Let's hear some feedback on the latest crop of new restaurants in San Francisco

[Dining Diva]

In a space that housed Julia's and Winterland, both which received wide culinary acclaim yet had extremely rocky soap-opera like pasts, it was a delight to dine at Cassis, hopefully the last reincarnation at the corner of Sutter & Steiner.

The charming co-owners, Jerome and Stephane Meloni, had me at "Bonjour", (although the grand-opening complimentary Blanc Cassis cocktail, a white wine cocktail mixed with crème de cassis liqueur, certainly didn't hurt matters!)

The Meloni brothers grew up with an appreciation for good food and wine from their Italian father and French mother, and share more than 20 years of combined food and hospitality experience. Before opening Cassis, they previously owned and operated two restaurants in Antibes, France. In San Francisco, they look forward to sharing with their guests the authentic home cooking inspired by their childhood in the South of France. (It was adorable to see Manager Jerome's eyes light up when he recommended the Tuna Tartare and then launched into a story about how he used to go fishing with his father "who caught one this big" , or when Chef Stephane came out of the kitchen enthusiastically regaling us with all the ideas he had for upcoming menus.)

Cassis offers traditional bistro food from the South of France, including both French and Italian-inspired dishes from the owners' hometown of Nice. The menu features regional dishes such as a decadent Duck Confit, Pissaladière - the traditional Niçoise onion tart (and one of the best I've ever had) and a hearty Daube Niçoise (beef stew cooked with red wine and herbs), along with a variety of pasta dishes ( I definitely am going to try the brick-oven baked lasagne or rigatoni casserole next time) and Neapolitan-style thin crust pizza. I'm not sure if the pizza tasted extra-specially good because of the freshness of the ingredients on the thin, blistered crust or because it's called " La Pizza!" And no matter what entree you order, be sure and beg for a side of the ethereal zucchini gratin.

This unpretentious yet stylish bistro is exactly what Pac Heights was needing, and I bet that their Tarte Tatin, alone, is all that is needed to break the corner's curse.



Cassis serves dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m, and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays). Lunch service and outdoor sidewalk seating is expected to be added in the near future. Cassis is located at 2101 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California 94115. Reservations may be made by calling 415-440-4500. For more information, please visit www.RestaurantCassis.com.

[Dining Diva]

Cafe Majestic is part of San Francisco’s longest continuously running hotel, The Hotel Majestic. In its first incarnation, dating back to 1902, the mansion was home to Milton Schmitt, a turn-of-the-century railroad magnate. Later, this elegant Edwardian served as the permanent residence for actresses Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Haviland. Numerous dignitaries have slept in its sumptuous suites, as well as one very determined ghost!

After extensive restoration the historic Cafe Majestic has re-opened. It’s beautiful, wonderfully lit and totally atmospheric with a genteel-cool vibe. The new look offers soothing creamy walls, romantic booths, golden chandeliers and stylish fresh flower arrangements. It’s all very grown-up yet still manages to feel very relaxed. Many restaurants describe themselves as offering “casual elegance” but the Majestic really pulls it off.

As of now the Cafe remains open only for Dinner and week-end Brunches, but will gladly arrange for private functions. A ladies’ high tea, a wedding rehearsal dinner, or a special Birthday celebration would all work well in this classy, intimate space.

Executive Chef Ian Begg mans the kitchen -and does so with great aplomb. In dog years, Chef Begg may not be all that young, but despite his tender age he’s had some great experience-you try getting behind the stove at age 14! He’s all about Cal/French, classic with a twist, seasonal and farm-fresh. All of their scrumptious breads (we polished off the whole chewy oatmeal loaf before we even got our starters), pastries and desserts are made in-house. But clearly, Chef Begg’s first love is fois gras. Totally smitten by the duck’s fatty liver, he begged me not to give up his personal e-mail address, but, believe me when I tell you “foie king” is in there.

We started our meal with an amuse-bouche that set our taste buds a-tingling. Just a few spoonfuls of the intensely flavored tomato/pepper gazpacho, simply presented in a pristine white, oversized soup bowl, and we were ready-set-go. Next up was an unusual and superb appetizer of pan-seared artisnal fois gras with an unexpected yet welcome, assist from slivers of sautéed brussel sprouts.

The Dungeness Crab Salad, a glorious mini-tower of fresh crab, citrus, and avocado mousse, was a silky delight.

Totally jazzed, I tucked into my first main course. The Braised Kurobuta Pork, paired with a surprisingly delicate mustard spaezle and sauced in a cognac/cider mix was sublime. While the Grilled Rare Hawaiian Ono with its tiny pea shoot trim and sea urchin cream was interesting, it won’t become my next religion..

Chef Begg is aided and abetted by a terrific team. After a few superb wine-pairings recommended by General Manager/wine director, Ryan Maxey, we didn’t hesitate (well at least not for too long) when he suggested we try “chef’s latest creation… fois ice cream.” Our adorable, exceedingly well-trained waiter, Tom, must have seen the “ ick” look cross our faces because he quickly jumped in: “It’s really subtle. Refreshing, and with a lingering, wonderful aftertaste.” Ok, we were in.

The presentation, a single baby scoop in a silver goblet teamed with a glass of sauterne… literally made me swoon. And… I don’t swoon so easily! Imagine the perfect butteriness of a rich creamy vanilla ice cream flattered by the haunting meatiness of the silken fois. Forget it. No way is your imagination that good. It simply must be tried to be believed.

This is a team to watch. And yes indeed-y, fois rules.

Cafe Majestic - Hotel Majestic
1500 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 441-1280
Website

by your Dining Diva