I'm not always pleased with the service at Kokkari, but do agree with you about the smelt.

As for Delfina, meh. Except the panna cotta, as you mentioned.

I would also avoid Fifth Floor. Good enough food, but the atmosphere is dourly serious (so much so that they would not put sugar on the rim of my sidecar). It is okay to have fun during a lovely meal.

Stephanie– Delfina gives me the willies because I served as the token male waiter there years ago, before the expansion and during. I used to really believe in the owners but, sadly, they didn't exactly believe in me. The severing of our ties was weird and cowardly and passive-aggressive to say the least. I should probably thank them for getting me out of there and, admittedly, I miss the panna cotta, but that's all I miss…

Mitchell's rocks.

Cheshyre– I totally agree with you about Ti Couz. I've been there many times and have had lots of fun. The fact that it's not a budget-breaker is a plus, too. The other places sound great, but I do not have one of those new-fangled horseless carriages at my immediate disposal…

Ellen– The cake WAS good. If you head dive into one, make sure it is not placed on a glass coffee table like mine was, for safety's sake.

Anonymous– One of the things I love about Nanking is the total absence of appealing décor. Or friendly waiters. There's something slightly hostile about the place. I just seem to find that amusing. I think the food is good. At least it was the last time I was there, which was, admittedly, more than a year ago…

I thank you all for the suggestions. It's fascinating to read and hear what others find important– food-wise– about this city.

Delfina is good.

If you want to wow him with Greek food, it requires a trip to Santa Cruz. Vassili's in Santa Cruz, hands down the best Greek food around. Many years have gone into trying to replicate that recipe for tzatziki. (plus you can make a day trip out of it and hit Zachary's for a Mike's Mess for breakfast) but now I've sort of strayed away from the whole SF recommendations topic, haven't I.

Fresh grilled hamburger's at the Ferry plaza Farmer's Market, to satiate you while picking out produce to make dinner that evening, is always a good combo.

Let's see, you're already doing Chinese or else I'd suggest Ton Kiang in the Richmond. What about Mitchell's ice cream for some scoops of ube or macapuno?

Or Pizzetta 211 for cracked egg pizza?

How about a visit to Berkeley Bowl just to admire everything?

Definitely an al pastor burrito at El Farolito!

Or awesome seasonal cocktails and Cal-Moroccan fare at Aziza.

(Basically, I'm just giving you a taste of the list I use when my San Francisco virgins come into town.)