Monday, August 4, 2008

We went to Micahel Mina in San Francisco for our one year anniversary. Michael Mina had a tasting menu, but we decided not to order from it. Their other option was a three course meal where you had a number of options for each course. Each course was split into two sections: the first was actually three different dishes featuring a theme which unified them, while the second was more traditional dishes Michael Mina has served in the past.

For Course One I chose "American Classics ~ Crustacean Trio" which included a "Sweet Shrimp Cocktail, Horseradish Panna Coota", "Main Lobster Roll, Citrus Aioli, Little Gem Lettuce", and a "Crab 'Po Boy' Remoulade."

The shrimp cocktail was surprising. I had been expecting cooked shrimp, but it was served raw. The ebi were delicate, and the horseradish panna cotta was pretty rich. I thought the flavors might have been a little off in proportions, but it was pretty good.

The Main Lobster Roll was cut up -- roll and lobster together. I got a lot more than I thought I would, and it was great.

The crab was a softshell crab. It was pretty good, though a little less meaty than I would have hoped for.

Suzy had dietary restrictions because of the pregnancy, and ordered the "Black Mussel Souffle: Chardonnay and Saffron Cream." I only had a bite but it was extraordinary.

For Course Two I chose "Liberty Valley Duck Breast ~ Stone Fruits" which was comprised of "Blenheim Apricot, Farro, Foie Gras," "Brooks Cherries, Wild Rice, Leg Confit," and "Nectarine and Peach Compote, Polenta, Tokyo Turnips."

The meat was more rare than I thought it would be (I ordered it medium rare), but it was clearly cut up so obviously the kitchen staff and waiter thought it was normal, and it did taste great. All three dishes were solid, with the flavors meshing very well with each other.

Suzy ordered "Bouillabaisse ~ Mina Style: Rouille Aioli, Petite Mussels, Calimari Vinaigrette." It too was excellent.

For the last course, I chose "Chocolate ~ Florals" with "White Chocolate Rose Panna Cotta, Hibiscus, Almond," "S'more, Saffron Marshmallow, Pistachio Puree," and "Chocolate Ice Cream, Lavender, Shortbread."

I didn't care much for the white chocolate dessert, but that was mostly because I don't really like white chocolate. The other two were very good though.

Suzy ordered "Summer Berries ~ Cream" which came with "Blueberry Cake, Yogurt Bavarois, Lemon Verbena," "Raspberry Cream, Rooibos Gelee, Sable Breton," and "Robiolina Cheesecake, Strawberries, Tarragon Meringue," despite the fact it violated her fruit and dairy rule.

She managed to separate out the fruit from the dairy when the dish arrived, however, and all was good.

The service was excellent, but not in the top tier of service we've had. (Don't get me wrong, the service was great and we have absolutely no complaints. We've just been fortunate enough to been at some places with truly extraordinary service.)

All in all, we thought Michael Mina was great, and would be happy to go back.