36783 Sat Jun 04 23:57:49 -0700 2005 4 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 170368 will be having dinner for two at martini house in a week. just wondering if anyone has recent experiences there - how was the food/service? any particular dishes or tasting menu recommended? thanks! Sat Jun 04 23:57:49 -0700 2005 0 otatopz 1 170378 I've really liked Martini House, but havent been there in a while. Lisa Minucci was the sommelier (dunno if she still is) and she was very helpful. I can't remember what we ate, but it was all delicious. Minucci is striking looking, with black hair and verrrrry red lipstick. She introduced us to one wine in particular from San Luis Obispo/Los Olivos area, a sauvignon blanc that was super. You should ask for her advice. Sun Jun 05 00:43:29 -0700 2005 170368 0 oakjoan 1 170448 I had dinner there about a week ago. Both the food and the service was excellent. Tasted the celery salad, cream of mushroom soup, halibut, duck breast, zucchini cake and lemon cheesecake pot de creme. Washed it down with the Patz & Hall 'Sonoma Coast' half bottle. The celery salad is in an almost buttermilk-like dressing and has a nice balance between the sweet dates and pungent cheese and is probably a better choice than the soup (unless you really like cream of mushroom soup). The halibut was richer than I was expecting, but exceedingly good nonetheless. The duck was nearly perfect. Either are good options for an entree. I found the zucchini cake to be far superior to the pot de creme. If the weather permits, eat outside. Sun Jun 05 21:01:28 -0700 2005 170368 0 stephen sorkin 2 170632 thanks for the suggestions - the halibut and duck both sound very appealing... will do. Mon Jun 06 20:27:38 -0700 2005 170448 0 otatopz 1 170664 Don't know if it's still on the menu but back in Feb. I had the wild mushroom tasting menu - it was a revelation to say the least. Service was excellent without being stuffy or fawning. Lovely place. Look forward to another visit before too long... I believe we drank a Turley Zin Tofanelli Vineyards; was about $85 but possibly the best Zin I've ever tasted. Mon Jun 06 22:27:11 -0700 2005 170368 0 RWCFoodie