San Fran- continued

The next evening was dinner at Venticello- a romantic, lovely continental/Italian Bistro restaurant in Nob Hill. The ambiance is so warm and the food was excellent. A great wine list and many specials, which I always like to partake of unless something on the regular menu stands out- which it did- the seared lamb over yukon gold potato puree and sweet corn and zucchini confetti. Delicious!

Now- one of the reasons I returned to SF was for this next restaurant- GARY DANKO. Well, it wasn't the ONLY reason- but a close second to seeing the Mets play (& lose 3 or 4 games) Anyway, this restaurant is in my TOP 5 Best places in the USA. Set in the financial district & not far from Fisherman's Wharf on North Point Rd , it requires a reservation 2 months to THE DAY. It is a magnificent elegant place- about 12 tables in one room & 8 the side room. Asian inspired in decor with orchids and gorgeous floral arrangements, some mirrors, large glass windows & dark wood. The tables are set with the most magnificent silver embossed charger plates I have ever seen. The staff is plentiful with extraordinary service- not overkill like Per Se or The French Laundry- just enough that you want for nothing.

Now- this place does something that NO other restaurant does- or never that I have heard of. In addition to their Prix Fixe menu of 5 courses, on the right side of the menu is the 3-4 or 5- curse selections that you can choose from- Each course allows you to choose any item on the list- and the list is plentiful & quite exceptional. I recommend that one of you do the 5 course and the other do the 3 as the 2 other courses are the cheese course- a cart that comes to you after your main course, and the 5th course being dessert.

I cannot even explain the amount of gourmet items on each list of course- at least 9 to choose from from each category- appetizer, fish, entree', cheese, and dessert. Tomorrow- the choices... YUM.