Vinga

Based on some information that I saw here, I decided to try out Vinga, the new Catalan place in SF.  I remembered that it was on 3rd street, but didn't see it anytime I drove down the block.

During Thanksgiving week, I was at the auto show with friends.  We parked under Museum Park apartments, and noticed that Vinga was located at the ground floor of this building.  It's not so easy to notice from the street.

First off, I think that this location detracts a bit from the decor. The building is a bit too modern boring for my tastes.  The inside of the restaurant is decorated nice enough, but not enough to make up for the bland building.

This was the fourth week that the place had been opened.  On Wednesday evening around 8:20, we were one of only two tables in the place.  They seemed quite friendly and eager to make a good impression.  They asked how I knew of the place and I mentioned the internet, which made them more interested.  The chef was produced to talk about the Catalan food (I recently visited Barcelona).  In addition, he recommended a very drinkable Catalan red wine.  I don't recall the name, but it seemed an excellent value at $21 a bottle.  I'll keep my eye out next time.  Three of us drinkers at the table, put away two bottles very happily.

The meal started with a big plate of olives on the table -- a good sign to this olive lover.

The small dishes that we tried were all very tasty.  The hot prawns were the hit of the table.  I enjoyed the catalan susage just as much.  The third appitizer consisted of some kind of white fish whipped with oil, etc. Served with toasted bread, it was also quite good.  Cost was $4-7 per dish.

I tried the black rice seafood paella ($40 for 2).  Very tasty, but the portion was kind of large; it would have been good for three.  Also, I found it to be overly rich.

Feeling quite full, I did manage to order what seemed to be the lightest dessert on the menu, a poached pear soaked in cava.  Not too exciting, but a good end to a heavy meal.

A number of us also tried a flaming dessert drink made from coffee and some kind of liquor.  It was supposed to be some kind of Catalan specialty.  Not somethine that I noticed in Barcelona, but one of my companions recognized it as something he had tried in Mexico.

Overall, I found the main dishes a bit pricey.  Wine and small plates were a good value, and more interesting as well.  Next time, I'll try ordering more tapas and sharing the paella between more people (if possible).

I guess now I better try Barcelona for comparison.  Anyone been there?

-j