SFO

Brother in Law's B-B-Q. Corner of Divisadero & Grove (I think Grove is correct cross street)

Seattle

Spencers for Steaks , less than 1 mile from SEA

I'm surprised none of the board oldtimers have flamed you for not using the search function!

In SEA, you can't go wrong with steak at either Metropolitan Grill or El Gaucho--each as fine as any in the country (IMHO, they're the finest).

Elliott's serves exquisite Alaskan salmon and, if you're interested, an entire menu of oyster selections. Do try the Dungeness crab cakes as an appetizer. Nice location right on the waterfront.

In BKK & LHR great Thai restaurant called Mango Tree - part of the same group - google the name the LHR one def has web site - when we visited (2 weeks ago) there was a promotion offering 50% off food bills.

Mmmm, sounds good.

What does everybody think about these three:

- Boulevard, San Francisco
- Matsuhisa, Beverly Hills
- Sparks Steak House, New York?

Thanks.

I can vouch for La Pergola in Cavalieri Hilton Rome. Not often you finde a truly top-tier restaurant in a Hilton, but this is the real deal. You will have a fabulous meal but check your credit card limit before you come. It's a bit off the "beaten trail" (near Vatican, on a hill), but the view is unbelievable. If you go, make sure you time it to see the sunset.

While we loved our six days at the hotel, we were disappointed with La Pergola. The food just wasn't that exceptional given the astronomical prices.

SFO - Masa. Expensive, but fabulous.

In London, I would also recommend Amaya or Bombay Brasserie for good Indian food or for something a bit theatrical.. The Cinnamon Club which has an unusual and beautiful setting in an old library. Locatelli's restaurant is probably the finest Italian. A fabulous meal can be had for ���� at Blake's Hotel.

In Rome, I love Romeo e Agate - elegant with delicious food.

when are you going on your RTW?

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IMO very good sushi. However, I haven't been there for quite some time, as my wife feels that if we are thinking about going to Matsuhisa, we might as well go to Nobu in Malibu. She is not fond of the ambiance at Matsuhisa (which is quite generic). I guess I would say that if the drive to Malibu is traffic-lite, then it's worth the trip. If we hit traffic, I'd probably sooner be at Matsuhisa. Can't ever tell until we're on the road. My recommendation to you would depend upon where you are staying and how much time and tolerance you have for driving. If time is limited and you are staying in BH area or eastward, I would recommend Matsuhisa for sushi.

Another interesting option if you're looking for sushi is Sushi Nozawa in Studio City on Ventura Blvd. This is a very small storefront. It's closed on weekends! The sushi chef/owner is referred to as the "Sushi Naz1." The only option is Omakase, and you don't get any say. People who don't go along or question the chef are reportedly thrown out relatively regularly, including celebs. Very good, of course. There's also the place on 2 Rodeo Drive (ex-Masa, haven't been $$$$+++)

August!

SFO:

Thep Phanom - Waller and Fillmore in the Haight. Fairly economical Thai restaurant voted best in city for FOOD. Outstanding.

Indian Oven - across the street from Thep Phanom. Prawns Korma and Seekh Kebab are outstanding. Other standard dishes good also, but those two are phenomenal. Visitors from Delhi still talking about Prawns Korma at this restaurant.

BKK:

Rang Mahal - Indian restaurant voted best view in BKK. On top of Rembrandt Hotel. Barra kebab (Bone-in marinated Lamb) and Tandoori Prawns stand out. Often voted in top 10 restaurants (not top 10 Indian restaurants) in Asia.

SEA:

El Gaucho - Pricey Prime steakhouse - worth it. Bananas Foster offered for dessert.

Is it as good as Sparks?

The Sushi House in Alameda (near Oakland). Daily turn-over is high, hence fish is really fresh. If you have a party of four, order the BIG boat (about $100, not bad). Downside - you probably have to wait in line for 30 min to an hour on Friday night. But its worth it!