Out of the Park and Into the Outer Lands

Rai, we've mentioned countless times on this blog how much we appreciate and utilize the parkland that can be found in three out of four cardinal directions right out our front door. We haven't yet mentioned what happens when we cross that parkland and come out on the other side.
Going west, if we try to go beyond the sands of Ocean Beach, we'll end up swimming in the Pacific Ocean. Going north, if we attempt to go beyond Lincoln Park and Lands End, well, we'll fall off a sheer cliff and plummet either to our deaths or, at the very least, break some bones.
Going south, however, there is life beyond the green. A nearly direct forest path, along the shores of some lakes, through a grove of giant eucalyptus and past a playground you'll surely get to know, brings us out of Golden Gate Park and into the Sunset District. Continuing straight on for a mere two blocks, we arrive at Outer Lands (outerlandssf.blogspot.com), which describes itself as a gathering place for sea goers who seek warmth, shelter, food and fellowship.
We've been eyeing this restaurant for a few months now and, just a few weeks ago, finally decided to give it a try. The all-wood interior with walls covered in greyed, distressed boards and counter covered in driftwood attracted us in, the food convinced us that we'd returned. Your Mom and I agreed that next to famous Millenium, this was the best restaurant food we've had in San Francisco. Fresh, organic, simple, the food has a 'homemade' taste that is hard to find in restaurants.
A week later, we were back for more warm tomato soup and in-house baked bread with giant cloves on roasted garlic. Another week passed and we found ourselves wandering through the Park, heading there once again to meet your Grandparents for an end of the week dinner out. This is the kind of place we could visit often. Let's hope the Outer Lands remains open for years to come so that when you seek a place to get out of the fog, to warm up and to enjoy some fellowship with your friends, this restaurant is there, doors open, waiting for you to emerge from Golden Gate Park and into its welcoming interior. And, when someone asks you, "what are you grateful for?", you can honestly answer: "For restaurants like these where I can get some hearty and healthy food for the same price as a Super Meal at some fast food joint."