SFist Civic Center Eats: The Jury Goes to Lunch

Saigon Sandwiches (560 Larkin at Eddy): These fresh Vietnamese sandwiches called banh mi are tasty and cheap, for under three dollars a pop. Each banh mi is made on a fresh, soft, airy and slightly crusty baguette. Then it’s filled with slices of pork, shredded carrot and a smidgen of jalapeno. Since there are no tables, enjoy the Civic Center plaza sunshine and spectacle of septuagenarians stretching and exercising, joined by bureaucrats, kids, and tourists walking about. Hey, you may even catch our handsome mayor!

Max’s Opera Café (601 Van Ness at McAllister): You’ll perk up when you hear the singing waiters at this spacious restaurant. While it may feel like martini time, avoid Max’s potent yet delish martinis. Imbibing almost guarantees you shutting down or snoozing in court, a huge no-no. Get a soda, iced tea or strong coffee instead. Although there is pasta, soup, chicken, veggie and low carb fare, salad, steaks, and burgers, we are a sucker for the Max’s Famous (Corned Beef) Reuben with sauerkraut, 1000 Island dressing and Swiss cheese or chicken matzo soup. Get a 7-layer cookie, macaroon or brownie to go and savor it during a courtroom break.

The Careme Room at the California Culinary Academy/Le Cordon Bleu (625 Polk at Turk)
Treat yourself to a culinary show as you watch student chefs work in demo kitchens surrounding the spacious barrel vaulted dining room. Book your lunch reservation (415-216-4329) for the Careme on Thursday or Friday, when you can sample a huge buffet with gourmet items prepared by aspiring chefs with supervision from their instructors. Items include: cheese, fruit, carved meats and charcuterie, seafood, appetizers (poached pear with foie gras=our idea of heaven!), pasta, salads, and more. The dessert station has tartlets and cakes that are small, sweet, and a great way to end the meal.

Hayes Street Grill (320 Hayes near Gough): For a wide range of seafood skillfully prepared, this is the place. Chef owner Patricia Unterman is big on sustainability and freshness, and her dedication comes through with every dish served. Call ahead for a reservation (415-863-5545) or grab a seat at the bar. Let your server know you are crunched for time, and order grilled (halibut, skate, and salmon all shine) fish with lemon caper butter or extra virgin olive oil. Try their outstanding frites or a salad if you are a healthier eater than we are. There are six sauces to choose from and they are served on the side. Goat cheese or Farmers Market Chopped salad and oysters are other great lunch options.

Mint Café in the Courthouse (down the hall from the jury assembly room) has coffee, sandwiches, and snacks to help you survive jury duty throughout the day. Lots of attorneys sit and consult with clients on hard chairs, and it’s brightly lit. One advantage: the café staff is startlingly friendly and perky, and the coffee was strong enough to warm us up and keep us focused, Law & Order SVU style.