Getting the Full San Francisco Experience With Hana Zen

Oh, San Francisco! What an amazing city! As someone from the Midwest, I was amazed at this charming city when I tagged along with my husband for a business trip. The city is a perfect mix of modernity and quirky traditions. The tall buildings stand side by side with the world’s most famous Chinatown. The Bay Area and Fisherman’s Wharf are perfect locations for a some strolling, sightseeing, and picture taking. For a day steep in history, one can go to Alcatraz, which was until its closure, the most secure prison in the world with allegedly zero escapes, or ride a cable car, the first of which ran in the late 19th century.

I know I may sound like a naïve out-of-towner tourist who’s in awe of such a big city, but the truth is, San Francisco is really one nice place to go to. As my husband was busy with all the matters he had to finish for business, I had a grand time exploring the city. I shopped ‘til I dropped, got fascinated by the sights, and savored the sounds of this wonderful place. But then, as business hours ended, I expected (and of course, told my husband) to be wined and dined, San Francisco style. So, I told him to better regale me with a memorable dinner at the water front to really complete my wonder SF experience. I don’t think that’s too much to ask, right?

I could tell hubby was a bit pressured to take me somewhere that would be up to my expectations, which weren’t that much before I touched down San Francisco, but are now quite high after getting a taste of the city. The city has some of the best restaurants in the world, so I think any girl would have great expectations when sampling the culinary treats of a city like San Francisco, right?

My husband picked me up from the hotel we were staying and told me we were going to Hana Zen, a restaurant on Pier 39 one of his San Francisco associates recommended to him. Immediately, I have to say I was impressed by the location and look of the restaurant. The panoramic views as seen from the place’s windows were just breathtaking! That’s one point for San Francisco!

Then, it was time to order. I have to admit, my taste in food is not that refined, so I am quite easy to please. But at the same time, I am not the first person you would think of as someone adventurous when it comes to eating. So, I tried a little of everything on the Hana Zen menu, from Goma-ae to the creative rolls and even some chic sake infused cocktails. I have to say, I didn’t want the exotic names to overwhelm me, and I just focused on the flavors.

And the flavors were great! I could really sense the restaurant was using fresh ingredients in preparing their food. With the right atmosphere, this sumptuous food, my dinner by the bay experience was complete. I was also informed that Hana Zen also has a restaurant in Union Square, perfect for casual dining.

Now, I can really say my San Francisco experience was complete, thanks to all the places I went to, and especially Hana Zen!

Japanese Food and a Romantic Date: A Unique Combination That Works

Are you looking for a place to bring your loved one for a date? As someone who has been through countless dates and romantic rendezvous, a dinner over looking the bay is actually a lovely idea.  Also, it does not need to be a holiday or have a special occasion to have a romantic dinner with your special someone.  Any day of the week is special as long as it is spent with the people who matter to us and the element of surprise will make the whole event all the more special. 

When it comes to a dinner date, of course, the quality of the restaurant is important. Aside from the restaurant’s ambiance it is the quality of what you will eat that will make any dinner special. The food served can be the make or break thing that will make the date unforgettable for either the right or wrong reasons.  In the Pier 39 area, I recommend a Japanese restaurant that you can try out.  Hana Zen Restaurant along Pier 39, M209 is its name.   This is one Japanese restaurant where you can bring your special someone for a date to enjoy both high quality Japanese cuisine and the beautiful sights.

You might find it unusual to bring your date to a Japanese restaurant. I say it really is not so. The restaurant’s ambiance is not too formal making it a great casual dining place, but still allows for an intimate, peaceful setting.  Some people would argue that Japanese restaurants have an all-too-formal ambiance, which is not really conducive for getting-to-know-you conversations. This is not the case for Hana Zen, as they also have a branch in Union Square along 115 Cyril Magnin Street.  They have a Yakitori station over at this branch, which is the perfect food that matches well with drinks and beer.  Having a conversation while letting your hair down a little and sharing this type of food is great, especially when you are still in the early stages of dating. 

However, for those who equate a romantic date with a restaurant that’s all about ambiance, their Pier 39 branch is the best option.  Having dinner by the bay is really romantic, and it can become more special when the food served is of the highest quality.  From the quality of the ingredients to the presentation of the food served, Japanese cuisine does have high standards. Let me assure you that food quality will be the last of your worries when dining in Hana Zen, so you can worry about other things like how you’re doing with the conversation or if your date keeps on checking his or her phone or the clock.  

Having dinner at the waterfront in Hana Zen is surely a romantic date you can enjoy with your special significant other.  Because Japanese food is all about presentation, you can be assured that there will be no awkward moments between you or your date.  So, if you want to have the perfect romantic ambiance with the best table and food in town, check out any of the two Hana Zen Restaurant branches and for sure, you won’t regret bringing your date there. 

Turning your Ordinary Day into A Special One at Hana Zen Restaurant

Thinking of impressing your loved one when going out? A dinner over looking a panoramic bay will actually be something notable.  However, you do not need to have a special occasion to enjoy a romantic dinner with your special someone.  Any day can be special as long as you spend it with your loved ones.  A simple dinner can be made special with the restaurant’s ambiance.  It is the quality of the food will make it a special night for the both of you because it is the highlight of the night.  If you are in the Pier 39 area, you might want to check out Han Zen Restaurant at their branch at Pier 39, M209, by Beach and Embarcadero intersection.  This is one Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy high quality Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank.

Hana Zen in Pier 39 serves nothing but excellent Japanese food anyone would expect like Sushi, Maki, and Sashimi, among others. This is what makes this restaurant versatile as you can find a wide variety of dishes enough to satisfy your Japanese food cravings.  This restaurant is also a great place to hang out because of its laid back ambiance.  You can hang out here with your officemates and let the stress out after a long day’s work in the office. Dinner at the water front will surely be enjoyable especially when spent with friends.

For those who want a place closer to the city center, Han Zen also has a branch over at Union Square in 115 Cyril Magnin Street.  There is no need to worry as you can expect the same consistently great quality of the food served to you.  They are also open for lunch and dinner at this branch so this is also a perfect place to meet up with friends over a quick lunch.  Also, being near the city center, it is a great place to have dinner with colleagues after work because of its location.  It is located right in the heart of the city in Union Square near the business district, which makes it very convenient. You might be one of the lucky ones whose office is just several steps away from the place. It is not just a great hangout place but can also be a place to set up your client with a lunch meeting.

Han Zen in Union Square specializes in Yakitori.  These are little pieces of meat and vegetables skewered on barbeque sticks and then grilled and basted with a special sauce. The Japanese take this food with drink and share it with friends.  Having this is perfect if you prefer a casual dining setting experience.  The chefs here have perfected the art of grilling these little treats and they can make you eat several sticks of it in one sitting without you noticing it. 

For those who want to have dinner at the Pier 39 branch, calling in advance to reserve a table is recommended.    It is advisable to call them early so that you will get the best spot right by the window, which looks out into the sea.  With an uninterrupted view of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, this is surely the perfect and most romantic spot.  You and your date will surely have a great time having dinner by the bay while enjoying the spectacular views.  Any ordinary dinner date will surely become special because of the place and the food served in this restaurant.