The story that one should tell started when I arrived at the hotel at night to see the room’s phone flashing red light. A message for me I said to myself? That has never happened before unless the reception needs to tell me something... but I was just coming from the reception!
To my biggest surprise, I heard someone speak Lebanese! “Hello Anthony, I’m Georges, one of your biggest fans, I know you’re here for the week, and I’ll be delighted to invite you for lunch!” Wow! That was nice hearing: Georges. But the story was just beginning...
Georges arrived at my hotel at 7 am, intrigued himself to me and asked to pick me up the same afternoon for lunch. I was so excited! This is where we met all together, Georges and two of his friends to have lunch at Zarzuela, one of San Francisco’s Best Spanish restaurants owned and managed by a Lebanese.
A square restaurant feels like Spain; Spanish decoration and Catalan influences, Zarzuela is experiencing Spain in San Francisco. It’s not only the decor but the food as well; Amazing grilled eggplant with goat cheese. Premium quality thinly sliced Jamon Iberica ham. Grilled squid with spicy chili pepper. Poached octopus on a bed of potatoes cooked with olive oil and salt. The signature Paella few succeed to do. Super tender lamb chops, sliced potatoes, end notes of spiciness.
Great food is served here, the best Spanish restaurant in San Francisco is managed and owned by a Lebanese! I felt proud.
