Mangarosa

1548 Stockton St. (between Columbus & Green)
(415) 956-3211
www.mangarosasf.com

Mangarosa never disappoints. So when J and I were looking for a fun, chill spot to grab a late dinner, we agreed that this was the place.

J started with the Warm Spinach Salad and of course, I stuck my fork in it. This salad was So good - the antithesis of healthy - topped with goat cheese, polenta croutons, grilled pears, caramelized onions and balsamic vinaigrette, yet it never felt heavy.

For my entree, I chose the House Made Gnocchi with roasted garlic, crescenza cream sauce and local wild mushrooms. I don't usually choose gnocchi because I'm usually stuffed after about three bites, but there is something special about the gnocchi at Mangarosa. Each dumpling has a crispy sear to it so the texture isn't the usual gnocci mush, but more of a crisp crust and gooey middle. And the mushrooms are clearly defined pieces. Each element of this dish holds its own.

J had the steak special with mashed potatoes. I'd only had the Brazilian Steak Réchaud before - which is a steak you cook and spice yourself at the table, so I was pleasantly surprised that the steak served out of the kitchen was a clear contendor to the novelty of getting to cook your own food. The steak was perfectly cooked - my favorite.

I will always come back here. Fun vibe, consistently good food, reasonable prices. And if you come on the right night, you can even get some ass with your meal (in the form of Brazilian booty-shaking dancers on Thursdays.) What's not to like?

The Verdict: Worth It Every Time