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!
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