Off the Ice: Brian Boitano Shares His San Francisco Hang Outs

Photo Credit: Sean Pedruco Photography

If there is a void in your life now that the Olympics are over, you’re in luck. Today, we’re highlighting San Francisco’s most beloved Olympian, Brian Boitano. The gold medalist not only shines on the ice, but he also deserves an award for his performance in the kitchen. With a Food Network show and cookbook by the same name, What Would Brian Boitano Make?, Boitano has transformed himself from a professional ice skater into a respected culinary personality. Last week Boitano hosted a special benefit dinner—with proceeds donated to Bay Scholars—at Credo. He prepared an Italian-inspired meal that included an arugula and nectarine salad with olive bread croutons; halibut with roasted summer vegetable tart; and chocolate almond panna cotta for dessert. In between plating seafood and mingling with guests, we asked Boitano about his favorite places in San Francisco. Here’s where the grand marshall of this year’s Columbus Day Italian Heritage parade likes to hang out.

Where were you born: Mountain View, CA

How long in San Francisco: My parents arrived in 1947. I got my first apartment in SF at age 21. It was over Max’s Diner at 3rd & Folsom before Moscone Center was built!

Neighborhood: Russian Hill

Occupation: Athlete

Favorite Restaurant: For special occasions: La Folie or Mourad.

Best Sushi: Grandeho’s Kamekyo

Best Italian: Capannina on Union Street

Best dessert: Butterscotch pudding at Town Hall…I think they call it Pot de Crème!

Best place for a romantic date: Bix

Best Sunday brunch: Foreign Cinema

Best place for a power business meeting: Credo in the Financial District

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Hotel Rex

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Goorin Brothers Hats

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Lang Estate Jewelry on Sutter Street & Union Street Goldsmith

Best Spa: La Belle—I don’t really spa!

Favorite Charity Event: I do so many charity events, I can’t pick a favorite.

Favorite Cultural Event: Columbus Day Italian Heritage parade. I’m the Grand Marshall this year!

Best Steakhouse: House of Prime Rib

Best Pizza: I don’t have a favorite pizza.

Best Lunch: Café de la Presse: the lardon, egg and frisee salad is what I order.

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Yerba Buena Gardens Ice Rink

Best Massage: David Brown on Union Street

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Alan at Hometown Limousine

Best Museum/Exhibit: Museum of Natural History

Describe your city in three words: World’s Best City

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Alcatraz

All-around favorite spot in San Francisco: My house

Best Aspect of San Francisco: It has everything!