In San Francisco I am never worried about where my next good meal will come from. A good deal, on the other hand, is harder to come by. So, if you manage to find this elusive unicorn in a city of constantly escalating prices, you want to shout it from the rooftops.
Brunch is a favorite among San Franciscans, but even a modest meal of eggs and toast coupled with a breakfast libation can easily cost you $40 per peson. (Crazy, I know!)
On a recent outing with my friends, we decided to hit up Delancey Street Restaurant along the Embarcadero. The reaction upon opening the menu can be described as shock. Perhaps as only a city dweller can appreciate, there were mimosas for $3.95 and entrees from $4.95-6.95. With only a modicum of willpower, I had to try my best not to stock up for winter and order everything on the menu.
The food isn’t going to blow you away with its originality, but sometimes all you need are some eggs…not caged-free eggs with creme fraiche and julienned leeks. Delancey Street Restaurant does the basics well and for prices it is asking that is all you can ask for.
Post-meal I wanted to know more about Delancey Street’s story, and what I found is one that is rooted in charity and new beginnings. It is the training school of Delancey Street Foundation, the country’s largest self-help residential organization for people who are looking to rebuild their lives. After food costs the remaining money and tips go directly to housing, feeding and clothing the residents in the program. Furthermore, it uses the funds to teach them the skills and values to help maintain a drug and crime free life.
It feels good to find a good deal, but it feels even better to know that you are supporting a restaurant that is directly contributing to the betterment of the city and so many citizens’ lives. Talk about a real win-win.