Manresa questions, mainly logistical
I've read enough about this place, mostly here, that my intrigue has led me to make a reservation for the end of a (fortuitous) week-long business trip to SF in June, and I have some questions.
Mostly my questions will stem from the first, which is: with a 6:30 Friday eve dinner reservation, will I be rushed trying to get back to SFO for 10:30-10:45 pm or so to catch a midnight (domestic, carry-on only) flight? I know the general advice here is don't try to make it back to the city, but that's probably not an option for me. Given that, should I try to get through the chef's tasting, or stick with a 4-course option? I may have to forgo the wine pairings for the same reason, but c'est la vie. How much food is the chef's tasting? This doesn't sound like a place I'll be rolled out of in a wheelbarrow to fight food coma all the way back up the 280, but it would be nice to know. Price is not an issue.
Also, how accommodating is the ambiance for a solo diner? I've eaten alone in all sorts of places all over the country for years, both haute cuisine and the opposite, and *I* don't have a problem with it, but some places just don't seem as welcoming as they could be. Often I'll prefer to sit at a bar if that's an option, which I don't know if it is here. Lastly, for now, how do people dress? I know it's in California, but I'm from the East and have grown up with different expectations -- plus I always prefer to err on the side of over-dressing.
By Gin n Tonic
on May 16, 2009 05:24 PM
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That's a tough call on the 4-course vs. the tasting menu.
If you're dining solo, the tasting menu should be faster, however it will be long-ish, like 3-4 hours. However, if you tell the staff your time constraint, they could probably make it work. I think you can do it, but obviously ask. It would be a shame to not do the tasting but it'll be good. Either way it's an hour drive from Los Gatos to SFO.
I'd say solo would be no problem, it's nice and elegant but in a casual California way. If you wore khakis and a dress shirt you'll be fine. I've seen people in polo shirts. Hope you have fun.
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There is no bar at Manresa. I'd say wear khakis or slacks and a dress shirt and that should be right to make you comfortable.
Allot yourself an hour to get to SFO. That should give you three hours for dinner. I'd let them know of your time constraint in advance and they should be able to pace your meal so that you have plenty of time and don't feel rushed.
The chef's tasting or if necessary an abbreviated version, is they way to go. David Kinch is a great chef. The restaurant is outstanding without being stuffy but is not for the faint of wallet.
When I was last there we ended up staying the night in Los Gatos so that all in my party could eat and drink to their heart's content.
Enjoy your meal and please report back! :)
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Google says 40 minutes drive. That's about right, but a slightly fast time. You have to be comfortable holding a 75 mph speed. Rental car return at SFO is kind of a pain, with the little train and all. Allotting a full hour will get you from Manressa's door to checkin, provided no dawdling.
Look, throw yourself on their mercy. Say you've got to be Out The Door At 9:30 No Fooling (or whenever makes you comfortable). Ask them if they can do the tasting menu, if yes, go for it, if no don't.
Works in most restaurants, actually....
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I'd stay away from the tasting menu -- it generally runs 4 to 6 hours...
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I've done the tasting menu in 3 hours or less as a single - but do ask them. Servings are small and probably won't induce a food coma. I wouldn't advise the wine pairing, though if you'll be driving.
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Tasting menu with wine for 2 was 3.5 hours when we did it last year. I think they could punch that down to 3 hours for a solo diner without wine.
And definitely go for the tasting menu. Manressa is great, but their tasting menu is what will make the trek worth it.
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The four-course is great and as a solo diner you should have no problems getting out by 9:30 (which is the absolute latest you would want to leave) without feeling rushed if you let them know in advance. You could probably do the tasting in that time, but I think you would feel rushed then, so why bother? The four-course is a magnificent treat and you can do the tasting menu on another visit when you have more time available. I think you'll be fine as a solo diner.
Regarding dress, it would help to know your gender. it's a mix of nice casual up to semi-formal. If you're a guy and you prefer to be on the dressier side of the room, wear a jacket unless it's a really hot day, but no need for a tie unless you like wearing one.
Michael
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I'd recommend the tasting menu. What's the point of going to one of the best restaurants in the country and not experiencing what makes it great? It will take three hours. Since they open at 5:30, another strategy is to call them, explain your time constraints and ask for an earlier reservation (if you can make it work with your schedule).
As to dress, erring on the side of over-dressing is fine. After all, the staff here is all all dressed up. If you have an Y chromosome, a jacket will be appreciated, and you can wear a tie without feeling out of place.
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I'd say plan on a midnight flight so you can relax.
When we were it was a hot day so except for a roomful of venture-capital types in the private room nobody was wearing suits. I'd say the general style was dot-com millionaire casual. Just make sure your shoes cost over $400 and you'll fit right in.
The sensory overload I had from the tasting menu last summer has put me off tasting menus for good. I was glad we were staying overnight in Los Gatos.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/548333
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He does have a midnight flight: "... get back to SFO for 10:30-10:45 pm or so to catch a midnight (domestic, carry-on only) flight?"
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Oh - I'm not sure any of us read that carefully. You have 45 minutes than was let on.
midnight flight
11:30 @ gate with carry on only
(10 minutes slop in here)
11:00 @ enter rental car return
10:20 get in car @ manressa
10:15 stand up from table request car
Don't believe that "be at the airport 2 hours before departure" stuff. They can't give away your seat if you're at the gate 15 minutes before scheduled departure.
And - don't drink and drive
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Thanks to all who took the time to reply. I'll cover all the follow-ups in one, so as not to have too many possibly-OT posts.
As Ruth Lafler noted, my flight *is* at midnight. Bbulkow's timetable nevertheless feels a tad optimistic, although, no, I never believe "2 hours before departure", especially on domestic flights with no checked bag. The only crapshoot is security; otherwise my mileage status is such that I doubt the airline'll bump me if I'm running late and have already done on-line checkin.
I am comfortable with an hour at 75+; heck, I'm used to the Mass Pike, where if you're dawdling at 75+ you'd better be in the granny lane.
I am, as Ruth guessed, a guy, with more salt than pepper in my hair, so I own and am comfortable in anything from black tie to flip-flops and a tank top. The guidance was helpful here. Unfortunately, though, I do not own any shoes over $400 (other than my ski boots, which will probably be awkward.)
The 5:30 opening is intriguing -- I didn't think of that, but I tend to associate 5:30 dinner with AARP specials. If it gives me a solid four hours, though... I'll probably call them this week. The range of durations for the tasting given by you folks goes from 3 to 6 hours, so there is clearly a divergence of views. I can almost certainly be there at 5:30 given my schedule.
Lastly, for now, how does this compare to something like Blue Hill at Stone Barn in NY, in terms of ambiance, grounds, etc., if any of you are in a position to provide that comparison. Thanks again.
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There are no grounds to see or stroll in - it's an urban location. I think ML8000 describes the atmosphere correctly as elegant but casual in the California mode. It's sophisticated but not in the least formal or stuffy.
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There is a patio. If it is a nice day you might ask if you can start with Champagne and some amuses out there and move inside for the rest of the dinner. Have a great time!
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I think four hours is typical for the tasting menu. Go at 5:30 and think of it as a late lunch.
Manresa's farm is in Ben Lomond, miles away. It is nice to start on the patio if the weather's appropriate.
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I had assumed you couldn't get there before 6:30. I think if you can get a 5:30 reservation you'll be fine with the tasting menu.
I do take exception to the "tasting menu makes it great" mentality. The food at Manresa is what makes it great, and it shines through just as well in a 4-course meal or a tasting menu. You can get all the star dishes either way. There are places like the Ritz in San Francisco where I found the tasting menu meal to far outshine the a la carte menu meal, but at Manresa it's not like that. Which you prefer is strictly a matter of personal taste.
Manresa is in a wealthy suburban downtown. For a Massachusetts reference, maybe like downtown Lexington without the Battle Green? It's been years since I lived in the Boston area, so my reference may be outdated.
Dot-com millionaire casual is a wonderful description, but $400 shoes are strictly optional for that look!
Michael
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Gin n Tonic,
I might seem optimistic, but I'm right. The freeways between those spots - especially if you take the 280 route which is a few miles further - is very fast at that hour. We sometimes call 280 "der autobahn" - although the CHP has become very active since the downturn. 280 also never has freeway-closing crashes (beautiful surface, great sight lines, well designed ramps) unlike 101 (right near my house, the Tongan prince and princess died, which occasioned a road closure).
SFO has been very empty last 6 months. Security will be empty.
I'm sure you won't take my word for it, I'm just some faceless dude, so simply think of me when you're cooling your heels at the airport for an hour instead of savoring one of the best restaurants on earth.
There was one comparo mention about Blue Hill the other day vs Ubuntu, but there was no comparison against Manressa.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/619035
Good travels!
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Certainly not to discourage you from visiting Manresa. Actually just opposite.
My wife and I once had the tasting menu at Manresa and unfortunately we missed our flight back to the east coast. And had to wait until the next morning to catch another. And you know what? It was worth it!
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