Chef Laurent Manrique's Guide To San Francisco

Laurent Manrique is no stranger to high-class cuisine. His sophisticated palate and cooking expertise were inspired not only by his upbringing in France but by his youth spent preparing delicious meals (like his signature "pot-au-feu" found on nearly all his menus) with his grandmother.

Named Bon Appetit’s Rising Star Chef in 1998, Manrique's culinary career has flourished over the years, and he now has a wide array of culinary accolades under his belt. Today, he is the chef and owner of several acclaimed San Francisco restaurants including Café de la Presse, Blanc et Rouge, Aquitaine Wine Bistro and Herlen Place.

The talented chef has lived in San Francisco for almost two decades and finds the diversity, international culture and the fantastic farmers' markets to be among his favorite things about the city. While he always enjoys being in the kitchen or expanding his winemaking expertise, you can also find Manrique indulging in dessert at Craftsman and Wolves or hiking near Golden Gate Park. Check out some more of his favorite spots around the city:

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What neighborhood do you live in? Since I arrived in San Francisco, I've lived in Marin County, Mill Valley, and Tiburon.

What’s your occupation? Chef, restaurateur and winemaker

Describe San Francisco in three words: Great lifestyle. High-quality food and wine. Becoming a new tech city.

What’s your favorite overall San Francisco restaurant? Piperade, Saison and all my restaurants, of course.

Best sushi: Sushi Ran in Sausalito

Best Italian food: Cotogna

Best dessert: Craftsman and Wolves

Best pizza: A16

Best spot for a quick lunch: Café de la Presse

Best spot for a romantic date: Acquarello

Best glass of wine: Blanc et Rouge and Herlen Place

Best Sunday brunch: The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Best spot for a power business meeting: The Four Seasons Bar

Best cup of coffee: Nespresso Café on Grant Avenue

Best steak: Boboquivari's Steak House

Best spot for a craft cocktail: Bar Agricole

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? Taj Campton Place Hotel. It's a nice boutique hotel in Union Square.

Best gym or fitness studio: Hiking outside in San Francisco, near Golden Gate Park

Best spa: Evo Spa

Favorite charity event or organization: Transfer Alliance Project (TAP) at UC Berkley and History and Culture of Tibet.

Favorite cultural event: San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration in June

Favorite cultural institution: Legion of Honor Museum

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Los San Francisco? SFMOMA and de Young Museum

Best historic or iconic San Francisco landmark to see or explore: Hotel Clift

What’s your all-time favorite spot in San Francisco? Have a great burger at In-N-Out. Have a drink at Tadich Grill.

The best aspect of San Francisco is: The diversity, weather, international culture, fantastic farmers' markets and the open-minded people.

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More city guides from notable San Franciscans:

• Blogger Kelly Huibregtse's Guide To San Francisco
• Rich Table Chefs Evan and Sarah Rich's Guide To San Francisco
• 'Allie Eats' Blogger Allie Tong's Guide To San Francisco

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Image Credit: Laurent Manrique