NORTH BEACH DINING SUGGESTIONS

One of the best things about doing the show at Bimbo's every year is that the surrounding area offers some of the best dining in San Francisco. As some of the Glass Packs sport long-standing credentials as true city boys with the real low-down on high quality dining in the North Beach area, we thought you might be interested in some of our suggested dining possibilities for you before our show. (That is, if you don’t tailgate.)

Bill Lazzaretti (aka Rocco Vaselino, the pride of North Beach), came up with tons of recommendations for fine dining as he reminds us that Columbus Street has plenty of great joints, as does upper Grant.  Some of the Laz's new faves include one of North Beach's newest and hottest joints, Tony's Pizza Napoletana, corner of Stockton and Union (Full bar, award winning pizza and more) and DiMaggio's is across the street and has happy hour from 5 to 7 daily, which is perfect for seeing our show.  Laz also reliably recommendsthese three: 1. Piazza Pellegrini at Columbus and Filbert, 2. Original Joe's at Stockton and Union, and Trattoria Contadina.

Bob Sarlatte, (The Big Fella) chimes in:

"Since Rocco Vaselino (Bill Lazzarretti) hails from North Beach originally and still has a pad there, I might usually leave the restaurant reviews in the Bimbo's area to him; but The Big Fella has been known to cut a fairly large swath in the Sts. Peter and Paul area himself--having coached basketball at Salesian for five years, and enjoyed many post-game gustatory delights...

"One of my favorite spots, and perfect for a "Butch" pre-show appetizer or two, is Rose Pistola at 532 Columbus near Union. My daughter Annette (a vegetarian) and I loved the hot and cold antipasti which included Roasted Beets with Grilled Radicchio, Treviso, and Aged Asiago ($11), the Bruschetta with Grilled Asparagus, Stracchino, Prosciutto, and Truffle Oil ($13), and the Chickpea Farinata with Nicoise Olives, Caramelized Onions and Sage ($9). The pastas are also nice, Nettle Ricotta Ravioli ($19)...and the wine selection by the glass is pretty extensive.

"You can take in the sights outside if the weather cooperates, and the crowds should be manageable during the 6PM hour before the "Bimbo's Lineup!"

For those who may prefer the fringes of North Beach, Jerry Murphy (Butch Whacks) likes the Presidio Social Club, and the Brazen Head near Union Street ("they serve the Wolfman Jack diet — thick steaks trimmed with fat and biskets, baby, biskets"), as well as Liverpool Lil's (near presidio at Lyon near Lombard.)

For those who are scrambling to make it to the show direct from work, the crew at Bimbo's want us to remind you that they will be offering some food before our show. The menu includes Rigatoni al pomodor, pizza margherita, patate fritte and the ever-popular salsiccia panino.

After the show, you can’t go wrong grabbing a wind-down nightcap at LaRocca’s (a San Francisco institution for 80 years -- and I think we've been part of almost 40 of it) across the street from Bimbo’s. Or head down to Gino & Carlo’s on Green & Columbus.

One last thing. Remember, this year we are starting our show at 8pm with doors opening at 7:00.