Last night, a group of five of us found ourselves ravenously hungry at 10pm. And as every San Franciscan know, this city, while glorious and majestic and cultured, does not eat late. After striking out at Grand Cafe and Cortez, a debate ensued about what was left. Not wanting to go to either Asia de Cuba for underwhelming, overpriced food or Max's, I excitedly announced, "we are going to Globe!"
As always, the service at Globe was a bit aloof and surly. But most of our food was pretty great.
We had a bottle of Rafannelli Zinfandel at $52. SP and I shared a baker's dozen of oysters to start. They were small - sweetwaters, maybe - but nicely briny and fresh. Then, CF and I shared the NY steak for two. This was presented on a huge platter, already sliced for serving, with caramelized onions and a side potato gratin. Very tasty, and cooked properly. But the meat itself wasn't very tender.
I got to taste SPs lamb which was really wonderful - I can't honestly remember the preparation (we'd been drinking pretty heavily at the holiday party we came from) but it was from the filet, I believe. SL's truffle pizza was easily the best thing on the table - the crust was perfectly crisp, the sauce was savory and a tiny bit sweet and the truffles and truffle oil were exceptionally delicious in this presentation.
Globe used to be a destination restaurant - while it was convenient that it was open late, that wasn't the reason you went there. You went because the food was consistently excellent and creative.
So, while I admit that the reports are true, and that it has gone somewhat downhill, Globe continues to be my favorite late-night destination. The food is still quite good (though not excellent), and the dark, heavy interior lends itself to that kind of dining.
Globe
290 Pacific Avenue (at Battery)
(415) 391-4132
