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Sydney's Restaurant
Located on the inner edge of the Richmond District, on the first
floor of the recently refurbished SF Jewish Community Center,
is Sydney's Restaurant. I have been getting reviews from friends
since the business opened, but I wanted to experience it myself
which I suggest you do also.
We went early on a Friday night to beat the crowd. The corner
of California Street and Presidio Avenue is a major intersection
teeming with all kinds of traffic, but the parking karma was working
and I slipped into a spot just a block away.
At first arrival, I was surprised at the size and atmosphere
of the restaurant. It has a full separate bar area and a huge
dining room. The main entrance is outside at California and Presidio,
but you can also access the restaurant from inside the center.
The decor is accented with red-globed lights, which cast a warm
glow. The California Street side of Sydney's has a full wall of
windows so you can watch the hustle and bustle outside or you
can watch the chef's action in the open kitchen area.
I was surprised at how early and how fast the restaurant filled
up. Many of the JCC's members obviously take advantage of the
handy location, as I saw families coming together after taking
in activities at the center. By the time we left, the whole place
was jumping.
The menu is not large but has something for everyone and appeals
to all members of the family. The fare is fairly standard, including
soup of the day, sandwiches, onion rings, chicken, fish and meats,
specials and desserts.
Sydney's has an impressive wine list with selections from various
varietals.In fact, the wine list is almost too broad, considering
the menu, but you have to consider they do have a full bar where
people meet for a glass of wine and conversation.
After studying the menu, we ordered an appetizer to share, as
both of our dinner choices were heavier meals. The Goat Cheese
Fondue was a great pick as it was served with roasted red peppers,
green olives and warm smooth goat cheese to spread onto crisp
flatbread. At $8.95, the price was in the middle of the offerings
and a little high for the serving. For my entree I selected a
Reuben Sandwich with Fries, which are two of my favorite things.
It was tasty; the meat was lean, plentiful and served on a marbled
rye. A fairly standard representation of the two treats, which
cost $11.95.
My friend Lilia ordered the braised beef short ribs with mashed
potatoes, roasted carrots and gingersnap gravy. The food was really
good, but the portions were rather small for a dinner costing
in the $16.95 price range.
Additionally, we both unfortunately had to send our dinners back,
as they were not hot when served. They accommodated us graciously
and returned our food on new plates, which was very much appreciated.
After a nice glass of wine, we both decided we most definitely
will come back to enjoy the atmosphere and order something else
on the diverse menu.
Sydney's offers banquet facilities, catering and special events.
It is open seven days a week and brunch is served on Saturdays
and Sundays.
Sydney's Restaurant
415 Presidio Ave.
(415) 409-0400
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