Jessica Boncutter

Jessica Boncutter has had a big couple of months. In addition to cooking and directing the daily rotating menu at Bar Jules, her quaint eatery was just featured as one of Bon Appetit’s “Top Ten New Restaurants.” Bar Jules is a true neighborhood spot. You can’t make a reservation, the menu changes daily and features local and seasonal ingredients, and more often than not, you will actually see Boncutter in the kitchen or greeting diners as they stroll in. Her presence is felt everywhere, from the thoughtfully constructed salads to the bowl of peaches on the counter. These days, the restaurant occupies much of her time. But when she has an evening off, Boncutter spoke to me about her favorite local haunts and why she’s drawn to them.

Where are your favorite places to eat in the Bay Area and why? I can be a bit of an escapist, so when I go out to eat I like going to restaurants that transport me to another place. La Ciccia takes me to Sardinia. Shalimar takes me to Lahore or even London, taquerias on and around 24th street take me to Mexico City. I also love places that transport me to another time like Sam's Grill, The Tadich, Tosca and Swan's.

What’s your go-to meal (favorite thing to eat out)?  I know I am with many, many others here in San Francisco when I say Zuni Cafe. I've been eating there since I was twelve and started working there when I was nineteen. It feels very homey and comfortable to me but sophisticated at the same time. Where else in the city can you sit next to Richard Avedon and Maya Angelou at the same time?

What do you anticipate the next big food trend will be in the Bay Area? I'm bad at spotting trends, but this whole lunch counter/ truck/ take away trend seems to be taking off. Places like Chez Spencer and the Sentinel.  Seems like people are getting more and more creative with tiny spaces.

What restaurants are on your to-do list? Restaurants I would like to visit: I like the clean and simple look of Schmidts deli. I look forward to trying that. I can't wait for my friend Thad Vogler's place to open, Bar Agricole. I think that will be a fantastic addition.

For more info. on Jessica's projects: 

Bar Jules: 609 Hayes, St. (415) 621-5482. Check website for daily menu and hours of service.

For more info. on Jessica's picks:

La Ciccia 291 30th St. (@Church); (415) 550-8114

Shalimar 532 Jones St.; (415) 928-0333

Sam's Grill 374 Bush St; (415) 421-0594

The Tadich 240 California St; (415) 391-1849

Swan's: 1517 Polk St. (between California and Sacramento); (415) 673-1101

Tosca: 242 Columbus (between Pacific Ave. and Jack Kerouac Aly); (415) 986-9651

Zuni Cafe 1658 Market St. (between Franklin and Gough);  (415) 552-2522

• Also: Find out where other Bay Area chefs eat.