Guess Where Dinner Was. . .

Behold, a picture of dinner on a recent business trip.  Observe the lovely presentation . . . and the overwhelming number of dishes. Our meal probably kept an entire kitchen full of dishwashers employed.

There are some obvious signs that this was in an Asiatic location. But props if you can name the exact local. . .

Mystery Spot
Somewhere Asiatic

Pick Cyrus

Move over, Thomas Keller. On a recent overly decadent weekend, Zack and I tried the French Laundry and Cyrus on back to back nights. The French Laundry left very very many things to be desired. Cyrus was a knockout wonderful experience.

This wasn't my first time at Keller's famed Yountville joint. But it will certainly be my last. We arrived for a 7:30pm Saturday evening seating. The restaurant was packed. They have added more table tops than when I was last here, cramming every possible bit of the floor's surface area with a $300 revenue-generating seat. In the center of the room sat a large party. . . with a crying infant. I didn't realize fine dining now comes with a high chair and the soothing sound effects of a screaming child.

And in the back cove, while we picked at the smattering of foraged wild weeds on our measly starter platers, a private party was treated to special deluxe dishes like an entire roast pheasant. Of course, the regular diner can't order this because it's not on the "no-substitution" tasting menu. If you thought you were special because you managed to survive the gauntlet of getting a reservation at TFL - be warned, there's an entirely new hierarchy of ostentation surrounding what you get to eat when you arrive.

Travel over the mountains and into Healdsburg, in the more-understated Sonoma County, however, and you'll be delighted with the best of the fine dining experiences to be found in Wine Country. Cyrus, nestled in the Les Mars Hotel, is lovely. It is fine food at its best, every bite was delectable and delightfully presented. The service and ambiance are elegant but understated. You feel as though you're in Northern California, where casual and polished come together in the best ways possible. And it's all very accessible - would-be diners can make reservations easily over OpenTable rather than wrestling with endlessly busy phone lines, a cold hostess, or elite cardmember concierge services.

I can opine more on specific dishes later, but suffice to say it was all really good. And so tastefully sincere and fresh - none of the ridiculous pomp of bitty foraged weeds and flowers or micro-portions. For now, let's let the main point stand: next time you're planning on a splurge in Northern California's wine regions, pick the local favorite over the staid and dated option. Cyrus is the way to go.

Cyrus

29 North Street

Healdsburg, CA 95448

707.433.3311

Best Dessert in Russian Hill

I've raved about Frascati in Russian Hill before. Everything, from its location on romantic tree and cable-car trimmed Hyde Street, to its consistently mouthwatering dishes (ohhh that brined pork chop. . . ), to its romantic neighborhood-spot vibe, are special.

But let's highlight one particularly scrumptious feature: the superstar on Frascati's dessert list. They call it the "Warm Black and White Chocolate Bread Pudding." It's warm and cozy, sweet and gooey in all the right ways.

We treated ourselves to it again last week when Zack's mom was in town. As the spoon licking and satisfied sighing around the table verified, this dessert is incredible. The fluffy, buttery chocolate bread base is nicely paired with a delicate hazelnut ice cream. Only, the scoop is mountainous and has loads of chocolate and caramel syrup. That takes this dessert from simple comfort food into the realm of over-the-top extravagance that'll remind you of the best cake-and-ice cream combos from your childhood. The only thing missing was sprinkles. . .

Frascati is already my No. 1 recommendation for a special occasion dinner in SF. The bread pudding only underscores the superlative. Don't forget to order it. . . or if you're lucky enough to live in the neighborhood (like I am!), it's worth stopping in just for the dessert.

Frascati

1901 Hyde Street

San Francisco

415.928.1406