If you're hungry for mussels and that back-alley Paris atmosphere, then visit Plouf. The Financial District restaurant features mussels prepared in eight different ways; clams get six different treatments. Order a side of crisp, hot, salty fries and you'll swear you've found nirvana. However, the appetizer and entree side of the menu shouldn't be ignored; the selections are top quality, and David Spanner's preparations are always interesting. Plouf has a charming seafaring look, with tile floors, a tin ceiling and corner fireplace. On warm days and evenings, large windows open onto the alley, which is filled with rows of tables.
Cuisine: Seafood Specialities: Mussels served eight ways; banana profiteroles. Seats: 55 Prices: $15-$24 Parking: Street (difficult) Vitals: 40 Belden Place (off Bush between Kearny and Montgomery), San Francisco; (415) 986-6491. Lunch weekdays; dinner Monday-Saturday. Full bar. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
