There is a very small, almost nondescript looking, space located on Fillmore Street in San Francisco’s Western Addition that has acquired a cult-like following this past year since its opening. State Bird Provisions is a unique and inventive restaurant from chefs Nicole Krazinski and Stuart Brioza, who also happen to be married. Drawing a nightly crowd of devout foodies who eagerly wait in long lines for an open seat overlooking the magical kitchen, the only area reserved for walk-ins, reservations can take up to two months to score.
Bon Appetit recently chose SBP as the best restaurant of 2012, and these enthusiasts obviously agree. Best described as a dim-sum style dinner party at your hipster neighbor’s house, servers glide by your table with carts- one after the other- offering a new selection of small plates each go-around. Almost everything is off the menu and changes, with the exception of the state bird provision- that being quail- and other sublime standouts.
While in town for Thanksgiving, my best friend arranged- weeks earlier of course- a belated-birthday dinner for me. Because I was advised to try pretty much everything, I planned to indulge as if I was channeling Anthony Bourdain and prepared myself, barely eating all day, ready for a full-on culinary overdose. As the cart action kept coming our way, we just kept repeating we’ll take it before the wheels could even make a complete stop at our table, amazed by all. By the time dessert- literally- rolled around I was ready for a juice cleanse…and it wasn’t even Thanksgiving yet. www.statebirdsf.com
[…] It’s the lone Bay Area representative for Best New Restaurant, but their first restaurant, State Bird Provisions, already took that honor in 2012. The follow-up to State Bird took more than three years to plan, […]