03/07/08

It's 2008 and Plumpjack is BACK!!!

by Paddyb62

I was nervous going into dinner after reading some of the reviews, however, some of these reviews were written several months ago when they had a different chef. We started with an amuse- bouche of green garlic soup that had hints of creamy vanilla ice cream. I ordered the mushroom soup that was a well portioned creamy river of intensely roasted wild mushrooms . We also ordered the crab cakes and tuna tartare cones as appetizers. Presentation was great and the flavors were fabulous - and I am pretty fussy about crabcakes. They had sweetbreads on the menu as well as a quail appetizer that I was unable to eat because it was Friday during lent which prevented me from eating meat (poor planning on my part.). For main course, we had the salmon which was cooked to perfection and the sea bass which had a mustard beurre blanc sauce that was so light and tasty it made me stop and think how I can replicate it at home. We ordered the cheese plate which was very good - all the cheese selections were listed in the menu so you know what you are getting before you order it. Other dessert seletions looked delicious - apple bread pudding, chocolate cake, creme brulee. We had Kay as our server who turned out to be very knowledgeable about the wine, the food, and the wine/food pairings. She said that all the wait staff have been there for 14 years so they do have a vested interest in the restaurant and are very knowledgeable. This appears to be a great find for us and we will definitely be back on out next visit to San Francisco.

• Pros: Great food, excellent wine list, knowledgable staff
• Cons: None

12/21/07

Don't bother

by blkestin

Been here twice now and I must say, I just don't get it. I think they try way too hard to incorporate ingredients that even a true foodie has never heard of. The prices are extraordinary for what you get. There are plenty of other better restaurants where I would be much happier to drop $150 for two to eat dinner.

• Pros: Candle lit atmosphere, service
• Cons: The food, the prices

09/17/07

would not return

by terracat

After reading the mixed reviews, I thought I'd add my experience. Our first course was an inedible soup. We later heard the waiter tell another table that it was spilled by the kitchen and not available - I think they just had so many people complain that they stopped serving it. The main courses were good, but not great. But the thing that really shocked me was the reaction of the staff after a waiter dumped a full glass of red wine on my husband. He was literally soaked, but there was barely an apology - just a half-hearted offer to send them the dry cleaning bill. Usually when something like that happens, the management will try to compensate the customer in some way - but not at Plump Jack. That experience coupled with the mediocre food means we won't be returning.

07/23/07

What restaurant were they at?

by ronnieats

I normally don't respond to reviews but I just dined at PlumpJack Cafe two nights ago and couldn't have been happier. It sounds as if we were at two different places. The place is very charming, the service could not have been more accomodating and gracious, wine list and pricing incredible! And the food was delicious, I don't know what fish they had but the wild salmon was fresh enough to be sushi, the complimentary starter was a light sorbet with touch of cucumber and salt, very refreshing, the dessert we shared was an apricot tart that was one of the best fruit desserts I have ever eaten. This was the first time in about a year that we have been here, we have always found it very consistantly one of our favorite places to bring out ot town guests. Everyone can have a bad experience but a place can't be this 'schizo' !

06/13/07

Sad to See a Great Place Gone Bad

by saltyfood

PlumpJack was my husband's and my favorite SF restaurant for a couple of years, until we moved out of town last summer. Back for a visit last week, this was an obvious choice to revisit with friends. It looked the same, but the food was so horrible I couldn't believe it was the same place. The complimentary shrimp taster was so SLIMY and gross I was horrified. My ahi roll was smelly and fishy and so I sent it back. My friend offered to share her fish, and I understood why she didn't mind parting with it after a bite. The other two dishes seemed OK. To top it off, the two desserts ordered were hideous! I wouldn't even know where to start explaining how bad; perhaps think "old salmon jello."

Please take my advice and consider PlumpJack Cafe a HAS BEEN.

• Pros: Located in a nice part of the city
• Cons: The food is disgusting

02/07/07

The City's Best Creative Cuisine in a Cozy Atmosphere

by dreckybalder

Dinner at PlumpJack Cafe was an experience not to be forgotten. From the friendly atmosphere of the candlelit dining room, to the experienced staff who effortlessly charmed us from the minute we walked in, to the extensive and well priced wine list, and the incredibly innovative organic menu, we were wowed from beginning to end. We were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary glass of champagne and a stunning amuse of blackberry sorbet with basil olive oil and salt which created an explosion of flavor in your mouth! Creative combinations such as fresh yellowtail tartare with a light cucumber foam and mountain caviar was an elegant contrast of delicate flavors and was superbly paired with a bright New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and white turnip soup with a hint of apples and walnuts crushed on top was elegant and creamy without being overly rich. The beef tenderloin was melt-in-your-mouth delicious with incredible mushrooms and a light, savory sauce served with another fabulous pairing of CL Pinot Noir. The Sea Bream was equally impressive with its hint of citrus combined with small and delicate carrots and onions. Desserts were surprisingly delicious and unexpected - a gooey olive oil and pistachio ganache with tart apple sorbet and a beet soda was incredible and unlike anything I've ever tasted. The chocolate decadence was exactly that - rich, flavorful and full of chocolate with a yummy almond-tinged milky sorbet - a nice balance to the rich chocolate that left you wanting more, more, more! I would definitely return here and seriously reccommend it to anyone who is serious about food, wine and service. I think the chef is one of the most exciting in the Bay Area and is one to watch!

01/30/07

American fare goes fancy at this Gavin Newsom-owned haunt featuring an array of wines and stellar service.

by Contributor

The Scene
Beige--with copper- and taupe-toned accents on the walls, floor and custom seating--blanket this fine dining spot. Cushy banquettes, crisp white linens and dim lighting add to a quiet, classy ambience. Vested servers--knowledgeable about the menu without being intrusive--are standouts. Diners include a mix of 40-something Marina professionals and wine aficionados.

The Food
California cuisine is consistent, with small variations due to seasonally driven ingredients, while the 20-page wine list with its half bottles is world-class. Dishes have a hint of tartness, whether it's a chicory salad or the blackened cod with butter beans, fennel and Parmesan cheese. Yet the chef clearly understands a complex palate. Filet of beef with pureed potatoes is seasoned and grilled perfectly, though slightly rarer than gourmands might request. A daily selection of cheeses, fruits and jams are an appropriate way to end a meal. Equally refreshing, however, is the Meyer lemon souffle, which can be topped with creme fraiche at the table.

09/14/06

Disappointing food & lousy service. Many far better restaurants for the $$$.

by f8d

Don't waste $100 for lunch here. Too many other restaurants choices in SF to splurge.

The service (term used loosely): We visted on a weekday for lunch. It was VERY slow. When we arrived - there was only 1 table occupied with 2 people. During our lunch only 3 additional tables became occupied - far from fully committed. Hence no excuse for the lousy service - the waiter was indifferent and sarcastic. A few examples: never inquired how our meal was progressing, didn't offer to refill beverages, brought the main dish while we barely tasted the 1st course (so the hot dish went cold) and didn't ask if we wanted dessert while tossing menus on our table after it was cleared. Not only was it rude to toss menus on the table (there was an audible "thud") - the menus were for lunch with no dessert info!! The waiter didn't apologize for his menu mistake and returned to throw (AGAIN!) the dessert menus on the table! This shoddy service was not doled out to all patrons - the tourist seated next to us (who sent back wine) were treated less rudely. THE SIGN OF EXCELLENT SERVICE IS CONSISTENT EXCELLENCE FOR EVERYONE. We were having a business lunch - with appropriate dress & demeanor and a reservation.

The Food: Salads were okay - nothing mindblowing or unique. Risotto - 1st the chef claimed (per waiter) there was no corn (Huh? This wasn't a late nite meal - bad kitchen planning?) , however when it was served (too early) corn was magically included. Didn't matter as the risotto was completely disappointing and lacked flavor. The chocolate cake was ordinary. Tart was ok.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Service & Food

08/24/06

Perfect

by th01

I went here on a Friday night and had no trouble getting a reservation. The food/service was excellent. The sommelier was very helpful and relaxed, not stuffy like at some other places. The Ahi Tuna cones were amazing! I had the Filet of Beef and then my date and I shared the chocolate cake, which was also incredibly good. The atmosphere was very calm and inviting. I would definitely return.

07/13/06

Steller food and service; romantic

by js2060

Even though this place is a bit crowded and gets a lot of money types, this remains one of my favorite places for a nice meal and wine list. Even with the recent chef changes, the food is still outstanding, the servers are terrific (we always share some of our wine with them), and the sommeliers know their stuff and make great recommendations. Terrific for entertaining business colleagues/clients, too.

• Pros: Sevice, Food, Wine
• Cons: Crowded/Noisy