05/25/08

Don't expect to get full from here, otherwise impressive

by dizondr

The portion of the main meal was somewhat disappointing to me. it was more about the presentation, which was outstanding. I became hungry again just an hour after we left. Otherwise the food itself was impressive. The service was even more impressive. It was a quiet meal. My girlfriend and I were the youngest in the room by far but not bothered by that. The last several upscale restaurants we visited did not allow us to carry a conversation in a normal volume. In fact, at times I felt like we were talking too loudly.

10/13/06

solid good food

by sarcastro

The hub took me here for my birthday and it was a very nice surprise. I don't usually think of going to a hotel restaurant for dinner but I forget how often in SF there are good ones (i.e. Scala's, Bambuddha Lounge, Masa's). This is one of those good hotel restaurants! The dining room is a little austere and the server was kind of stuffy and condesending (could be because we were the youngest people there by twenty years- but still, he shouldn't judge). But the food was solidly prepared and presented. There were three of us so we got to try a large chunk of the menu- apps were well thought out, interesting and delicious (although the "poached" foie gras came out seared- I was expecting torchon). The bacon, eggs and toast was to die for! Mains were also cooked perfectly (this chef likes sous vide!) although there were a few elements on each plate that seemed to be there just to be unusual (i.e. apricot paper) but didn't really add to the dining experience. All the little extra amuses and in betweens were great too (and really added to the sense ofvalue given the price tag). The only part that really seemed weak was dessert. With three different desserts on the table, every plate was brown,brown, brown. Plus the flavors didn't work. And the souffle had the texture of a microwaved cup of foam. I'd still go back for dinner- but save room for dessert at Masa's.

• Pros: nice menu, quiet dining room
• Cons: snooty service, bad desserts

02/24/06

Class

by shanebeau

By far the nicest dining experience. From the decor to desert it was amazing.