Pagaloc: Seven Course of Beef

I can forgo meat. I have done it occasionally for years at a time. One winter in Lithuania broke me of the no-meating for years at a time. Nothing like some purple bruises from a hug to make sure you re-think potatoes as your sole go-to food.

A friend of mine was celebrating her birthday and a bunch of us were having some issues with, well, having to shell out cash for dinner and drinks. Something about the universe ensures that all of my ladies and I seem to have monetary issues all at the same time. Anyways, what are hungry ladies on a budget who need to celebrate their long-time friend's arrival in this world to do? Go to Pagaloc. It's in the TL, cheap and mildly upscale—so when you are waiting for a table and half the group is outside you feel under-dressed and cold and that your shoes are too high and once inside you think, "Man, I look good tonight," after you sit down and the door stops flapping. Anyways, the raison d'être is the Seven Courses of Beef. Or at least we thought it was until the nicest man on this earth introduced himself to us. I had mentioned while on my way to using the loo that we had a birthday girl in tow and therefore needed a little candle on something. The chef came out and thanked all of us for coming. He was such a sweetheart. But I can't be bowled over my personality alone—I am nothing if not judgmental so let me tell you about his food.

It was fantastic. I know it sounds hokey, but I have always felt that you just can taste love in food. When I have been unhappy, stressed, or worried, it always comes out in my food. Always. When I am happy and feel love I am such a good chef. This man has the cook-style down with getting orders on the table in a timely manner, but you can't fake being a chef and that is what he is. A creative force that is doing what he does best. The food is simple, fresh and tasty. Go here and cram some meat into your mouth.

Five Star Experience

Basics
Pagaloc.655 Larkin Street,(415)776-3234. Open 5pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 5pm-11pm. Closed Monday.