The Best Dishes Eater San Francisco's Editors Ate in May
There's certainly no shortage of excellent food to be found in San Francisco and the Bay Area — but there's plenty worth skipping, too. Luckily for you, Eater editors dine out several times a week (or more) and we're happy to share the standout dishes we encounter as we go. Broccoli pizza at The Laundromat
Unfortunately, it took me more than two years to learn Balboa Street's Laundromat had gluten-free pizza. The times I tried to go upon its maddeningly popular debut, I couldn't get in, giving up over time as I thought, 'Well, what can I eat at a bagels and pizza place anyways?' I'd go by in the mornings, grabbing a cup of Grand Coffee, ever curious as my friends wolfed the bagels. On a sunny evening, I finally ordered my gluten-free pie. Stupendous. Stupid springy and crispy at the same time, crackly bits of cheese on the base with light slices of fennel reigning above all the indulgent lordliness below. After the Brussels sprouts, the goat cheese was nutty and rich enough that I thought there was a base of tahini beneath the dish, and I could barely finish. Fortunately, I have reason to wait in line next time.
The Laundromat (3725 Balboa Street) is open for dinner Wednesday and Thursday 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 p.m., and Sunday 5 to 8 p.m.
— Paolo Bicchieri Devilish half chicken at Jules
Those who have attended Max Blachman-Gentile's pop-up, Jules, know very well the mastery of his pizzas, as he's toured them around town at various restaurants since 2023. Just this month, Blachman-Gentile opened his new permanent restaurant in the Lower Haight, and yes, the pizzas are amazing as always. But this location is also a chance to see Blachman-Gentile stretch beyond the pies. So I'm here to sing the praises of one of the (non pizza) showstoppers from a recent meal: this devilish half chicken. The nicely-salted, crisp, fried chicken skin is just the eye-popping start of this dish that employees in season vegetables and herbs — here, some snap peas and mint — along with deliciously-cooked chicken underneath. I was also truly impressed by the sauce, which packs a nice heat to it without being overwhelming, and it served as a nice accompaniment to the mushroom-loaded Fun Guy pizza on the table. If I may, while you're at it, don't skip the desserts: my dining companion and I split both options, including an incredible ice cream with chocolate shell and fennel pollen on top.
Jules (237 Fillmore Street) is open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
— Dianne de Guzman Squid ink fried rice at Le Soleil
Also in the Richmond District (can anyone tell I moved recently?) is the simple, unadorned treasure chest of a restaurant Le Soleil: This could very well be the lead ship in the west side's restaurant armada. The extended naval metaphor is in honor of this squid ink fried rice, crowned with tobiko as garlic and scallion dot the scene and encircle the dish. The chunks of squid are well placed throughout the elegant dome of rice, allowing for chew without texture overload. The pop from the fish egg and the crisp of the fried garlic provides further balance. Ordering the quail, flambéed table side, is a sharp move. Our server said he fires a ton of them every night. When you're a captain of San Francisco dining, that comes with the territory.
Le Soleil (133 Clement Street) is open Mondays 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
— Paolo Bicchieri Joojeh kabob at Lavash
As a food editor going out on the town often, when I dine with friends, I'm typically expected to be the one to pick the location. There's nothing wrong with that, as it comes with the territory, but what I'm usually interested in is where my friends love to go for a meal on their own. I have my own lists and (insane) Google map pins, but oftentimes when I force the decision on others, I find places that aren't yet on my radar. Such was the case at Lavash, a charming Persian restaurant on Irving Street, where I had a recent lunch this month. Letting my friend take the lead on ordering, it was a truly refreshing meal, including an herb-filled sabzi paneer platter, ghormeh sabzi, and this lovely joojeh kabob. Composed of chicken breast and thighs, the marinated meat sang against the grains of perfectly cooked basmati saffron rice. This friend, a regular, thankfully knew to ask if the kitchen could add zereshk, or barberries, atop the rice, which gave everything another dimension as we tore into each bite. Pairing with this food is a gorgeous space just bursting with flowers, and it's an all-around great place to drop in for a meal, and one I'll be coming back to in the future.
Lavash (511 Irving Street) is open from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
— Dianne de Guzman
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2 days ago
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The Best Dishes Eater San Francisco's Editors Ate in May
There's certainly no shortage of excellent food to be found in San Francisco and the Bay Area — but there's plenty worth skipping, too. Luckily for you, Eater editors dine out several times a week (or more) and we're happy to share the standout dishes we encounter as we go. Broccoli pizza at The Laundromat Unfortunately, it took me more than two years to learn Balboa Street's Laundromat had gluten-free pizza. The times I tried to go upon its maddeningly popular debut, I couldn't get in, giving up over time as I thought, 'Well, what can I eat at a bagels and pizza place anyways?' I'd go by in the mornings, grabbing a cup of Grand Coffee, ever curious as my friends wolfed the bagels. On a sunny evening, I finally ordered my gluten-free pie. Stupendous. Stupid springy and crispy at the same time, crackly bits of cheese on the base with light slices of fennel reigning above all the indulgent lordliness below. After the Brussels sprouts, the goat cheese was nutty and rich enough that I thought there was a base of tahini beneath the dish, and I could barely finish. Fortunately, I have reason to wait in line next time. The Laundromat (3725 Balboa Street) is open for dinner Wednesday and Thursday 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 p.m., and Sunday 5 to 8 p.m. — Paolo Bicchieri Devilish half chicken at Jules Those who have attended Max Blachman-Gentile's pop-up, Jules, know very well the mastery of his pizzas, as he's toured them around town at various restaurants since 2023. Just this month, Blachman-Gentile opened his new permanent restaurant in the Lower Haight, and yes, the pizzas are amazing as always. But this location is also a chance to see Blachman-Gentile stretch beyond the pies. So I'm here to sing the praises of one of the (non pizza) showstoppers from a recent meal: this devilish half chicken. The nicely-salted, crisp, fried chicken skin is just the eye-popping start of this dish that employees in season vegetables and herbs — here, some snap peas and mint — along with deliciously-cooked chicken underneath. I was also truly impressed by the sauce, which packs a nice heat to it without being overwhelming, and it served as a nice accompaniment to the mushroom-loaded Fun Guy pizza on the table. If I may, while you're at it, don't skip the desserts: my dining companion and I split both options, including an incredible ice cream with chocolate shell and fennel pollen on top. Jules (237 Fillmore Street) is open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday. — Dianne de Guzman Squid ink fried rice at Le Soleil Also in the Richmond District (can anyone tell I moved recently?) is the simple, unadorned treasure chest of a restaurant Le Soleil: This could very well be the lead ship in the west side's restaurant armada. The extended naval metaphor is in honor of this squid ink fried rice, crowned with tobiko as garlic and scallion dot the scene and encircle the dish. The chunks of squid are well placed throughout the elegant dome of rice, allowing for chew without texture overload. The pop from the fish egg and the crisp of the fried garlic provides further balance. Ordering the quail, flambéed table side, is a sharp move. Our server said he fires a ton of them every night. When you're a captain of San Francisco dining, that comes with the territory. Le Soleil (133 Clement Street) is open Mondays 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Paolo Bicchieri Joojeh kabob at Lavash As a food editor going out on the town often, when I dine with friends, I'm typically expected to be the one to pick the location. There's nothing wrong with that, as it comes with the territory, but what I'm usually interested in is where my friends love to go for a meal on their own. I have my own lists and (insane) Google map pins, but oftentimes when I force the decision on others, I find places that aren't yet on my radar. Such was the case at Lavash, a charming Persian restaurant on Irving Street, where I had a recent lunch this month. Letting my friend take the lead on ordering, it was a truly refreshing meal, including an herb-filled sabzi paneer platter, ghormeh sabzi, and this lovely joojeh kabob. Composed of chicken breast and thighs, the marinated meat sang against the grains of perfectly cooked basmati saffron rice. This friend, a regular, thankfully knew to ask if the kitchen could add zereshk, or barberries, atop the rice, which gave everything another dimension as we tore into each bite. Pairing with this food is a gorgeous space just bursting with flowers, and it's an all-around great place to drop in for a meal, and one I'll be coming back to in the future. Lavash (511 Irving Street) is open from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. — Dianne de Guzman Sign up for our newsletter.
Yahoo
3 days ago
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Mike Peters funeral will 'be like a festival'
Thousands of fans are expected to gather in Denbighshire for the funeral of The Alarm's Mike Peters. The musician and charity fundraiser died last month aged 66 after living with cancer for 30 years, following his diagnosis of lymphoma in 1995 and later having chronic lymphocytic leukaemia twice. The service, which will feature performances from musicians including Billy Duffy of The Cult, is being held in Peters' home village of Dyserth near Prestatyn on Thursday. His widow Jules said she hoped the funeral will be "rock and roll, like a festival". All welcome at Alarm singer Mike Peters' funeral My heart is forever broken, says Mike Peters' wife The Alarm singer Mike Peters dies aged 66 Frontman of The Alarm, Peters died on 29 April after being treated for an aggressive lymphoma - his most recent illness after three decades of juggling treatment with recording and touring. The group formed in 1981, sold five million albums and had 15 Top 40 hits including 68 Guns and Rain In The Summertime. Jules said her husband had always been so determined to recover that he hadn't planned much for his funeral. "I didn't like to bring it up too much in case he thought that I thought he was going to die," she said. "We did have a funny conversation once when he said 'if you keep talking funerals you're really damaging my confidence here'. So I stopped." About 150 people will attend the service at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan and a big screen will show the service to crowds outside. Reverend Gregor Lachlann-Waddell, vicar at the church, said: "The celebration befits a man whose life was marked by music, resilience, and unwavering hope." Peters' sons Dylan and Evan are expected to perform music as well as folk singer Dafydd Iwan and opera singer Rhys Meirion. Jules said it will be a reflection of her husband's life as a musician who performed all over the world alongside stars like Bob Dylan and Bono. "It is just going to be so rock and roll, like a festival and something that will go down in history for a long time to come." She paid tribute to the fans and friends who have lent their support, shared memories and offered condolences since the star's death. She also thanked the residents of Dyserth for their understanding as roads are closed to accommodate the funeral and mourners. "I think it's befitting for the man that came from Dyserth who became the rock star, travelled all around the world and always wanted to put the village on the map," she said. Jules said Peters' ashes will be buried in the churchyard across the road from the pub she runs with her sons. "What I really wanted was somewhere public, where everybody could come and pay their respects for the rest of time. That's what has brought me the most happiness and he'll be able to keep an eye on us. So this is perfect." The Manic Street Preachers, Simple Minds and U2 were among the rock bands who paid tribute to Peters following his death. Daddy 'will only have seven more years' Singer calls for stem cell donors as cancer returns Rocker reflects on how music helped him face cancer
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Charleston couple who renovated community laundromat surprised on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show' with big donation
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The owners of a North Charleston laundromat — considered a welcoming space for the local community — recently guest starred on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' and received a big surprise during the appearance. Erin and John Carpenter were invited to be guests after a show producer discovered Erin's social media and saw the work they were doing at Reynold's Laundry on Reynold's Avenue. The producer asked the Carpenter's to send in a short selfie video talking about their business and themselves. Initially, Erin tried to put the video off because she was nervous about appearing on a national talk show, but the show wanted them there and continued to check-in. With some encouragement from John, Erin went ahead and made the video. Things happened quickly from there, with the couple and Reynold's Laundry manager, Steve Palmer, being flown out to New York for the live show within the next two weeks. The night before Apr. 23, when the couple would appear on the show, producers gave them an outline of what Clarkson might ask, helping the couple prepare. The next day, Erin and John walked onto the stage and met Clarkson for the first time. 'It was very surreal because I was so nervous. It was just adrenaline, pure adrenaline,' Erin explained. 'She hugged me right away. She was so disarming, so kind, so nice. It was very comfortable talking to her. It wasn't scary.' The couple didn't face the national stage alone, however, as Erin's family flew out to support her by sitting in the live audience. 'They were like the first people I saw; it actually calmed me down, so it was less daunting than I thought,' Erin said. During the interview, the Carpenter's told their story of transforming a rundown laundromat and giving it a new life. The facility, renamed Reynold's Laundry, started as a place where locals could gather to do their laundry at an affordable price. Reynold's is known for hosting monthly free laundry days. On these days, they partner with local organization Kindness Army and offer food, music, and, most importantly, free laundry service. Arm and Hammer caught wind of the free laundry days at Reynold's and towards the end of the interview Clarkson surprised the couple with a $10,000 donation from the company in addition to a lifetime supply of Arm and Hammer Deep Clean detergent. 'I had no idea at all. They fully surprised us,' Erin said about the donation. With that donation, Reynold's can now guarantee a free laundry day to the local community on a monthly basis, but the couple still wants to partner with community organizations whenever possible and use the funds as a backup. So, how did the owners of a community laundromat end up on The Kelly Clarkson Show? It all started one day in 2022 when John was browsing BizBuySell and found a laundromat he wanted to check out. He mentioned the find to Erin, and the two went to do their laundry and view the space. 'It was definitely in really rough shape, and I was very out of my element, thinking this is overwhelming; I don't think we have the capacity to take this on,' Erin recalled. 'It just seemed like too much work for us.' While the Carpenter's had a history of renovating homes, a laundromat was an entirely different ballpark. Erin said she saw the place and felt overwhelmed, but John saw a challenge for the couple to take on. He convinced Erin and the couple bought the space with renovations starting in 2023. Fixing it up only took a few months and at the end of March, Reynold's Laundry was open for business. The Carpenter's were new to the area, though, and its longtime residents were hesitant to welcome newcomers at first. Knowing this, longtime laundromat manager Steve Palmer helped the Carpenter's build trust after deciding to stay on when the couple took over. 'I think they were scared… people were scared we were turning it into something that wasn't a laundry mat because it had been around for generations. It had been around for so long, and it's such a huge need in the neighborhood,' Erin explained. Steve, who has worked at the laundromat for 14 years, is the face of the business. He greets customers day in and day out and manages daily operations. 'Steve is central to the community; everybody knows him,' she added. Reynold's has come a long way since opening with its first free laundry day two years ago. The laundromat has turned into a community space where people can come for special concerts, birthday parties, dinner events, and more. 'We're genuinely friends with all these people. We get to see them and get updates and give them hugs,' Erin said. '… it's made our lives so much bigger, made our world so much bigger to have all these relationships. It's made our life much deeper and richer because of it.' Those free laundry days have transformed from a day for laundry into a day for fellowship, where people eat, listen to music, crack jokes over the microphone, or simply enjoy each other's company. 'There are so many people who have been involved with this story to make it what it is, and I think that's what I want to keep reminding people,' Erin added. 'It's been incredible and surreal… and we're just so thankful.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
