It’s that time of year, just before the Christmas madness kicks in. Jump in the car or hop an hour flight to the city by the bay. This is a great time of the year; the kids are back in school and most tourists from Omaha, Idaho, Utah and wherever are safely home and back to work. It’s safe to come out and play with some sanity and space to relax, before the winter holiday commercialism kicks in.

The boutique hotel
One of the best-kept secrets in San Francisco is the Chancellor Hotel; it has sat on Union Square since 1914. Family owned and operated since 1920, it prides itself with its relaxed, personalized service with great rates (depending on the season). An Edwardian exterior and 137 redecorated rooms makes this is a true find. Located at 433 Powell Street-San Francisco. Call 1-800-428-4748 for reservations.

For the most unique entertainment and dining
Teatro Zinzanni is truly one of the ultimate of presentations you could possibly attend. Picture this, a “Laugh In” production with the “Marx Brothers and The Three Stooges” directing. Throw in a little “Cirque Du Soleil” and “The Metropolitan Opera”; add a delightful gourmet six-course dinner, meticulously served by waiters with roses in their teeth. Present it in an elegant imported Spigetltent (a hand built mirror tent from Belgium), sprinkle a heavy dose of organized chaos and surprises contrived by an intensely, insane talented group of performers and you have Teatro Zinzanni.
A dinner/European caba-ret/circus/opera offering. They cover it all with unique excellence.
Your ticket includes a complete six-course gourmet dinner with unmatched entertainment.
Teatro Zinzanni is located in the elegant Palais Nostalgique, Spiegeltent at Piers 27-29 on the Embarcaadero near Sansome. For rates, reservations and information and tickets call 415/438-2668 or visit www.teatrozinzanni.org

We must have afternoon tea
At the famous Top of The Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins, afternoon tea is served Monday through Saturday 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Delicate sandwiches, with Devonshire cream and jam complement scones and crumpets with delicate pastries that follow—graciously served by attentive waitpersons who offer your choice of teas. A most agreeable experience. Call 415/392-3434 for reservations for afternoon tea at the InterContenential Mark Hopkins at One Nob Hill, San Francisco.

Dinner is special
Food done to perfection
If you are hungry and have a hearty appetite for prime Chicago U.S.D.A. prime-aged beef ranging from 14 ounces to a colossal 48 ounces done to perfection, you must make Morton’s of Chicago a top priority for dinner. Morton’s is unique in that they have the unusual reputation of serving the finest aged U.S.D.A. prime grain fed beef in the country. (Considering that U.S.D.A. graded beef represents only 2% of all graded beef in the United States, the patron knows they are being served only the finest cuts.)
Uncooked entrées and fresh vegetables including oversized baked potatoes, asparagus and broccoli are rolled out on a cart for the inspection and choice of the diner. The amicable servers patiently explain preparation and presentation. Fish and seafood are flown in daily from both coasts. Choice veal, lamb and chicken are also available and prepared with the same detailed care. Appetizers and salads are an adventure in garden freshness and tasteful simplicity. Desserts, if you can find a place for them, are decadent and delightful.
A top of the line bar and wine choices round out this relaxing very warm, sophisticated private club like atmosphere. Fascinating LeRoy Neiman artwork completes the setting. You can rent the whole place out for a night and have a private party for 200 or for 10 to 70 in the boardroom or one of two private dining rooms. Whatever you choose, you will never experience better food or atmosphere. Not inexpensive but you really get your money’s worth with anything you might consider on the very comprehensive menu.
Morton’s is at 400 Post Street, (lower level)-San Francisco. Reservations are definitely recommended–call 415/986-5830

A gastronomic delight with sensational interior design
Traci Des Jardins' “Jardinière” Restaurant is a must dine and must see restaurant in San Francisco. Not only is her menu gastronomically sensational, the ambiance and interior design are a celebration in class and comfort. An oval atrium with a glowing amber dome that resembles an inverted champagne glass with fiber-optic produced bubbles jostle the imagination. A horseshoe-shaped marble and mahogany bar can be found under the dome on the main floor—add built-in champagne buckets set into the thin muted silver railing that leads to a mezzanine type level to a comfortable, intimate dining area that overlooks the bar. A subtle jazz combo filters the air with soft interesting jazz that does not interfere with conversation.
The menu offerings by Ms. Jardins, a petite award-winning, gourmet, genius chef are something to be marveled at and enjoyed. Menus change but here is a sample from my last visit:
Starting with a marvelous terrine of foie gras with toasted brioche and bing cherry compote, that sounds too rich but is so subtle and congenial to the taste, that all one could think of was, more! Sea scallops with Maine crab made it impossible to choose which was the favorite.
The main courses showed her talent for the French-California inspired tilt to her cooking. Crispy chicken with chanterelles with thyme jus, Alaskan halibut with fresh rock shrimp surrounded with garlicky pea sprouts and corn and liberty duck with sunchokes, baby turnips with a slight flavoring of young ginger are just a few of the impressive dishes on her extensive menu. Each offering had an original, appealing zest.
Desserts feature a platter of delectables that consist of an assortment of handmade chocolates, cookies, candies and petit fours; they serve this in heaven if you have been extra good. The crisp filo with sautéed bananas and a scrumptious chocolate sauce has the combination so luscious that it is probably offered by the guy with the horns—try some and you might think it may be worth your soul.
A special cheese selection is a joy, presenting a variety of five domestic and imported cheeses, (a different offering each night), giving the patron an opportunity to test cheeses they would never think of sampling.
An extensive, impressive collection of fines wines and Champagnes are available by the glass and bottle.
The tariff here is upscale but fair for the quality, ambiance and service.
Jardinière is at 300 Grove Street. (at Franklin Street), San Francisco. Definitely make reservations by calling 415/861-5555.

Camille Bounds is the travel editor for Sunrise Publications and Inland Empire Business Journal.