foreign cinema

After my long run this morning (where the goal, after a 2 week hiatus from running, was to simply finish), I met up with L to celebrate our mutual return to SF and to hanging out! It was time for a indulgent brunch. With some yelp help and some recollections of S’ recommendations, we decided to head to the Mission for some Foreign Cinema.

I was starving. (Note: going to a slightly nicer place for brunch is not the most cost-effective way of filling a post-run hypoglycemia.) So L split the beef carpaccio with me as an appetizer. I have previously had a negative experience with beef carpaccio, but this one was a keeper. Exquisitely thin slices of beef seemingly papered in one fine layer on the plate, served with mache, a few potato chips and a mustard aioli. I’ve had some carpaccios where the aioli is thickly slathered on or otherwise too rich; this one was just right. I ate most of it…

I ordered the poached eggs atop duck with frisee. There was a certain seasoning to the duck that I no longer recall and a very interesting berry type of ingredient as well, that made it just a bit different from a standard poached egg dish. Everything was well-done and delicious in my dish, but I have to say that I didn’t feel that it all melded together smoothly. At least in comparison to L’s entree, which I think won the entree contest. She ordered the Champagne and Chanterelle omelet with truffle oil and cheddar. It was heavenly. A light scent of truffle, woodsy chanterelles and a creamy consistency – decadently delicious. I am usually wary of ordering omelettes, which often disappoint me, but in this case, I would have ordered the omelette if I were to do it all over again.

They also have an interesting drink menu. We tried the fellini (grapefruit juice and a bit of Aperol instead of peach bellinis – delicious) and the elderflower drink (elderflower liquer + champagne + something else?). The elderflower drink was a bit watery in my opinion, so I would avoid that.

Oh! And they have an oyster bar. I didn’t sample it today, but it looked quite good with lots of local options. Standard oyster pricing.

Our bill was a little high with the drinks and the extra “I’m-starving” appetizer, but if you were to go a more standard entree + alcoholic brunch drink, you’d probably end up around $30-35 including tax and tip.

Entrees ~$10-15, Brunch cocktails ~$10

Mission b/t 21st & 22nd