I love Delifina too, but always think of it as a place for special occasions due to the fact that it always seems to come to close to $100 for 2. I know I could eat for less there, but it's so good I always want to get an appetizer AND dessert, and some wine so it's not hard to spend $100.
I'm wondering, when you first went there and were "young, poor and hungry", was it more affordable back then? What are your thoughts on going to nice places and trying to eat cheaply? I find this hard to do, thus the "special occasion" status of Delfina.
Delfina's prices have gone up about $1-$3 per item since they opened in 1998. Not a huge increase by any means but an increase nontheless.
In terms of going to nice places and trying to eat cheaply, I can generally never get through an entire entree alone so I often share one or order an appetizer as my entree. At Delfina, I almost always order pasta. Dessert sharing is also an option. In the "young, poor and hungry" stage, we would share an app., both get pasta, share a dessert and have 1 glass of wine each. Not a bad meal, and we'd get out of there well under $100, including tax and tip.
Hope that helps!
1/03/2009 7:10 AM
It's no secret how I feel about Delfina. I've been known to forsake all others for her company, and sock anyone who dare speak ill of her.
Today is Delfina's 10th anniversary.
Ten years ago, when I was young, poor and hungry, Jon and I wandered into the new restaurant around the corner. From my first bite of ribollita I was smitten. I knew this would be a place that I would spend quite a few hours and dollars. At the time I had no idea what the future held: 6 week waits for reservations, James Beard awards and magazine covers.
Which makes it all the more amazing that after ten years I am always greeted with a hug, and there is always a place at the table for me. I'm not bragging. This isn't a testament to me so much as it is to Craig and Annie and the folks that run the restaurant. They are fiercely loyal to their regulars, something I feel truly sets them apart from many of SF's most acclaimed restaurants.
I have run to Delfina with exclamations of joy upon getting great news, such as the first time I heard Diner #3's heartbeat. And I have showed up at their door in tears, not knowing where else to go in a time of true darkness. Many of my fondest memories of both happy times and healing times were formed inside their four walls.
What is always astounding to me is that in addition to producing delicious food --food I could eat every day, food that inspires as well as comforts-- Delfina takes such good care of the folks that walk through their door.
Happy Anniversary, Delfina. You have always nourished my heart and soul as well as my belly. May you always enjoy the well-earned success that you have today.
xoxo Joy
"To eat is a necessity. To eat intelligently is an art." -- La Rochefoucauld
"Happy 10th Anniversary Delfina - A Love Letter"
2 Comments -
I love Delifina too, but always think of it as a place for special occasions due to the fact that it always seems to come to close to $100 for 2. I know I could eat for less there, but it's so good I always want to get an appetizer AND dessert, and some wine so it's not hard to spend $100.
I'm wondering, when you first went there and were "young, poor and hungry", was it more affordable back then? What are your thoughts on going to nice places and trying to eat cheaply? I find this hard to do, thus the "special occasion" status of Delfina.
12/31/2008 12:44 PM
Anon,
Delfina's prices have gone up about $1-$3 per item since they opened in 1998. Not a huge increase by any means but an increase nontheless.
In terms of going to nice places and trying to eat cheaply, I can generally never get through an entire entree alone so I often share one or order an appetizer as my entree. At Delfina, I almost always order pasta. Dessert sharing is also an option. In the "young, poor and hungry" stage, we would share an app., both get pasta, share a dessert and have 1 glass of wine each. Not a bad meal, and we'd get out of there well under $100, including tax and tip.
Hope that helps!
1/03/2009 7:10 AM