Cable Cars & Chowder

Today was supposed to be a San Francisco day, in the morning, JJ and I headed out to the Cable Cars near Ghirardelli Square. We took the cable car past the twisty portion of Lombard, all the way down to Market St. Then we, well more I, did damage to our credit cards.

We strolled to and through the Ferry Building and took the Light Rail up to Pier 39. We decided to have some chowder at Pompei’s Café and sit outside where we had an unobstructed view of Hooter’s. I still have yet to find someone who will go there with me. Sigh.

That night we ventured into the Marina and went to a wine bar, Bin 38. I’ve been wanting to go here for a long time but somehow always missed the opening. The ambiance is great, and I like it better than Nectar. We ordered French Fries, Roast Beef Sandwich, Grilled Squash and Chicken Salad. A few things:

• We had WAY TOO many fries since the RB ‘wich also included fries
• RB was just right, especially paired with my rich, Malbec (that’s right IMC’ers, I’ve struck Malbec)
• Grilled squash was flavored well, but couldn’t compare with the previous night’s Grilled Summer Veggies

· Real surprise was the Chicken Salad. And thank goodness JJ insisted. This was far and away the best chicken salad I’d had in at least 7 eleven years. Yup, it was pre-undergrad that I had a chicken salad I’d go back for more. The romaine hearts were perfectly crisp, just enough chomp. The chicken was prepared perfectly, I don’t even know what to say. That was the point when we just concentrated on eating, no talking.

The other delight of the evening was: Rosenblum Late Harvest Zinfandel 2006 (CA) Ripe rich raspberries, black currants and spicy, jammy essences. Exquisite with chocolate or as the perfect dessert on its own.

I was going to go for my usual Muscat, but thought I’d try something else. The server recommended a Zinfandel (!) as her favorite and told me it wasn’t like ice wine nor port, but something less sweet but a dessert wine. She was right, this is really something special. I liken it to a chocolate chip cookie v. an oatmeal raisin cookie. Both are dessert, both are good. But they are completely different. While this doesn’t replace the Muscato d’Asti, this is definitely a treat I’ll make a return trip for at Bin 38.