Tasting Menu - One Night Only

[mnadel]

I'll be in San Francisco for one night -- the first night of my honeymoon -- in October. I am on the waiting list at the French Laundry. I can't go to the Ritz, because they do not serve dinner on Monday. I have reservations at Michael Mina. Should I be going elsewhere, and if so, where?

Thanks!

[pickles210]

I'm not a fan of Michael Mina. Either Gary Danko or La Folie would be preferable. Personally, I think that the food at La Folie is more sensual, if that makes any sense, and perhaps better suited for the first night of your honeymoon. You can't go wrong either way. Another decent option would be Ame, though it's not at the same level as GD or LF, IMO.

[pickles210]

Here are the links, I think (I'm new to this!)

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La Folie
2316 Polk St., San Francisco, CA 94109

Gary Danko
800 N Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Ame Restaurant
689 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

[grantham]

Another vote for La Folie.

[whiner]

Yeah, really thinking about the experience, La Folie is *deffinitely* the right way to go. Danko is still much preferable to Mina, But for the first night of a honeymoon, La Folie, hands down.

I haven't been to Coi, so I don't know about that, but it could also be great... probably not as romantic an experience, though, from what I have heard.

[Carrie 218]

You are probably right, Whiner. I was only thinking about the food, not the ambience. Coi is not necessarily the most romantic spot in the city, but La Folie's space goes a long way for a very memorable event...

[kresge86]

I loved the food at Michael Mina, but not sure that it's a "first night of my honeymoon" type of atmosphere. It's a very large restaurant set to the side of a lobby of a very busy hotel. I thought Gary Danko was just "okay." Boulevard IMO is more of an after-work place (people on per diems). You may want to consider Quince. Not quite as fancy, but still very elegant, and the service and food are both outstanding.

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Quince Restaurant
470 Pacific Av, San Francisco, CA 94133

[jdinsf]

Go to Danko. The service and food are sublime. They'll make your experience truly special and you can really customize your evening (mix up the number of courses, the types, the wines, etc). You can take a romantic walk (weather permitting) nearby at the waterfront after dinner. Mina isn't where you want to be (too loud, rushed and impersonal) , and the same food can be had at any number of his restaurants around the US. Totally agree with kresge86 re Boulevard.

[NoemieSF]

For the first night of your honeymoon, La Folie. It has a romantic, quiet ambiance, beautiful food, and a staff that just melts into the background.

[whiner]

I would not go to Mina as my second choice.

I would prefer La Folie, Gary Danko, Coi (I think -- never been)

Manresa if you are willing to drive south...

[Carrie 218]

Totally dump Mina if you have a choice -- less than mediocre.

My first choice would be Coi.

[Senor Popusa]

Manresa isn't open on Mondays.

[estnet]

If you're willing to drive to TFL how about Cyrus?

[Maya]

Yes, if you're willing to drive (though with one night only I personally wouldn't), definitely Cyrus in Healdsburg.

I do not recommend the Dining Room at the Ritz - while interesting, it was not spectacular, and it was a really stuffy atmosphere - not relaxing and happy-inducing in the way a honeymoon dinner should be IMHO!

[Trevallon]

Best wishes. Here are a couple of other suggestions - not because Michael Mina isn't a good choice - but to give you some different style restaurants and menus.
1. Boulevard - food is less ornate. Building, location, service is great. My favorite special date restaurant
2. Gary Danko - original chef at the Ritz Carlton.
3. Jardiniere - Traci des Jardins restaurant in the Civic Center.

Suggest you check out the menus and select the one that appeals to you the best.