What is State Bird Provisions and why must you go: When I first moved to San Francisco in 2012 the first thing I did besides find an apartment was get acclimated with the local dining scene. One spot I kept hearing about was State Bird Provisions. They were the 2013 James Beard award winner for Best New Restaurant. In 2014, they were honored with a Michelin star. After spending a few months stalking their online reservation site (by stalking I mean checking for a resi every day or two) I finally scored a reservation. I got a 9:15pm reservation on a Wednesday, which in SF is late. I know it sounds crazy, but SF is a quieter town, earlier to bed and earlier to rise. Regardless, I was easily able to find 3 other friends eager to try State Bird Provisions.
How is the food: During this first visit, I quickly saw why it was so popular and had earned so much acclaim. Not only did I LOVE the food and the over the top unique dishes, I also loved their team. It’s rare coming from New York where most of the Chef’s are quite full of themselves and not the friendliest, to encounter an approachable, friendly, engaging Chefs like Chef Stuart. A perk to coming later in the evening is the restaurant was a bit quieter so we had the chance to meet Chef Stuart as well some of his team. I loved that the entire team (including the Chefs) walk around the restaurant, pushing the infamous food cart. During this first visit I also met Glenn Kang, The Chef De Cuisine. I immediately liked him. It may have been once we realized we were both Midwesterners. He’s a St. Louis guy, I’m from outside of Chicago and he’s super sweet funny and clearly an awesome Chef.
Starting out with one of the yummy sourdough, sauerkraut, pecorino & ricotta pancakes. I have these on every visit and they’re always so yummy!
Views of the garlic bread with burrata (another staple) always on The State Bird Provisions menu and another item I order during every visit.
During my most recent visit with my Dad we ordered a bottle of Baxter Pinot Noir which was fabulous. We loved it so much we ended up order in two bottles. Read more about BaxterWines on my AndersonValley Best Restaurants & Wine guide here.
The casualness and friendly approachable team makes this not only one of the best restaurants in SF but also one of the best restaurants teams in SF. I have since been back a bunch (more times to count), and each visit I’m warmly greeted and welcomed by the awesome team. With each visit, I’m more excited to see what amazing food I’ll experience while enjoying some of my favorite State Bird Provisions must try’s (list below). 1529 Fillmore Street. San Francisco, CA.
The fabulous host Forrest and me on my Birthday
One of the two options to order: Either off the menu or off the carts as they pass. Definitely try both!
The infamous “Cart” Round 1
The must have State Bird dish… Tasty
Forrest and me during yet another visit (The pic is a must do for each visit!)
Saying farewell to my pal Chef Glenn during his last week at State Bird Provisions. Super bittersweet to wish him off to his next culinary adventure!
Ayesha
July 10, 2014Love State Bird! Cannot wait to go back…..tonight! 🙂