dinner on nob hill

nob hill cafe (1152 taylor @ clay)
guest eater: jesse kipp
bill: $10.50 for my pasta, most dishes 10-16 bucks.
verdict: simple but excellent food for very reasonable prices.

i am in detox mode after a week in new york city (the 4 a.m. last call killed me) so i didn't order any drinks, though having decent italian food without wine is like a mortal sin or something. i rarely turn down a good sangiovese so this was kind of a big deal.

anyway, a co-worker recommended that i check out this place and i have to say i was very pleased. the restaurant's strength lies in its simplicity--minimal but classy decor, relaxed staff, and no-nonsense eats make this place perfect for nights when you just want good food, not an event.

i opted for the Fedelini alla Cecca, or angel hair pasta with tomatoes, basil & garlic. Most of the dishes on the menu only have about two or three ingredients each. it takes fresh ingredients and skilled, well-timed cooking to make such simple dishes taste great. i could clearly taste each ingredient in my pasta (i've got a pretty uncomplicated palate) but they blended and balanced each other perfectly. a tomatoes, basil, and garlic combination is about as basic as most pasta sauces get...but i sure as hell couldn't do it that well.

jesse got the calzone. they've only got one kind, but it's a classic: feta, spinach, mozzarella, onions, garlic. mmm.
i managed to steal a bite. a little doughy but the spinach-feta combination is a mediterranean all-star.

definitely check this place out if you're in the area...great place for couples too. jesse and i almost kissed, but his facial hair got in the way.