Many patrons seem to do the Chef's selections, as it seems to be a big undertaking to do the custom menu, but I much prefer the latter. It takes a little time to read it all & take it all in, but so well worth it. While we were waiting for our table to be set, I had a glass of French Champagne, and of course, did not ask, but I must admit, while fabulous , was a bit surprised that it was $25.oo ! Ouch! Oh well, I suppose when you are dining at a place of this magnitude, one goes with the flow!
After being seated, the staff begins to bring you a few "complimentary offerings" from the chef- a lovely lobster bisque- No cream, just stock & some fresh herbs, and then a crispy silver dollar size potato cake topped with thinly sliced smoked salmon, caviar & creme fraiche'- wonderful.
We began talking to a very nice couple seated to our left, and we found out they were from back East (Connecticut) so we began comparing and discussing NY restaurants. As it turns out, their son in law is a chef in a restaurant in NY, and was on the top rated TV show "Top Chef". This was their first time at Gary Danko, so they were in for a treat, but because were talking, I have to admit I did not really take in the entire menu, so I cannot recall all the choices, but there are so many in each course.
I was torn between the appetizer of seared oysters, caviar and zucchini pearls, which intrigued me, the lobster salad with avocado and golden pear tomatoes, or the sweet corn soup with dungeness crab & creme fraiche' drizzled with chive oil. I had the soup. It was outstanding! The next course was fish- 10 choices, from salmon wrapped in translucent cucumber, to wasabi dusted tuna, to seared Branzino with gnocchi, asparagus, shitake mushrooms and fried capers, to risotto with shrimp and lobster, to the lobster with sweet corn, etc. I had the lobster- large succulent pieces of lobster meat over warm micro greens with sweet corn and I can;t even remember what else but it was incredible.
Next- The entree. I choose from the enormous assortment of meats, including medallions of Filet mignon , Veal, Lamb, Chicken, etc.- I had the Foie Gras stuffed Quail served with a cornbread pudding, wild mushrooms and a confetti of vegetables- it was outrageous!
The next course is a cart that comes to you table side with a selection of Farmhouse and Artisanal Cheeses- sheeps milk, goats milk, cows milk, etc. served with slices of nut & raisin studded black bread & a cluster of large red grapes- you choose 4 cheeses. We shared that as well as the dessert. I did not even read thru the dessert selections as I knew I wanted the Chocolate Souffle from the minute we sat down & ordered dinner. It comes out hot and puffed and accompanied by two sauces- a sweet vanilla anglaise & a rich dark chocolate sauce, which they pour into your souffle- OMG!!! KILLER GOOD!
So, that was & is my favorite dining spot in all of San Francisco. The dinner is 3, 4 or 5 courses, priced $62. $82. & 102, respectively- without wine, of course. It is not to be missed!
The next day, we took a walk towards the Embarcadero, which has a farmer's market & flee market/craft fair along the streets. Normally, I rent a car while in San Fran, and drive or walk everywhere so I have never taken the Ferry from SF to Sausalito, and this was a treat! Before taking this lovely Ferry Ride across the bay to Sausalito, (one of my favorite places) we went inside the shops in the Ferry Building, which is similar to NY's Chelsea Market, but with a 'twist'. The shops are a FOODIE"S dream! It was like I died and went to heaven- everything from a place called "Shrooms" that had over 100 different mushrooms including jumbo golden chanterelles,king trumpets, 10 types of enoki mushrooms, to 10 types of morels & trufles that were $56.-$85. an ounce! They were amazing! Then, a place that carried over 60 different kinds of olive oils, a place called Boccalone, which served "tasty salted pig parts" LOL- which was really a nice assortment of artisan smoked meats, handmade in small batches such as salami and proscuitto de parma, etc, . a place for fresh baked breads including, of course, San Francisco's Sourdough, to a fabulous restaurant called "Boulettes Larder, that was incredible. I met the chef & owner, Amaryll Schwertner. She has this amazing, lovely place- outside tables and inside, a chef's tasting communal table, and the entire shop is filled with hanging copper pans, hundreds of glass apothecary jars filled with unusual and colorful salts and spices, sold by the pound, and all organic ingredients from Northern California producers. Her showcases of salads were magnificent, and her breakfast/brunch menu (sorry I didn't know about it sooner) looked amazing, from poached eggs on organic pinto beans, avocado, basil & hazelnut pesto, to scrambled eggs with squash blossoms, shaved pecorino and herbs to miso braised chicken legs served over congee of short grain rice, spinach & red shiso, just to name a few. She also serves dinner by request- reservation required. Her homemade desserts & pastries were spectacular looking and dozens of organic teas, eastern european style hot chocolate and seasonal beers & wines. This was a find.
Then, on the ferry to Sausalito, which is a fun place to walk around, drink, eat and shop with dozens of great boutiques, bistros, bars, hand blown glass shops, art galleries, and lots of funky little shops, etc. It is just great!
Well, that is about it for now, but there is so much more, so I will be taking another trip there in the next few months. So, that's it for my trip to San Francisco. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!
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