319639 Tue Aug 22 01:16:04 -0700 2006 0 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 1823840 Thanks for the suggestion in response to the Satatoga splurge post. Manresa was worth the drive and worth the money. Anniversary dinner consisted of one three course and one four course tasting menu along with one wine pairing. After two amuse bouches, one slightly sweet strawberry puree with a bit of cumcumber on top and two different ones, one citrus for my lactose intolerant wife and a soft boiled egg in the shell with a holondaise like cream on top, we began with crab and celery covered with a sauce strong on curry and topped with eggwhites, fluffed. She had the pate. The wine pairings were Cava, a bit more bitter than Proseco or Champagne, (but that's Cava for you followed by a sweet Semillon with fine structure). Seonnd was a fish course, grilled John Dore over braised veggies - wonderful and paired with a Viognier. Third were veal cheeks for the lady, a bit heavy, paired with an American Oak heavy Merlot that did not balance the sweetness and heaviness of the meat. Mine was suckling pig and a bit of blood sausage. I treated myself to a bittersweet chocolate soufle. A bit on the sweet side, but I still had half a glass of Merlot to help it out. Service superb, ambiance, pleasant - Cost $250 for two inclusive. Well I did say splurge, didn't I? Tue Aug 22 01:16:04 -0700 2006 18317 gb44