Alrighty then, here s my list of Italian restaurants to try both casual and upscale: L’Osteria del Forno, Little Italy Ristorante, Caffe Macaroni, E’Angelo, Incanto, Delfina, Acquerello. Also, based on reviews, these sound good: Antica Trattoria, Rivoli, Oliveto.

I also put together a list of Chinese/Dim Sum restaurants to try: Yank Sing, Ton Kiang, Jai Yun, Koi Palace.

Will also explore funky restaurants like Chow, Canteen, Foreign Cinema.

Now, how about the revered restaurants like Chez Panisse and French Laundry? I ve never been to these. My impression based on reviewers in forums is that yes, they deliver. Is Gary Danko top echelon? Every restaurant has its ups and downs but in reviews by visitors in forums Gary Denko seems to evince more feelings of disappointment and overhypedness. Likewise Zuni Caf�, which gets a lot of praise for its roasted chicken.