Al’s Place
Internationally inspired fare in the Mission District
In spite of its location – an unassuming corner in the city’s Mission District – chef Aaron London’s place stands out, not only for its deep-blue façade or inviting, fresh-faced interiors, but because of his anything-but-ordinary culinary offerings. The green pea curry with black lime cod and strawberry, and the fish mullet with preserved lime and garlic drip are just two essentials on a menu where veggies get top billing and meat-based choices such as duck with peach Al’s pastor sauce and pork belly with galangal soda and turnip are puzzlingly listed as side dishes.