South in San Francisco

Posted by The Daily Obsession

on January 16, 2009

Opened in summer 2007 in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, South is a food and wine bar that’s all about delectable “down under” food — one of the first restaurants that I’ve ever heard of to do this. Founded by chef Luke Mangan, wine maven Liz O’Connell and restaurateur Anna Weinberg, you’ll find diverse dishes to pique your curiosity and expand your palate. (With dishes like Tandoori Quail with Cucumber Yogurt and Herb Salad and Braised Victorian Lamb with Celeriac, Pomegrante, Baby Chard and Olive Tapenade – how could it not?)

Earlier this month, I made the trip to South, which is across from the Caltrain station – making it easy to access for those who are staying outside or don’t live in the city. In the evening, the twinkling lights from the station stream through the front windows of the restaurant make it seem a little bit more magical. As you walk into the eatery, you’ll get the feeling like you’ll have an low-key, but wonderful dining experience. The modern space is encased with warm woods – from the floors to benches – with pops of white and eclectic patterns from the chairs, the bar, the lighting fixtures and the walls. The restaurant itself is not huge, but could definitely comfortably host a few gatherings with ease. I immediately thought it was a fabulous place to throw a small birthday dinner (eight to ten people) for a friend in the future.

I had made a reservation a few days before and once we arrived, we were promptly seated. After being offered some water, we began to peruse the menu. The menu itself is playful as the menu is printed on the front, while the back is filled with fun tidbits about Australia in a newspaper format. (There were also an array of wines, beer and other fun cocktails — but we decided to take the sober route as we had just recently celebrated the New Year. ) After walking around the city all afternoon, we were starving and went straight for an appetizer; we ordered the Flatbread with Prosciutto, Apple, Cranberry and Watercress Pesto. This inventive take on a classic was play on the savory and sweet. The saltiness of prosciutto and watercress pesto was balanced by the sweetness of the apples and cranberry. It was really just quite satisfying and perfectly aligned with my personal palette. (Weeks later, I am still thinking about this dish.) Overall, it was light and refreshing – the perfect way to start any meal.

Next up was the main course, for which I chose the Leek, Potato and Feta Tart with Rocket Salad and Beetroot Vinaigrette. This small tart packs a bundle of flavor. The crust was light, flaky and buttery while the leeks and potatoes blended smoothly and seamlessly with the feta. It was unexpectedly spiced and it remind me a bit of Morrocco. I loved the salad on top in combination with the tiny beet cubes. To me, it was crucial as it lightened the entire dish – which I appreciate because I like to have room for a bit of dessert! My dinner date (who previously lived in Australia for three months) had the Braised Queensland Beef Cheek, Potato, Carrot, Onion and Chanterelle Mushrooms. I had a little taste, and this dish was totally divine. It was unexpectedly sweet, full of flavor and truly hearty.

For dessert, we ordered the Pavlova with Kiwi sauce, Passionfruit Gelee and Fresh Fruit to share. Similar to a meringue, this classic Australian dessert has a hard outer shell and a soft center; to enhance the pavlova and to keep it fresh, there were also kiwi and berries, in addition to passionfruit cubes, which adds a lovely brightness.

Overall, this restaurant is a cozy spot that would be fun to go with your significant other, with a bunch of friends – or just by yourself. You’ll have a great time exploring the delicious menu and expanding your culinary horizons.

South is located at 330 Townsend St. #101 in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.southfwb.com or to make a reservation, call (415) 974 5599.

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