High-End Food Court: Where to Find Not So Fast Food in San Francisco

March 14, 2010 10:43 pm

High-End Food Court: Where to Find Not So Fast Food in San Francisco

Picture your local mall's food court. On one side you have Panda Express, across the way Burger King, Sbarro and, of course, Hot Dog on a Stick. But modern times and palates have evolved traditional fast food choices and many shopping centers have thankfully embraced gourmet. At the Westfield San Francisco Centre, you can find a diverse assortment of cuisines that don't involve deep-frying or their employees muddling a bucketful of lemons with a giant pogo stick. On a break between two 3-hour voiceover classes, I decided to try Catch Isle and their Grilled Salmon with Tarragon Spinach Risotto.

My food was ready within 10 minutes of placing the order but it didn't taste like it was made in a hurry. The salmon was tender with a slightly crispy sear from the grill and beautifully presented atop a bed of creamy risotto. I could taste a hint of butter, olive oil and pepper on the fish. My first bite had me swooning and mumbling "Oh my gawwww...." around my fork. Then I dove into the risotto, strewn with thick leaves of spinach and tarragon. A string of earthy Parmesan trailed from plate to fork. The rice was perfectly al dente and had just the right amount of "chew."

The portion was generous but at $10.75, the price was definitely smaller than comparable restaurant cuisine. Tip: While you'll give up ambience this quick dining destination, you'll get a delicious and healthy meal that your wallet and watch will love.

Catch Isle
845 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-1923
415.882.1699

Photo credit: Cia Court Rosenberg

� Written by Cia Court Rosenberg

< PREVIOUS ENTRY NEXT ENTRY >

Tags : Westfield Shopping Centre San Francisco, Catch Isle, Hot Dog on a Stick, mall food court, upscale mall food, Sbarro, Panda Express, Burger King, Cia Court Rosenberg, Behind the Burner, Hot Dog on Stick lemonade, salmon risotto