Will be in the city in a couple of weeks and would like to try one of the three any of which will be new to us. We realize there are many other excellent places in the city and have been to a number of them. We are targeting one of these three to try something new and hopefully add one to our "rotation" when visiting. Would appreciate comments from all you hounds.
bobbyh
Dec 26, 2008 04:48PM
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Wow I am from Boston but know that u have picked 3 winners...I have not yet been to Quince. Loved La Folie, food , service , all were wonderful BUT a few Christmases ago I gave my Husband a 2 day internship ( he is a closeted chef in lawyers clothes) in the Danko kitchen and he is still talking about it. The kitchen is run like a Swiss watch. Spotless, precise and passioned. We were graced with a dinner for the two of us on the last night of the internship and it was magnificent...my favorite in all of San Francisco
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Here's a search for earlier opinions on this question...
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I don't think Quince's food is up to the level of Gary Danko or La Folie. I've eaten at Quince 4 times and the menu always sounds fantastic, but nothing knocks my socks off. GD, on the other hand, is pretty perfect. La Folie is not as consistent as GD, but still marvelous. All are hard reservations to get, good luck.
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I would chose La Folie. I prefer the food. Also, it is the most romatic of the three, though it is not overly formal.
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I have not eaten at Quince, but I have eaten at LaFolie and Gary Danko. I found the food at both GD and LF to be excellent. However, despite the hype surrounding GD, there are a few things that set it apart from LF. 1) The service - service that is so good, you don't even notice that your silverware for each course has been placed, or that your water glass has been filled or that the service staff always seems to show up at the proper moment with the next course. In addition, the hostess (if it is still the same one) is known to be one of the best in the country. 2) The artisan cheese plate for desert - if you are a cheese lover, or even if you choose to go to LF or Quince, go to GD some time, sit in the bar area after dinner and have a nice glass of wine and order the artisan cheese selection. It is out of this world.
Simply put, LF is an excellent restaurant that is small and intimate. GD is an experience that every foodie must have at least once in their lives. You really can't go wrong with either.
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I was a little put off by the service at Gary Danko. For example, the captain kept saying "Chef Gary Danko" this and "Chef Gary Danko" that, using the full name and title each time. It was really grating...
The food was very good but not particularly mind blowing. I agree about the cheese plate, though.
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None of the above are bad, but Gary Danko is super formulaic and La Folie is a bit out dated. Quince isn't bad, but it is weirdly quite and the service is stiff. The food at Quince is by far the best- so fresh and innovative. Also consider Michael Mina or Coi for dynamite experiences. Mina especially delivers big flavors and lots of variety. Coi is a bit more experimental, but it is unique and special.
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Danko can be "formulaic" but the formula works. If you have never been this would hands down be my choice. Definently get the North Point room (much, much quiter than the Hyde side) and see if you can get Seamus as your server. I go about every 3 mos. and have NEVER been anything but delighted with the service and food. DO THE CHEESE COURSE!!
My second choice would be Quince. Michael does pasta so beautifully!!!! I get a starter then my husband and I split 4 pastas (the agnolotti, brown butter egg ravioli & the parpadelle w/spicy chicken livers are favorites) and then we each have a dessert. Always, always a perfect meal there as well.
I hated La Folie. HATED IT!!!!!!!!! I love french food. I tried it twice and will never go back.
Sorry Dubonnet - I disagree with your rec. of Coi. I think it is pretentious (the staff is better suited for LA than SF) and just not that great. It was good - but not that good. The whole aromatherapy on your wrist bs was absurd. Do they not realize many women wear perfume which negates the whole effect? Plus, I left hungry. I went to Tomassos after I left Coi and had a pizza.
I love Michael Mina, but he is close to being a chain now so I don't consider him a true SF experience.
Try Canteen if you are in for a couple of nights. Do the late seating so you won't be under any time constraints. Dennis's food is always great. It is very informal tho'
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Recent vey good write up on La Folie
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/582519
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i have only been to danko, but it is to date one of my top 5 restaurant experiences ever. flawless.
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I have only been to Danko of the 3 you mentioned and I would not rate it as highly special. I have heard only wonderful things about Quince and would reco that based on what my friends have said. I found Gary Danko to be dated and tourist filled. His prices are a bargain, but I'd rather pay up for the best ingredients, sourced and prepared impeccably.
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