Le Dîner à San Francisco - White Outdoors Diner in the city

This is a French tradition that they have been having in France for years - everybody dress in white and bring their food and have a nice chic dinner in the outdoors. This year they had this event for the first time in San Francisco (https://www.facebook.com/ledinerasanfrancisco). We managed to get tickets and attend it. 

They had very limited tickets to the event. I somehow managed to get in the first batch of tickets they issued. Each table host was allowed to have 3 guests. I asked two friends to join my table and eventually these two also got tickets.

So, we were able to get 12 seats and another two tables of 8 friends wanted to sit with us. So we had a huge community table of 20 people, all dressed in white, with ample drinks, food and great company.

While we were 20, each group of 4 had brought all silverware, cutlery, food, drinks, candles etc.. for their own little mini group, but we all still shared with each of the groups.

I cooked a french quiche with zuchini, chicken and thyme, then a chicken salad with mayo and parsley to eat with French Bread.

Weather was super colaborative and it was weird being outdoors in San Francisco eating outdoors at 8:30p.m on Fog Region !! 

 

Filed under  //  diner   eating   french   french cuisine   golden gate park   sanfrancisco  
Posted

Dinner at Gary Danko

Last night, I had dinner at Gary Danko (http://www.garydanko.com/), one of the finest restaurants in San Francisco. It was on the occasion of a friend's birthday. Made reservations only two weeks in advance and it was all booked except for this one 9:30p.m slot that was open yesterday night after somebody had cancelled. Carla chose the fixed 5 course menu with wine pairing, while I decided to do the build your own course option.


My courses

Seared Ahi Tuna with Avocado, Nori, Enoki Mushrooms and Lemon Soy Dressing

Roast Maine Lobster with Morel Mushrooms, Asparagus and Tarragon

Guinea Hen Breast with Fregola, Asparagus and Lemon Confit

Herb Crusted Loin of Lamb with Tian of Vegetables and Polenta

 

The 5 courses fixed tasting menu was

Glazed Oysters with Osetra Caviar, Zucchini Pearls and Lettuce Cream (BEST ONE)

Horseradish Crusted Salmon Medallion with Dilled Cucumbers

Herb Crusted Loin of Lamb with Tian of Vegetables and Polenta

A Selection of Farmhouse and Artisanal Cheeses Presented Tableside

Baked Chocolate Souffle with Two Sauces

 

Of course, we shared and we each got a tasting of the different dishes. I loved the seafood dishes the best - the oysters, lobster and salmon - they were delicious. Not too crazy about the meat. I think I was just full by then perhaps. The cheeses were among the strongest cheese I ever had. The service was excellent, the mood right and the food delicious. It was a delicious 3 hours dining experience. We were the last ones to leave.

Filed under  //  dinner   food   french cuisine   russian hill   sanfrancisco  
Posted