The ultrasophisticated small hotel of the same name helped put New American cooking on the local culinary map in the 1980s. Today, California-born chef Peter Rudolph continues that tradition with innovative dishes like king salmon with poached figs and chanterelles and suckling pig with chickpeas, roasted zucchini, and harissa, a Tunisian chili sauce. Dinner is prix-fixe only, but you may choose three or four courses, with numerous options for each, or a tasting menu. The dining room, furnished with caramel leather banquettes and fine linens, is surprisingly comfortable considering it's a high-end venue. The cozy, inviting bar offers more than a dozen specialty cocktails and some budget-friendly food from midday until 10:30.
Posted by jimcal from Sasn Francisco on 9/17/07
We've dined here many times and used to rate this one of the best restaurants in San Francisco, on a par with Michael Mina and Gary Danko. In May 2006 we had one of our best dinners ever; in May of 2007 one of the most disappointing. The new chef has ruined it. The prix fixe menu has very limited selections (beef is available only for tables of 3 or more) and odd prices (lamb has a $10 surcharge). Bizarre! We prefer small portions but not the tiny ones now served. Our captain tried hard but she was over extended with too many tables. We'll not be back until and unless they find a competent chef and manager.
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