Tadich Grill

Some years ago a dear friend surprised me with a lunch stop at Tadich Grill in downtown San Francisco.  She had been dying to see my reaction as it seemed so "me" at the time.  After all Tadich has great food served by grumpy Croatian men, I am a grumpy Croatian man, therefore it was a match made in heaven. 

In addition to great food Tadich also has the designation of being the oldest restaurant in California, open for 161 years.  The menu is a collection of pasta, fish, steak, and the occasional salad.  All I know is that the minute I step through the door I am transported back in time to my grandfather's house.  The smell of garlic, red wine, meat, and seafood making its way through my being.

I have been to Tadich several times and my goal is always to try something new.  They are known for their scampi, a dish they make to order.  Copious amounts of seafood piled high in a sauce of white wine, butter, and garlic.  Having already had that I opted for a Spanish based seafood dish with crab, shrimp, rice, and a ton of paprika.  It was wonderful, a great ending to the calamari and clams I inhaled as a starter. 

If you are in The City you have to go to Tadich.  Lunch time may be busier than dinner so plan accordingly.  They do not make reservations, so prepared to belly up to the bar and have a couple of drinks while you wait. 

~Salud