On a particular Saturday, I attended a birthday dinner of a close friend of mines. Arriving in front of a creamy peachy color building, I saw through the wall of windows, dim lanterns that hung from the ceilings provided the room with an orange light. On top of the building stood a large lighted signed with the words Firewood. Firewood Cafe is located between 18th St and Diamond in the Castro.

As I walked in, on my left stood a row of stoves and ovens where busy cooks were preparing orders. A large wooden sign showed what’s on the menu, consisting of gourmet pizzas, specialized salads, roasted chicken and handmade tortellini or pasta. Glancing over the menu, my eyes stopped on a plate that caught my immediate attention. A Dijon honey glazed chicken, with an imaginative description underneath it. I order half for eight dollars and 95 cents since I wasn’t quite hungry so or else I could have order a whole chicken for six dollars more. The cashier took my order and gave me a wooden star with my order’s number.

I examined my surrounding, spotting the yellow walls, the rows of wooden tables and portraits of simple grocery foods such as onions, cherries and even broccoli. I walked closer to see the portraits were on sale for a thousand dollars each. Shocked, I turned around as my friend guided me up to another surprise. The platform led to a whole new section of the restaurant in the back. It consists the similar surroundings and that’s where my dinner took place.

In about ten minutes, orders started to come in and all my friends seem to be served. Seeing a plate that matched my order, I thought that it must be mine. I questioned the waiter and showed her my receipt. She mumbled something for me to wait and never came back. I sat there waiting till someone brought up the fact that there’s half of a chicken that’s just sitting on the table. I looked at it and decided it was mine.

The plate was served with two slices of sourdough bread, sliced seasoned potatoes and the main meal, my Dijon glazed chicken. I bit into it and my mouth experience a mix of sweet, crunching and moist meat. The bread was dry, but then again I never much liked sourdough bread. The potatoes were nicely seasoned, but nothing unexpected. A moment later, the chicken and potatoes disappeared and along came a satisfied stomach.

 After dinner, we walked out into a different level, which led to another level and one more level in the main room where I ordered. Each level was filled with people at every table talking and socializing. The tables were far enough from each other that you would be able to carry a conversation with the person sitting across from you. It wasn’t loud nor was it quiet, and maybe it was just the lighting that soothes me, but I felt relaxed and calm. I didn’t feel rushed to leave or worried to speak too loudly. I walked out taking my time, my eyes searching for the slightest detail, I felt satisfied.

Next time you’re craving for a filling meal or just in the Castro district, give Firewood Café a try. The food is delicious, having to be seasoned and juicy. The price isn’t bad either, ranging the six to 15 dollars. Firewood provides customers with a relaxing, chill and clean atmosphere. It allows you to hold an important conversation, without worrying the table across from you is hearing every word you say. The service wasn’t great, but at least she brought the food. I hope that it isn’t regularly that they serve cold chicken. But despite the service, everything seemed flowed very nicely, the food, the atmosphere and the noise level. Overall, to my opinion I would rate Firewood Café a four out of five.