Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Gary Danko- San Francisco

Everything and I really mean everything was fantastic.  We had 2 meals at Gary Danko in a space of 3 days.  D insisted - he made reservations 2 months in advance as he said it was the best meal he had in SF.  I was skeptical and wanted to try other restaurants since we only had so many meals in SF.   In the end, I was won over half way through the first meal :)

We had the 4 course meal both times and the photos below are from the 2 meals.  Looking at the menu, we found ourselves in a dilemma as we wanted to try almost the whole menu and were hard pressed to decide as there were so many interesting options.
Gary Danko Foie Gras
Foie Gras and Vanilla Rhubarb I think?
I started with the foie gras which was nicely seared - buttery and creamy inside while crisp on the outside.  The sweet vanilla rhubarb was a good compliment to the foie gras,  as was the wine pairing of Heiss Rose Ice Wine.
Gary Danko Seared Scallops
Seared Sea Scallops with Asparagus-Pea Purée, Pickled Radish, Spring Onions and Sauce Maréchal
The scallops is one of the best I've eaten.  Nicely seared yet super succulent.  Wished I had ordered this but I couldn't resist the lobster.   The lobster didn't disappoint either as the meat was sweet and tender.
Gary Danko Lobster
Roast Maine Lobster with Potato Purée, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Edamame and Tarragon
I had a taste of the pork belly and the tenderloin.  I liked the pork belly better but both were good.  The duck was well done and I really didn't want to share.
Gary Danko Roasted Pork Belly
Roasted Pork Belly and Tenderloin with Potato Ramp Puree, Cauliflower, Fava Beans and Maple Cider Glaze


Gary Danko Lemon Pepper Duck Breast
Lemon Pepper Duck Breast with Duck Hash, Green Garlic Purée and Vanilla Poached Rhubarb

Gary Danko Quail Stuffed with Foie Gras
Quail Stuffed with Foie Gras, Mushroom and Quinoa, Braised Artichokes, Peas, Prosciutto & Olive Butter 
The quail - was stuffed to the brim with goodness - quails are delicate but can you see how fat it was?  The stuffing was extremely flavourful and I savoured every mouthful.
Gary Danko Chocolate Souffle
Baked Chocolate Soufflé with Two Sauces
Gary Danko Stawberry Souffle
Non-Cholesterol Strawberry Soufflé with Berry Sorbet and Strawberry Sauce
The souffles were light and airy and were the perfect end to a wonderful meal especially the strawberry souffle which had berry sorbet to complement it.
Gary Danko Petite Fours
Petit Fours
Gary Danko Peppermint Tea
Peppermint Tea
D ordered some dishes that were so good, I only had a bite - ok it was a generous bite but I hungered for more so I ordered them again the next time we were there.  They were the scallops, quail and the non cholesterol strawberry souffle.  The dishes were very consistent.


Complimentary Hor D'oeurves to Start off the 2nd Meal
Isn't it a nice, thoughtful touch that we got complimentary hor d'oeurves for coming back so soon?
Risotto with Lobster, Rock Shrimp, Shimeji Mushrooms and Peas
D has a soft spot for risotto and enjoyed this dish.
Coconut Thai Curry with Lemongrass, Calamari, Lobster, Scallops, Scallions and Shiitake Mushrooms
I had the thai coconut curry which was very fragrant.   The curry very often overpowers the taste of the seafood but I found it well balanced and could still taste the fresh flavours of the seafood.
Branzini with Tarragon Gnocchi, Artichokes, Asparagus and Shimeji Mushrooms   
The branzini skin was super crispy and the fish was excellent.
Herb Crusted Loin of Lamb with Moroccan Lamb Sausage, Hummus, Spiced Eggplant Stew and Mint Yogurt
Crème Fraîche Cheesecake with Caramelized Pecans, Tangerines and Raspberry Sorbet
D had the lamb and finished with the cheesecake, both of which I didn't try as I don't really like lamb and can't eat cheese but he said that they were both very good too.
Brownie dressed up for the meal 
Apparently Gary Danko is in the house every night making sure everything goes smoothly - no wonder his restaurant has such a high standard consistently.  It's nice going to a restaurant knowing that the owner/chef is around don't you think?

What were the best dishes?  It is difficult to say as everything was good but if I had to choose, try the scallops, lemon pepper duck, the stuffed quail and the strawberry souffle.  Gary Danko will be on my list every time we make it to San Francisco.

P.S Gary Danko is opening a Brasserie across the road at Ghiradelli Square - I will be looking forward to it.

Gary Danko
Fisherman's Wharf
800 N Point St
(415) 749 2060
http://www.garydanko.com/
Gary Danko on Urbanspoon

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