chapter 1

This is not a restaurant review. Stars will not be distributed to critique food quality, rate ambiance, or applaud service; rather, this is the documentation of an experience – my journey to superstar chef Hubert Keller’s Burger Bar in San Francisco.

May 24, 2010 – the day started in Vancouver, BC, Canada on a dark, spring morning. It’s 4.30am and I’m headed out the door. This is not normal, but I’m off on an uneventful drive to Bellingham, Washington to hop on a discounted flight to San Francisco. I don’t think I’ve ever been to San Francisco but according to my parents I have… nonetheless, my memories of the city are limited to images on postcards and fridge magnets.  

The day had been long, eventful and delicious. After a sampler cone of ‘tasty salted pig parts’ washed down with Snapple juices at the Ferry Terminal building, crab cakes at Fisherman’s Wharf, and a piece of Ghirardelli chocolate, I arrived via the iconic Rice-a-Roni trolley cable car to esteemed chef Hubert Keller’s Burger Bar.