New eats in San Francisco

Will it be sushi, Spanish, Mexican or California cuisine tonight? Whatever your craving, here's where to satisfy it.


1) Art's Tapas & Sushi Lounge


When you're hanging with a group of friends with varying cravings, it's sometimes hard to settle on one eatery to satisfy everyone. The new Art's Tapas & Sushi Lounge in San Francisco's Marina district, a short drive from the Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square, makes it easy.


At this hip lounge, consulting Executive Chef Taka Yamaguchi, formerly of the Bay Area's Blowfish Sushi restaurants, serves up a mix of small plates and libations that run the gamut from Spanish to Japanese and beyond. Enjoy grilled tofu ($7.50); Japanese-rice paella with vegatables and squid ink ($14); carpaccio with wasabi aioli on a bed of arugula and capers ($9); sushi, including "build-your-own'' rolls; and crema catalana ($6). There's also a full bar with draft beers, wine, sake, sangria and signature cocktails. Indulge in 99-cent oysters during weekday happy hours (5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing).


2) Show Dogs


Friday nights at Show Dogs in San Francisco just got even more fun and delicious; the gourmet sausage eatery that's a short walk from the InterContinental hotel has added some new bar bites to its menu.


Local saxophonist Cyril Guiraud performs every Friday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Relax to the live music as you enjoy new bar bites such as fried chicken wings; mini corn dogs; a fried chicken sandwich with lemon-cayenne aioli and homemade agave coleslaw; and a "Show Dogs Cheesesteak,'' made with thinly sliced rib eye, cheddar, and grilled onions and peppers.


Three new housemade sausages also have been added to the full, regular menu: "Organic House Merguez'' with fig chutney; "House Venison'' with cherry-apricot chutney; and "House Chicken Curry'' with apple-ginger chutney. Each is served on an organic, sesame seed hot dog bun from Acme Bread Company.


-- Carolyn Jung of FoodGal


[Photo credit: Art's Tapas & Sushi Lounge]