Awesome! Thanks all.

Speaking of CP there are some changes being made with the chefs.

http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/blog...-panisse-chef/

There are too many fine choices in the City to go across the Bay to Chez Panisse, if you only have one night, IMHO.

You could browse through this list:

http://www.sfgate.com/food/top100/

I suggest you visit www.opentable.com You will find an open 7:30 through them at Fleur De Lys.

One advantage of opentable is that they will show you the website of the restaurant and/or the menu.

Another great place is Ame, at the St. Regis. The second restaurant by the great Hiro Sone, of Terra fame in St. Helena. You might run into Willie Brown, who lives at the hotel.

Go to your local bookstore and peruse a Zagat for SF. That will help with alternatives.

Another possibility, Quince--my favorite birthday celebration place. Also second Stu's recommendation of La Folie and Acquarello.

Omg Rastaguy! I just booked it! When I booked yesterday on Opentable, 8:45 was the best I could do! They must have had a cancelation.

Thank you so much for checking!

Btw, I have an online subscription to Zagat, which I use frequently.

Thanks again!

Wow, am I stupid! I just booked a table with them for tonight! Still, no 7:30 for the 27th.

Have you tried to call them?

I forgot about Quince - by best SF dining experience in 2011. That's where I went for my birthday.

Stu Dudley

Dayenu, you're brilliant! I did call, and shaved 15 minutes off the time.

I've narrowed my picks to Gary Danko, Fleur de Lys, Chez Panisse Cafe, and Aziza. I'll let you know where we end up!

Thanks for all the help.

<i>DebitNM on Apr 5, 12 at 9:31am
CALL Chez Panisse, they don't put all availability on Opentable. I would also suggest that for any place that doesn't show availability on OT.OT is great for convenience of booking online, but most restaurants keep tables for phone reservations.</i>
----

Always call if you don't see time slot you want. This goes for any restaurant, in any city.

FYI- Opentable will not let you make multiple reservations for same date and time, [2 hours or less]

Although I have to agree with the recommendation of Ame. Really great food and a very lovely space.

I'd recommend Park Tavern in North Beach. It's new and noteworthy!

>>I'd recommend Park Tavern<<

Most disappointing meal I've had in the last year.

Clam chowder with about 3 clams & no clam broth. It was mostly caramelized onions. I only had half the soup - and I love clam chowder. The person sitting next to us had the chicken, and I'm glad I didn't order it (actually, I almost never order chicken in a restaurant - I want something unusual & different). I had the pork chop - which I never order, but there really wasn't anything "unusual & different" on the entire menu. The pork chop was just sitting there on the plate - no creative sauce, coating, etc. I only ate half of it. My wife had the hamburger. I've never seen her order a hamburger before (married 40 years), but she couldn't find much of interest on the menu either.

My smoked shrimp appetizer was great, as was my wife's deviled egg. The restaurant's ambiance & service was excellent.

Stu Dudley

I'd also recommend Gary Danko; if you are able to get a table there, ask for a 4 seater, so you can sit next to each other. We had a 2 seater & had tables very close on either side of us, so it was a bit hard for quiet conversation as the restaurant is lively.

I did read about someone saying that they went to Gary Danko & sat at the bar & had their meal as there weren't any open tables; not the most romantic, granted, but if you wanted to try the menu, it would be doable.

I meant to say we had a 2 seater & were seated across from each other; we say another couple at a 4 seater that were seated next to each other, & it just looked a lot more comfortable for them to carry on a conversation, share a meal, etc.

<<<& it just looked a lot more comfortable for them to carry on a conversation, share a meal, etc.>>>

that's funny...I absolutely hate sitting side-by-side with my dining companion!

Well, I let DH pick, and he has chosen Fleur de Lys. We've wanted to go for a long time.

Thanks for all your input.