1550 Hyde Cafe & Wine Bar, Owners Peter Erickson and Kent Liggett's 36-Street Nook in Russian Hill - Closed

[AlliK]

We enjoyed our dinner at 1550 Hyde [Closed Aug 14, 2010] last week in the Russian Hill neighborhood. Small, neighborhood place with a fantastic wine list and wine flights program. The decor is nothing exciting, and some of the tables were a little close together for having much privacy - but the food/value made it worth the trip.

We enjoyed a simple, fresh arugula salad with meyer lemon vinaigrette, pecorino and almonds as well as a bowl of excellent ribollita for appetizers. As mains we shared the appetizer portion of the stinging nettle gnocchi (excellent - though there's only 5, so next time I'd order a double portion for an entree) and an excellent braised lentil dish with butternut squash and walnut pain levain breadcrumbs. The lentils were a highlight - very rich, a little sweet, and a huge portion. The waiter clued us in that the richness was due to a healthy dose of butter. We enjoyed the Loire Valley wine flight and shared the brown sugar pecan cake for dessert (this was the least exciting of the dishes).

The place was quite full, so a reservation is a good idea. They're on opentable.