Sophisticated and Contemporary Dining
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
|
click
on image to enlarge & get caption |
The
ever changing San Francisco dining scene continues to amaze us.
Just when we thought that there were enough quality Steak Houses,
Restaurateur JC Chen and Executive Chef Jeffrey Stout raise the
bar by opening Alexander's Steakhouse, which is an American steakhouse
with Japanese influences. We were immediately impressed as we
entered by the dramatic upscale design. There is a three-tiered
dining space, exposed brick walls, wine racks, skylights, contemporary
light fixtures, banquette seating, custom Japanese shoji screens,
colorful floral arrangements, an exhibition kitchen and a separate
bar area.
We
started with some fabulous signature cocktails including their
Green Dragon, which is made with Square One Cucumber Vodka, Stirrings
Apple Liqueur, fresh juiced Granny Smith apples, wasabi oil and
a rim of black sea salt. This cocktail was crisp, perfectly balanced
and the black sea salt was definitely fun. The starters that we
loved were the Beef Sashimi "Surf and Turf" with crab
and the six pack Hamachi Shots with truffled Ponzu sauce, chili,
avocado, frizzled ginger and cilantro greens. The variety of textures
in the Hamachi Shot were very complimentary and quite flavorful.
The entrees that we really enjoyed included a perfectly prepared
28 day Dry Aged Certified Angus Prime corn fed Porterhouse which
came with rosemary pisou and fabulous roasted garlic and the smoked
Jidori Chicken Tobanyaki which was served piping hot cooked in
miso ginger sauce which had the consistency of a wonderful broth
and served with amazing beets. We see why they are so proud of
the dish! They also feature A5 Grade Japanese Kobe Beef, which
we must try on our next visit. We must also mention the superior
service, as the professional and knowledgeable wait staff was
there but not there.
The
international wine list is overseen by Eric Entrikin who is one
of only 105 Master Sommeliers in the United States. The wines
that were paired with our dinner included the 2009 Husch Mendocino
Chenin Blanc, 2009 , the J Vineyards California Pinot Gris, the
2007 St. Clement Napa Valley Piping Merlot and the 2009 Maipe
Andean Culture Torrontes. We enjoyed both of our desserts. The
Dark Dimensions featured chocolate which was not too rich and
the Tropic Thunder mango sorbet with sticky rice was excellent.
Espressos and their signature Cotton Candy were the perfect finish
to a great dinner. We won't be surprised when you hear it called
Alexander's The Great... Steakhouse! The attention to every detail
was superior and we look forward to returning soon.
Alexander's
Steakhouse
448 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA. 94107
415-495-1111
www.alexanderssteakhouse.com