Bistro Ember

"Bistro Ember is a sultry Turkish spot in Noe Valley that works best as a last-minute weeknight date spot if you find yourself in this stroller-filled neighborhood. With dim overhead lighting, small table lights, and soft acoustic covers of Top 40 hits playing in the background, the dining room is a perfect backdrop for couples seeking to slow down and enjoy their meal after a long day. Servers spray raki perfume (a Turkish liquor in a spray bottle) on kampachi crudo with melon gel and deliver chickpea yeast bread served with a side of butter that’s shaped like a honeycomb. Unfortunately, the entrees are where the menu is the weakest. When you’re paying upwards of $40 for a piece of lamb that doesn’t taste like much, it makes more sense to just grab a cold and hot appetizer, get a glass of zinfandel, and stare deeply into the eyes of the person across from you. Food Rundown photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez Chickpea Yeast Bread Sure, honeycomb butter adds a bit of sparkle to this bread dish, but great butter can’t make up for the sadness of tough bread. photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez Fish & Raki A theatrical crudo that’s prepared with a tangy granita and sprayed with a raki perfume. Yes, it’s a show, but it’s delicious. photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez Manti Creamy, juicy, tender. Get these soft little pillows on your table. photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez Lamb Mutancana At $42 you would expect this slow-braised lamb to simply fall apart with one touch of your fork. Unfortunately, it doesn’t, and it’s pretty gamey as well, despite being slow-cooked for 12 hours." - Ricky Rodriguez