Started in 2002 by 29-year-old chef and owner Justine Miner, rnm is a swank yet cozy tribute to "small plates" of American food with slight French and Italian twists. Miner, who named the restaurant after her late father, studied the culinary arts at the Culinary Academy, then honed her craft in a variety of roles at Postrio, Globe, Cafe Kati and Dine.

She chose the Lower Haight location because of its "neighborhoody" feel, and because it's an area where she likes to spend time. Since she opened rnm's doors, the restaurant has been written up in variety of major publications and has been called everything from "hip" and "swank" to "delicious." The San Francisco Chronicle named Justine Miner as one of 2003's "Rising Stars," saying "Miner has a talent for combining flavors and textures to bring out the best in her ingredients."

--The Chronicle's 2003 Rising Stars