: A Postcard from San Francisco

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More things to do

My last time in San Francisco, I stopped off to have dinner with James Myhre (above). Among other projects, James and I created The Point together. He also conceived the hardcopy version of “edward carter's TRAVELS.” James is now an accomplished screenwriter. His movie, Gaudi Afternoon, takes place in Barcelona. Susan Seidelman (who discovered Madonna) is the director and it stars Judy Davis. It will be out soon.

On our way to dine at 3 Ring (see below), James showed me the hottest ticket in town: foreigncinema. It's a good restaurant with a full bar and an outdoor “antiplex,” (their word, not mine) where one sits at tables with speakers from an old “drive-in,” and watches the likes of “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”, “Wings of Desire,” and Fellini's “Roma.” Who's on the marquee? - everyone from marquis to madams; as I said, this is the hottest spot in town.

foreigncinema, 2534 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. Tel: (415) 648-7600; http://www.foreigncinema.com

Cirque de Soiree

The concept of 3 Ring is a collaboration of owner Hal Adler, who was at the Fly Trap, and chef Keith Handelsman, who has worked at some of the best restaurants in the country, including Bouley in New York and the French Laundry in Yountville.

A circus mural, a flying cartoon character, and a metal Ferris wheel greet one on entering, but there is little else that plays on the name of the restaurant. The high-tech lamps and corrugated siding on the walls speak to the urban design that’s so popular in the new restaurants in this town.

There are plain wood tables, but the large white napkins give a clue to the good fare to come.

James had the marinated skirt steak that Handelsman serves sliced over flavorful ratatouille—deliciously juicy. ($14)

While I was told that the halibut, encrusted in thinly sliced potatoes and served on a roasted shallot puree, is really good, I had the pork tenderloin with brandied pears and apples—delicious and I loved the parsnip chips! ($15)

We both enjoyed the combination of artichoke hearts and roasted beets with mango vinaigrette. ($6.25)

Desserts (all $6) are no surprise but I loved the creamy blueberry cheesecake, and James said the crème brulée was as good as any he'd had in town.

3Ring, 995 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA. Tel: (415) 821-3210; http://www.ringx3.com
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