Slanted Door, 584 Valencia, at 17th Street, (415) 861-8032, serves Vietnamese cuisine.

Slanted Door is a modern Vietnamese restaurant and a real must.

Participants range from Pauline's Pizza, in the Mission District, to higher-end spots like Slanted Door and Absinthe.

The Slanted Door, 584 Valencia Street, Mission District; (415) 861-8032.

The Slanted Door in the Ferry Building for modern Vietnamese.

The Slanted Door is successful at least in part because there is so much family involvement; Mr. Phan is joined by no fewer than 18 relatives.

The Slanted Door (415 861 8032, www.slanteddoor.com) offers fresh, flavoursome Vietnamese cuisine.

The Slanted Door, 584 Valencia, near 17th; (415) 861-8032.

But I couldn't find the right location, and finally I took the space on Valencia where we built the Slanted Door.

After consoling seekers of his gray shallots (which are sold out) and delivering strawberries to the Slanted Door, Schirmer wants to show me his favorite farmers.