U.S. Open week: Charlie Palmer's new restaurant a San Francisco treat

Seeing the best golfers in the world at the U.S. Open is certainly a treat, but seeing it in a place like San Francisco is a bonus. First off, if you’re like most people in this country, it’s a break from the oppressive heat of the summer. But most of all, San Francisco is one of the most interesting cities in the world.

So if you’re lucky enough to walk outside the ropes at Olympic Club next week, take advantage of what the Golden Gate City has to offer – great restaurants, incredible scenery, endless walks and some of the best people watching in the country.

I’m always amazed at how many new places I discover when I visit San Fran. On a recent trip that also included the fabulous Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay and the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco, I had the chance to try out several new restaurants.

One that impressed me is owned by world renowned chef Charlie Palmer. It’s at the Mystic Hotel on Stockton Street between Union Square, Chinatown and the Financial District.

Palmer, who owns the famous Aureole restaurants in New York and Las Vegas, as well as Charlie Palmer steakhouses and several other restaurants, recently bought and renovated the hotel and opened up Burritt Tavern restaurant, which has a sort of Speakeasy look with a modern feel. The venue has an open area as well as curtained booths for more private dining experiences. Headed up by executive chef Ashley Weaver, the staff churns out a menu with true farm-to-table freshness, including regional specialties like Dungeness crab and West Coast Oysters.

I had the grilled Duroc pork chop, which came with bacon bean ragout, mustard greens and sweet onion soubise. My dining partner had her staple, pan seared Scottish Salmon, and wasn’t disappointed. Dessert, as you might imagine, wasn’t too shabby either. And the bar had every drink you can imagine, including some local microbrews.

It’s a little pricier than the only In N Out Burger (tried that, too, of course) in San Francisco (at Fisherman’s Wharf), but worth it if you’re looking for a good meal and nice night in the city.