 At AVA, the owners (who also own Marché aux Fleurs in Ross) are devoted to sourcing ingredients from within California’s “American Viticultural Area,” meaning that you’ll find salt from Sonoma, poultry from Petaluma, beef from Marin Sun Farms near Point Reyes, and an all-California wine list some 95 bottles strong. The décor is understated: burnt umber walls and dark wood tables give the space a warm feel, accented by a gnarled grape vine affixed on one wall and framed images of bucolic countryside on the other. Sink into high-backed chairs covered in dark ultra suede and enjoy some good local food. The first courses are worth making a meal of, including a plate of pan-fried pímenton de padron, a type of Spanish green pepper that is alternatively hot and sweet---like a culinary Russian roulette. Fried lengths of cardoon have a pleasant artichoke-like flavor and a light batter, and the olive aïoli that accompanies that small stack is nothing short of addictive. Entrées aren’t quite as exciting, though AVA’s interpretation of fried chicken, a confit leg and thigh fried to a non-greasy crisp, is very good---as well as good value. Order the warm chocolate cake along with your dinner (it takes 20 minutes to prepare). It’s better than most versions, and comes with a scoop of house-made ice cream. |
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Set the mood for love by reserving a table at one of the Best Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco, or view our list of Valentines Restaurants to find out which restaurants are offering unique menus just for February 14. Also, see who sets the standard for seductive dining across the country with our Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. list.
