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.

Romantic Dinner Ideas to Never Forget

The reality is, a lot of people are getting bored with the conventions society has imposed regarding dates. If you are bored with the usual dinner and movie routine when spending time with your special someone or even with someone new, be rest assured that you are not alone. Indeed, even if people claim that roses and chocolates never get old, it would sure be a surprise for that same person if she gets to be a part of something else. What that something else is, only creative people can really conceive and do.

Come to think of it, the conventional ideas regarding a romantic dinner can be quite funny. Imagine two people, getting into a romantic mood while having dinner, but having to be bothered with those tiny chunks of food stuck between their teeth because of the rather decadent steak they have eaten. Or what about having to bear the cold air conditioning of the movie house when the lady is wearing her rather sexy short dress? Not so romantic after all, eh?

So, here are some tips to make even the most conventional ideas for dinner dates click. Whoever is planning the date should remember that it is not really about having the most unconventional, unique, or adventurous the date idea as much as how the actual date would be executed. So, yes, good planning and delivery are as important as the idea behind the date.  For all we know, a casual dining restaurant can be a setting for something romantic, depending on the people going on the date.

·         Introduce the idea beforehand.

Surprises can be a killer of any romantic effort. Surprising people with something romantic can turn awry because it may render them ill-prepared, or worse, uncomfortable because they have dressed inappropriately. So, for example, if you planned on having dinner by the bay, tell your date to wear something long, as you’re going somewhere breezy. If she will be coming from the office and wearing something knee-length, that may kill the romantic ambiance of the bay when the chilly evening breeze kicks in. Prepare contingency measures. Besides, you just introduce the idea, not really spill everything in your plans. Tell enough details to spare anyone of awkward and uncomfortable situations.

·         Set the mood.

Know what your date’s idea of romantic is. A late evening dessert run or afternoon coffee in a quaint coffee shop can be as romantic as a steak dinner in a five-star restaurant. I had a friend who dated this rich guy, but ended up not seeing him again after they went to this posh dining venue. When the guy, started using a steak knife, my friend turned white and remained silent throughout the evening. That’s because my friend has a traumatic experience with knives. Thus, the mood must be set properly, which means you should know a lot about your date. Incidences of “How could I have known that?” should be avoided, or else the mood will be killed, big time.

·         Go for the less obvious.

Setting up something romantic means you have to avoid laziness. The thing about a lot of people is that they settle for the most convenient option, which almost ends up being a disaster. Go for a picnic at the park or dinner at the water frontinstead of the usual posh city restaurant. Go exotic like having Japanese cuisine instead of the usual Italian, which you can have any day. Actually, you can have both Japanese food and a picturesque water front date in Hana Zen, Pier 39 in San Francisco. The key is not go full blown weird, but give the familiar a tweak or two (as long as it’s okay with the date; remember the first and second tips), and re-discover romance!   

Big Appetites Go Hana Zen

Do you have a huge appetite? The type that cannot be satisfied with itty bitty servings served in posh restaurants? The type that can only be satiated with a huge, juicy slice of steak and a healthy serving of mashed potatoes? Well, that pretty much sums up me. I am not someone who gets satisfaction with snacks. I can only get my tummy’s fill with huge servings, and bite sizes are not my thing. Leave that to my wife or my kid, because I will definitely be grouchy the rest of the meal when I am given food in cute portions.

So, when my wife told me that she wants to spend some quality time having dinner at the water front in a restaurant called Hana Zen, I was surprised. Then, skeptical. Then, very worried. Hana Zen. That would be Japanese food, right? I must admit, I am no expert in food, but it does not take a chef or some cultured eater to know that food in Japan is not necessarily known for its large portions. Don’t they have those rolls that a grown man can just pop into his mouth and swallow in one go? Or those thin slabs of uncooked fish? Now seriously, how am I supposed to be satisfied with that?

I don’t want to overestimate my appetite or anything, but I just think it would take around 10 of those rolls to get me full. I know, you don’t really have to stuff yourself while having a romantic dinner as my wife would originally wish for, but my happiness was just at stake. Could I really enjoy the evening, even with such fancy surroundings and all (I do know Japanese restaurants are supposed to have this dainty Oriental decorations), but at the risk of sounding barbaric, I am an full-bodied adult man who expects every meal to fill the stomach more than any part of the body. And I don’t think those fancy cute rolls will do the job in satisfying my man-sized appetite, no sir.

So, right before going home to pick up my wife on our date, I did some sort of a cheat: I drove through the local diner and got myself some good ‘ole burger and fries. No way was I going through an evening with just a couple of rice rolls and slices of uncooked seafood. That just ain’t my style.  But at the same time, I don’t want to disappoint the wife with a dinner by the bay she has been harping on weeks. I have to be the pleasant, caring husband who will enjoy the sights and food instead of the grouchy one who will keep on asking, “What’s this?” every time something is served on the table.

So, we drove to this Hana Zen place on Pier 39, and I have to admit, the scenery was quite a sight. I thought to myself, this evening shouldn’t be a disappointment after all, with the cool view of the bay and my burger and fries already in tow. Then, we started ordering.  No, make that, she started ordering for the both of us and I let her while I wasn’t paying attention and I just continued admiring the view. The food arrived. She started us off with this kani salad. I thought, typical Japanese with the fresh stuff and those orange crab eggs. Nice, but nothing I’m used to. Then came tempura. Then, sashimi. Then, gyudon, then chicken teriyaki. I didn’t even notice the arrival of those rolls I had been dreading the whole time, which were apparently called maki.

Wow! There was a lot, and I mean A LOT of food, and most of them were actually cooked! By the time this dish called Hirame Usuzukuri was served, I was already pacing myself because I thought I would burst! Too much for thinking Japanese food is too fancy to make me full. It’s fancy all right, but it’s sure

Spectacular Views and Great Food at Hana Zen Restaurant

 

One of the ways that we can indulge in is eating great food.  Doing this at home is possible if you have a lot of extra time in your hands.  However, not all of us are lucky to have the indulgence of time and preparing our own food.  When you are pressed for time and would want to indulge yourself and your loved ones, the best way to go about this is to reserve a spot in one of the best restaurants in town.

You might think, who still has the money for that? It may definitely sound like an expensive idea, but it does not have to be.  There are great restaurants where you can have a romantic dinner without having to break the bank. Hana Zen Restaurant is one of those restaurants where it is possible to have a great time without thinking of the exorbitant bill.

When it comes to the preparation and presentation of food, the Japanese have very high standards.   Of course, taste is also an important factor when it comes to their cuisine.   Japanese restaurants prize the freshness of the ingredients they use for cooking.  This is why a great Japanese restaurant exerts a lot of effort so that only the freshest ingredients are included in the dishes they serve.   This is a factor that gives Hana Zen Restaurant the upper hand among dining places by the bay.  They make sure that they not only abide, but supersede these standards.

If a dinner at the water front is not possible and you would like a restaurant that is closer to the city center, their branch at Union Square along 115 Cyril Magnin Street is the perfect place to go.  You can expect the same high quality of the food that will be served to you.  They are open for both lunch and dinner at this branch.  It is also a great place to meet up with friends over lunch in for a quick getaway from the office or between running errands in the city or to have dinner with colleagues after work.

Aside from being a restaurant, the Union Square branch is also a yakitori restaurant, it is also a perfect place for those looking for a more casual dining place.  This makes it a perfect spot to unwind after a stressful day at the office.  To those who are not familiar, yakitori are skewered and grilled little pieces of meat and vegetables and basted with a special sauce. The chefs at Hana Zen Union Square are experts in the art of grilling yakitori. This restaurant is also versatile as you can also find other Japanese dishes not commonly found at most Japanese restaurants.

Calling in advance to reserve a table is recommended when you decide to have dinner at the Hana Zen Restaurant especially for their branch in Pier 39.  It is best to get in early so that you will get the good spot right by the window that looks out into the sea.  Their location is truly romantic because you have an uninterrupted view of San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.  You will enjoy your time with your loved ones having dinner by the bay.  For sure, the food, the place, and the ambiance will enchant you.

Japanese Food Myths, Corrected

When it comes to Japanese food and you swear by average intelligence, be warned! You may have a good number of misconceptions and notions that need to be corrected. If what you’ve heard or thought of Japanese food has discouraged you from dropping by Hana Zen Restaurant in either Pier 39 or Union Square, read on and get informed!

Misconception #1: Japanese food is the opposite of romantic.

A lot of people do not exactly have restaurants that serve Japanese cuisine on their minds when they think of places to have dinner at the water front or a quaint, intimate affair. As much as the Japanese aesthetic is naturally exotic and intimate, some people have this preconceived notion that Japanese food is not sexy at all, with its raw ingredients. They often argue, “What’s sexy about uncooked food?”

The thing is, uncooked food can be sexy and romantic! The freshness of the ingredients and the flavors, the simple but elegant preparation and presentation, and the absence of artificial ingredients definitely make Japanese food a great option for romantic cuisine. Besides, a good number of Japanese dishes are cooked as well. So, Hana Zen is definitely a great choice fora dinner by the bay venue. Not only are the tastes special and exotic, but the sights are breathtaking, too! Now, what could be more romantic than that?

Misconception #2: Japanese food is dangerous.

Well, there is an element of risk in some Japanese dishes, the most popular of which is the fugu or pufferfish. Eating pufferfish, aside from feeling weird because you are eating something that has a puffed face, is said to be highly dangerous because the fish itself has poison contained in its organs and skin. Nevertheless, it is regarded as a delicacy in Japan, but has to be prepared by an expert chef who knows to how to extricate the venom from the fish. But hey, a lot of people get the thrill from the knowledge they might end up in the hospital only minutes after eating the delicacy. Now, there certainly would be a weird ambiance in a romantic dinner with a rather morbid undertone, right?

But folks, be rest assured that fugu is an exception rather than a rule in Japanese cuisine. Just because quite a number of Japanese dishes are raw or have rather exotic ingredients does not mean you should think of having your last will and testament finalized while eating them. They have been enjoyed for centuries, and at Hana Zen, prepared to perfection.

Misconception #3: Japanese food is exorbitant.

Japanese food can indeed by a little pricey compared to other Asian food, for example, Chinese. While Chinese cuisine has capitalized on its ‘take-out’ convenience image to be more accessible to Westerners, Japanese cuisine has maintained a pronounced distance by always  being packaged as exotic and elegant.

But that does not mean that Japanese food is overly priced and elitist at all. A lot of Japanese food, especially sushi, traces its origins to simple and in fact, very humble roots. A good number of popular Japanese dishes were results of the ingenuity and resourcefulness the country’s people had to exercise when the country had to come to grips with the ravages of the 2^nd World War. Besides, Japanese restaurants like Hana Zen has branches that can be ideal sites for casual dining, like the one on Union Square. People can just enjoy the carefree atmosphere while feasting on delectable Japanese food.

We hope that we have opened your eyes to some ideas on Japanese food you might have been misinformed about. Do visit Hana Zen for excellent Japanese food set in beautiful locations.