Park Chalet

location: 1000 great highway (at ocean beach), outer sunset

the park chalet is definitely worth the 35 or so minute ride from downtown on the n. even during a freezing cold summer. the park chalet (located underneath the beach chalet) is across from ocean beach at the end of golden gate park near that cute windmill. they offer american bar foods like small plates, soups, salads and sandwiches with an emphasis on seafood. i wanted to eat everything on the menu but settled on the ceviche and a crab roll sandwich. i subbed the potato chips for garlic fries and i'm glad i did because they were perfect. although i'm not sure how hard it is to perfect garlic fries. nevertheless, everything was tasty. L had the burger with sweet potato fries and we each enjoyed delicious cocktails for dessert.

the restaurant overlooks a really nice outdoor patio area that i'm told is fantastic on a warm summer day, although i'm not entirely sure how often those days happen out at ocean beach. the inside seating is warm and comfortable and the restaurant isn't too loud. our waitress was really great. not too attentive but didn't leave us stranded either. and completely ignored weird/awkward comments from L, which are normal during any meal the two of us have out together. the one thing i will complain about is my lost reservation. i made a reservation a week ago but they didn't have it when we showed up yesterday, it would have been annoying if it was really crowded but there was no issue.

recommendation: perfect date spot, spot to take out of town guests or place to go if you're looking to really get out of your 'hood.

tastiness: yay!

food vs. price: yay!

service: okay!

Outerlands

location: 4001 judah st. at 45th ave., outer sunset

i took my first trip to outerlands about a year ago after reading a review in the new york times travel section. the second time around my meal was just as good but the variety on the menu was less exciting. outerlands is a charming and rustic restaurant only a couple blocks from the beach that holds probably 30 people at most. they bake their bread fresh daily and have a great selection of local and organic produce. the menu changes daily depending on what they have or can make and they serve a lot of soups, salads and small plates. everything is very savory and delicious. they have a limited wine selection and a great selection of beers, i went with the leffe blonde which was very reasonably priced at $5 a bottle. this time around we weren't served at our table but instead ordered at the counter, i'm not sure if they made a permanent switch or if they only do counter ordering on busy nights, we were there on a saturday evening. which, for a party of four was about a 15 minute wait, so it wasn't too bad considering they don't take reservations. the levain toast is a must, it is accompanied by a dish or olive oil, herbs and roasted garlic. because the menu is day to day i can only hope you have a chance to try the french onion soup. it was outstanding.

recommendation: get over there for a date on a chilly night.

tastiness: yay!

food vs. price: yay!

service: okay!