162 Years Old and Still Looking Good

On Christmas Eve Eve, John and I headed into San Francisco to The Original Cold Day Restaurant, Tadich Grill.  It also happens to be the oldest restaurant in San Francisco. 

Established in 1849 on Clay Street, it was painstakingly relocated to its current location in the 1960's.  Moldings were recreated by local craftsman, original fixtures re-used, just about everything was done to  make sure the look and feel of the original location was preserved.

The first thing you notice when you enter Tadich is how completely ordinary it is.  There is no flash, no daring art, and best of all no hyper tall hostess staring menacingly down at you.  A simple eighty foot wood top bar (oiled with mineral oil twice a year and sanded every couple of years...yes, I asked.), oak panelling, brass hooks for your coat, and simple art deco light fixtures.  What you do notice is the service delivered by impecable waiters of a certain age in crisp white jackets and ties.  We opted to sit at the bar versus wait for a table.  We find the service to be equally good if not better than at a table, the atmosphere more casual and the people watching superior.

Known for their seafood, John had Petrale sole but I choose as I always do when given the choice, steak.  The menu is a classic.  San Francisco treats like Crab Louie, Sand Dabs, Cioppino, and Hangtown Fry are regular features.  A large wedge of fresh sourdough bread accompanied the meal.  Topping the meal was a spot on custard with a single espresso.  My attention however, I have to admit kept being drawn to the details in the room.  The overwhelming sense of history, the leather stools, the oak panelling, the brass fixtures and the tile work, it was all perfect. 

At one point looking out towards the street from our perch at the bar, one of the older electric city buses from the 40's puttered by and looking through the glass window, the neon sign, and the waiters, you would have sworn that you had been transported back in time. 

There is an authenticity about certain places that is tangible.  Classic, simple and in good taste.  Being in some trendy restaurant with the all too often overdone dining room and underdone menu seems so irrelevant when you know you can have this.

CG