Where SF’s Chef Jenn Puccio Hangs Out on Her Days Off

Photo Credit: The Cavalier

If you’ve been living in San Francisco for longer than six months and haven’t tried chef Jennifer Puccio’s food yet, you can’t call yourself a San Franciscan. The mastermind behind the menus at three of the city’s most beloved restaurants, Marlowe, Park Tavern, and The Cavalier, Puccio is a chef who knows what San Franciscans like to eat. From her amazing deviled eggs to her addictive crispy Brussels sprouts to her succulent pork chop, Chef Jenn has nailed down classic and comforting California cuisine. She also makes a much talked about, worth-the-hype burger at the recently opened Marlowe Burger. With such a keen understanding of SF’s food culture, it’s surprising to learn Puccio is not a Bay Area native. Since she’s someone who has her finger on the pulse of the restaurant scene, we couldn’t help but wonder: where does she hang out on her days off? Here, in her own words, chef Jenn Puccio shares her favorite SF hunts.

Birthplace: Kingston, NH

Years in SF: 14 years

Hood you call home: SOMA

Photo Credit: CotognaFavorite restaurant: Cotogna

Best sushi: Ichi Sushi

Best Italian: Delfina

Best dessert: B. Patisserie 

Best place for a romantic date: Waterbar

Best Sunday brunch: Padrecito

Best steakhouse: House of Prime Rib

Best pizza: Zero Zero

Best lunch: Hog Island at the Ferry Plaza

Best place for cocktails: Aaxte

Photo Credit: Hotel ZettaHotel you recommend to visiting out-of-towners: Zetta

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Westfield

Best Spa: Burke Williams

Best Salon: Savior’s Salon

Favorite Charity Event: Gala for the SF and Marin Food Banks

Favorite Cultural Event: SF Pride

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Exquinox

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Abiano Limo

Best Museum/Exhibit: New Exploratorium

Favorite park: Golden Gate

Best place to enjoy a view of city: Coit Tower

Favorite touristy place: Alcatraz

Photo Credit: Park TavernPlace where you always take visitors: My restaurants

Favorite weekend getaway, within driving distance: Calistoga

All-around favorite locale in San Francisco, whether a neighborhood, restaurant, venue, or other: Golden Gate Bridge

Best aspect of living in SF: Weather