Excellent New American Cuisine in San Francisco
Dining
Detectives
By Carol & Joe Davis
Fog
City has been a dining icon on the Embarcadero in San
Francisco for more than 25 years but as with all great restaurants
it was time for an update. The "Diner" was gutted and
a new concept was created. The décor is welcoming with
an Oval Bar in the center, an Exhibition Kitchen with Wood Burning
Fire Pit and Oven up front, new booths, and both regular and high
tables for drinks and dining. Every seat has big picture window
views of the Embarcadero and Battery Streets. The menu has also
been updated by Chef/Owner Bruce Hill and features
straight forward seasonal Modern San Francisco Cuisine which is
meant to be shared but is by no means small portions.
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We
checked our coats, were seated at a booth and ordered Badoit French
Sparkling Water while we looked at the small focused menu. We
started with Specialty Cocktails which were both unique
and really tasty.
We
enjoyed the Paloma which was made with Agavales Blanco,
grapefruit, lime, Thai Bird Chili and cane sugar. We
ordered it up instead of on the rocks and with the chili kick...it
was just what we needed on this cold San Francisco night. The
Fog City Milk Punch was another excellent choice. It
is a combination of bourbon, rum, brandy that is infused with
citrus and spices, lemon, sugar and clarified milk.
Our
first tastes from the new menu were the Snacks. The Deviled
Eggs with crispy quinoa and bacon were fabulous and the presentation
was lovely! The lightly breaded Cauliflower Nuggets Vadouvan
with curry Serrano Chile lime was beyond delicious and so different.
The breading was lightly dusted and you could hardly tell it was
there. Also, as you got closer to the bottom of the dish the level
of spice increased... and we love spice! We have always found
that Soups are a true test of a restaurant's creativity and execution.
The Roasted Pumpkin Minestrone with chanterelles, leeks
and spiced broth was amazing. It was luscious and perfectly seasoned
but not thick or heavy. It was very light and a definite must!
We also loved the Wood Oven Clams in Sake butter with
braised turnips, Maitake mushrooms, Yuzu and chili. It was served
with Panorama Bread Toast which was great for soaking up the delicious
broth.
Our
main courses were excellent and the presentation was lovely. The
Grilled Brandt Beef Rib Eye Steak with butter poached
radishes, arugula green onion, Yorkshire pudding and herb salad
is quite a meal and meat lovers will not be disappointed. It was
served perfectly rare as ordered and was a flavorful large steak.
The Seafood entrée that we enjoyed was the Alder Plank
Half Trout with Arbequina olives, fingerling potatoes, herbs
and grilled lemon. Make sure you also try their Vegetables. The
Oven Roasted Baby Carrots with Black Garlic Mole, almonds
and Cotija Cheese was our favorite!
The
Wine list is also small and focused with International choices.
We appreciated that they offer 3 ounce pours and created our own
flights. Our favorite white wine was the 2011 Stefan Cellars Napa
Sauvignon Blanc and our favorite red wine was the 2010 Five Easy
Pieces North Coast Bordeaux Blend.
We
were full but we always have to try the Desserts! We enjoyed both
the Affogato which was a unique presentation of Vanilla Frozen
Custard over Black Coffee Granita and the Fog City Frozen
House Made Custard with Chocolate and Caramel Sauces on the
side.
We
had a wonderful dinner at the new Fog City! The
cuisine was excellent, the service was superior and the vibe was
upbeat, casual and friendly. We also appreciated the unique Steelite
English dinnerware which made the cuisine look great. We've always
recommended Fog City to friends and out of towners
and are thrilled to see that it has evolved. We look forward to
returning soon, as we must try their hamburgers which looked beautiful.....on
their way to being quickly devoured at the next table. For those
who remember their Visa commercial from back in the day....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqy2l6m9s_U
they do now accept American Express and could soon be accepting
Bitcoin and PayPal. Have fun at Fog City!
Fog
City
1300 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA. 94111
415-982-2000
http://fogcitysf.com/