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A Taste of Home
By Genie Kim
Co-Food Editor
Looking for simple, unfussy comfort foods like mac and cheese and meatloaf
in the city? Home is San Francisco's version of the modern diner, but
is probably more aptly described as an American bistro.
Conveniently located a block from the Church and Duboce stop off the N-Judah,
Home is a short and easy Muni ride away. The cozy, modern setting includes red
booths, yellow walls, dark wood, skylights and a display kitchen that makes
diners feel right at home. The backyard bar and patio provides extra seating
in the back of the restaurant. The skylights and lawn chair furniture bring
a little bit of the outside in. The heat lamps and the fireplace keep the patio
toasty warm even on the coldest San Francisco nights.
The menu was more extensive than I imagined it would be. There was a long list
of sandwiches, salads and side dishes in addition to the entrées. Side
dishes are between $5-10, while entrées are in the $10-20 range. Mac
and cheese is one side dish you have to order. A creamy blend of cheeses was
baked on top of the macaroni so that there was a crunchy layer above the pasta.
This dish can be shared between two and four people and is only $6. The cornbread
is $4 and is decent, though I expected better from a restaurant that specializes
in traditional comfort food. The cornbread is not overly sweet and has actual
chunks of corn in it, and is served with honey butter. One serving includes
two large slices that are meant to be shared.
When it came time to ordering our entrées, we were all a bit stumped.
There are traditional dishes like meatloaf and chicken pot pie, but there were
also less traditional dishes like seared Hawaiian tuna and mussels in a white
wine sauce. We opted to go traditional and eat something satisfying. The meatloaf
($13) comes with mashed potatoes with gravy and excellent steamed carrot slices
in a butter sauce. I'm not even a fan of carrots, but this side dish of
carrots has changed my mind about this once neglected vegetable. The flatiron
steak ($17) was basically what you would expect — a huge hunk of fried
steak that comes with a mound of excellent French fries with Worcestershire-based
sauce dribbled across the fries. The steak was cooked in a red wine butter,
which elevates this dish above your average. Although none of us ordered it,
the roast chicken looked mighty tempting, with slow-roasted potatoes and other
vegetables in a rosemary-infused gravy. The Niman pot roast ($15) was another
house favorite that we unfortunately did not order; however, it comes highly
recommended.
Home also offers daily specials such as ranch pork chile rojo on Monday, chicken
pot pie on Tuesday and a turkey dinner on Sunday. On Saturday, the restaurant
offer pulled pork sandwiches with French fries or onion rings. The pulled pork
sandwich comes with an abundant amount of meat, but I found it lacking in flavor.
The fries and onion rings were the best thing about the dish. The daily specials
are priced between $11.95 and $15.95.
Home offers more than traditional down home country food but doesn't forsake
its country roots. It satisfies a wide range of palates, which makes it a great
restaurant for large group of people. However, remember to make reservations
as it's a popular place at the busy Church and Market intersection. I
recommend going early because having a reservation doesn't mean you won't
have to wait when it gets busy. As an added bonus, Home offers an early bird
special for $10.99 every day from 5-6 p.m. which includes a three course prix-fixe
menu and a glass of wine. If you simply forgot to make a reservation, you could
get lucky and get seated at the counter in front of the kitchen.
As the days get colder, you just might find yourself craving some hearty, satisfying
comfort food. Head over to Home and get a taste of home at Home.
Wheelchair accessible.
Home
2100 Market Street
San Francisco
503-0333
Dinner Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m.
Brunch Hours:
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Genie Kim is a second-year medical student.
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