Cyrus Restaurant Revisited: A Culinary Adventure in Geyserville

Cyrus Restaurant Revisited: A Culinary Adventure in Geyserville

Michelin Star Napa & Sonoma

The Bubble Lounge

Returning to Cyrus Restaurant in Geyserville feels like reuniting with an old friend—a friend who always has something new and exciting to share. Stepping into this culinary haven once again, I'm greeted by the familiar elegant ambiance that promises an evening of indulgence and discovery. It's a place where every visit feels like a special occasion, and this time is no different.

Our culinary adventure began in the first room, the Bubble Lounge. We were welcomed with a selection of cocktails alongside a playful display – a long plate of miniature canapés, each a delightful exploration of one of the five fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. This felt like a lighthearted promise from the chefs, a hint that they would orchestrate a harmonious dance of flavors throughout the entire meal.

Canapés: (left to right)

Sweet: Garlic Chive Madeleine  |  Sour: Green Strawberry, Yogurt, Basil  |  Salty: Gougère with Comte Fondue  |  Bitter: Charred Spring Onion "Cannoli"  |  Umami: Bamboo Rice Ship, Sesame Yolk Jam, Seaweed Chocolate

Cyrus appetite

Kitchen Table

The next chapter of our culinary adventure unfolded – the kitchen table. Here, Chef Keane himself takes center stage, presenting a seven-course tasting menu at an angular, U-shaped counter. This intimate setting creates an almost cinematic experience, fostering a sense of connection with the culinary maestro as he unveils each course.

As I settle into my seat, I can't help but marvel at the menu, which seems to have undergone a transformation since my last visit. Chef Keane presents some of his most celebrated creations, including his signature billi bi, a French mussel soup infused with the essence of fennel. While some old favorites remain, there are also intriguing new additions that pique my curiosity. It's a testament to Cyrus's commitment to innovation and creativity, always striving to push the boundaries of culinary excellence.

Kitchen Table at Cyrus

kitchen table at Cyrus
White Asparagus, Ponzu, Candied Ginger

White Asparagus, Ponzu, Candied Ginger

Blue Fin Tuna, Plum, Sea Lettuce-Sansho Furikake

Blue Fin Tuna, Plum, Sea Lettuce-Sansho Furikake

Uni, Pea and Fermented Carrot Tart

Uni, Pea and Fermented Carrot Tart

"Oreo" Foie Gras Torchon, Black Garlic, Rhubarb

“Oreo” Foie Gras Torchon, Black Garlic, Rhubarb

Artichoke, Sake Lees, Lettuce Puree

Artichoke, Sake Lees, Lettuce Puree

Chawanmushi, Blue Crab Fava Bean Fondue, Yuzu Foam

Chawanmushi, Blue Crab Fava Bean Fondue, Yuzu Foam

Dining Room

Cyrus Restaurant's dining room experience is where the heart of the culinary journey unfolds. Here, the main course isn't just a single dish, it's a carefully orchestrated symphony of flavors designed to tantalize your taste buds. The true magic lies in the artistry. Cyrus' chefs are storytellers on a plate. They utilize innovative techniques and unexpected combinations to create dishes that are not just delicious, but visually stunning as well.

Sobacha Epi

Sobacha Epi, House Cultured Butter

Soba Wrapped Black Cod, Ginger Shiso Dashi

Soba Wrapped Black Cod, Ginger Shiso Dashi

Poussin, Miso Morels, Creamed Ramps and Fava Greens

Poussin, Miso Morels, Creamed Ramps and Fava Greens

Sonomo Coast Lamb, Creamed Corn, Squash, Green Tomato

Brillat Savarin, Strawberry, Fennel Pollen Brioche

Brillat Savarin, Strawberry, Fennel Pollen Brioche

Black Lime Cake, Poached Aloe, Hearts of Palm

Non-Alcoholic Pairing Menus

Their non-alcoholic pairing menu offers a creative and delicious selection of drinks that complement the flavors of their dishes, making every bite and sip a memorable one. Cyrus' beverage team crafts these pairings with the same meticulousness as their renowned wine list. They consider the ingredients, textures, and flavor profiles of each dish, ensuring a harmonious symphony for your taste buds.

Sakura "Rose Champagne"

Sakura "Rose Champagne" - coconut, white sesame, cherry blossom, lime

Raspberry Refresher

Raspberry Refresher - rosé raspberry coulis, hibiscus & rooibos tea, golden balsamic

Carrot Souffle

Carrot Soufflé - caraway, orange blossom, turmeric, sunflower seed

Apple Martini

Apple Martini - Pink lady apple, sunomono cucumber, shio-koji, blistered shishito

Tea old fashioned

Tea old fashioned - keemun & oolong, ginseng, miso, burnt sugar

Pineapple Sunrise

Pineapple Sunrise - golden raisin, chamomile, honey, balsamic float

Mignardises

Of course, no visit to Cyrus would be complete without indulging in dessert. 🙂

  • Sweet: Strawberry Sake Lees Mousse, Almond Sable
  • Sour: Sudachi and Olive Oil Tartlet, Shiso Meringue
  • Salty: Black Sesame Bon Bon, Toasted Rice Ganache
  • Bitter: Earl Grey Canele
  • Umami: Dark Chocolate Seaweed Coquette, Sweet Soy

Chocolate Room - A secret dessert closet?

Cyrus's meal concludes in grand fashion at the Chocolate Room. This hidden gem offers a dramatic finale. Imagine a cascading wall of chocolate – a feast for the eyes before you indulge in the house-made hot chocolate.

What truly sets Cyrus apart is not just the food, but the overall dining experience. From the moment you walk through the door, you're greeted with warmth and hospitality that makes you feel like a cherished guest. The staff at Cyrus are attentive and knowledgeable, always on hand to offer recommendations or answer any questions you may have. It's this personal touch that elevates the dining experience from merely enjoyable to truly unforgettable.

In conclusion, returning to Cyrus Restaurant in Geyserville is like embarking on a culinary adventure—one that never fails to delight and surprise. With its innovative cuisine, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance, Cyrus continues to set the standard for fine dining in Sonoma County. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning patron like myself, Cyrus never fails to impress, leaving you eagerly anticipating your next visit.

 

A Geyserville Gem | Cyrus restaurant

A Geyserville Gem | Cyrus restaurant

Michelin Star Napa & Sonoma

The Bubble Lounge

We have been anxious to try the long awaited reopening of Cyrus in Geyserville, CA. The restaurant is surrounding by Aperture Winery vineyards. After checking in,  you are greeted by a warm and friendly host and free to choose your seats in the Bubble Lounge (more choices if you arrive early). We were lucky enough to pick the high top seats facing the vineyard to enjoy the marvelous views.

Cyrus Restaurant

Kitchen Table

Next we were guided into the beautiful kitchen where you are seated in a U shaped kitchen table with 12 seats. Chef Keane created a kitchen table dining experience that feels fun for everyone and exudes a casual atmosphere. Guests are free to walk around and chat with staff during the time at the kitchen table. We had fun seeing all the professional equipment and the chefs were excited to show us their cooking techniques.

Kitchen Table at Cyrus

Chef Douglas Keane Cyrus
Gazpacho Consomme at Cyrus
Oyster Corn Kimchee Granite at Cyrus
Managatsuo, Plums, Ginger-Shiso Dashi Gelee at Cyrus
Lobster, Avocado, Thai Basil, Melon at Cyrus
Artichoke, Sake Lees, Lettuce Puree, Benitade at Cyrus
Chicken and Egg by Cyrus

Dining Room

After the kitchen table we were guided to a spacious dining room with beautiful views of a water feature against the backdrop of the vineyard grounds. The progression of different seating areas really add to the overall dining experience and sets it apart from other fine dining restaurants. Each dish showcases a delicious combination of flavors and presentations. I absolutely adore the glassware and plates they chose. We ate with our eyes first with every course presentation.

Halibut, coconut milk galangal, finger lime, lychee at Cyrus
Foie Gras Torchon at Cyrus
Pampered Abalone Corn-Shio Koji Broth Uni form at Cyrus
Filet of Beef, Green Tomatoes, Swiss Chard, Smoked Jus at Cyrus
Andante Dairy Melange, Pluot, Nasturtium, Shokupan
Melon and Lemon Verbena Sorbet
Toasted Sourdough Custard, fig leaf, husk cherry

Non-Alcoholic Pairing Menus

Cyrus offered one of the creative and delicious non-alcoholic pairing menus we'd experienced any in the world. (The only one comparable is Aviary in Chicago.) Most restaurants opt to offer pre-bottled/pre-made juices but the beverage director (also named Cyrus!) created inventive drinks with fresh ingredients that just so happened to not have alcohol --he didn't just phone it in. Each beverage matched the course it was design for and added to the dish. I was really impressed with the level of thoughtfulness and detail that this pairing menu provided.

The Spritz blackberry, gooseberry, juniper, elderflower, lime
Fizz Blueberry, Earl Grey, Shiitake-verjus, Thyme
Golden Raisin Cordial Stone Fruit Gastrique, Chamomile, Lavender
Tea Old Fashioned Oolong, Burnt suger, Miso-cured Orange
Sweet Coconut Horchata, Oat Milk, Sake Lees, Mintc

Chocolate Room

After dessert you are led into the Chocolate Room. The hidden entrance to the room was a fun surprise and we were immediately met with a huge chocolate fountain upon entering. What a beautiful and one-of-a-kind concept! The levitating platform that held our chocolate treats was also visually stunning. Cyrus is definitely worthy of a special journey.

Black Sesame Dragee Brownie at Chocolate room
Chocolate Pave at Cyrus
Box of Chocolates at Cyrus Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Nisei Restaurant 二世 | Modern Japanese fine dining

Nisei Restaurant 二世 | Modern Japanese fine dining

Michelin Star San Francisco Bay Area

When you first walked into Nisei you can feel the ambiance was elegant & sleek with modern Japanese touches. We ordered the tasting menu which features 13 courses plus an add-on caviar & banana dorayaki and a final round of wagashi. Service was warm and well-intentioned and the food was well thought out and prepared. Very enjoyable meal.

Appetizer

The "appetizer" rounds we got were in courses 1-4, which were nori cotton candy, tako sunomono, Shingiku/ pea shoots in shiro dashi, and dry aged shima aji.

Entree

The "entree" rounds followed in courses 5-10, which were a lobster in paitan broth,  cold chawanmushi, kobujime hirame/strawberry three ways/micro shiso, abalone tempura, squash blossom, and grilled unagi.

caviar at Nisei
caviar at Nisei
Paitan broth, lobster, grilled baby corn, marigold at Nisei
Cold chawanmushi, cherry tomato, seaweed, trout roe at Nisei

As each dish arrived at our table, we were explained clearly and in detail what each was and contained.

Kobujime hirame, strawberry three ways, micro shiso at Nisei
Kobujime hirame, strawberry three ways, micro shiso at Nisei
Sweet corn takoyaki, C&S corn, black truffle at Nisei
Squash blossom, tsukune, summer squash, tamago at Nisei

Diners have a glimpse of the kitchen.

Nisei restaurant
Unagi, eggplant, wasabi, kinome at Nisei

Dessert

Macha. shiitake. honey
White chocolate. dashi. caviar
Amazake. blueberry. bee pollen
Sweet corn "takoyaki". C&S corn. black truffle
Assorted wagashi

Matcha, shiitake, honey at Nisei
White chocolate, dashi, caviar at Nisei
Amazake, blueberry, bee pollen at Nisei
Sweet corn takoyaki, C&S corn, black truffle at Nisei
Assorted wagashi at Nisei San Francisco
Big Sur California

Big Sur California

California United States

Big Sur is probably one of the most famous and celebrated California destinations in terms of natural beauty, but for various reasons it’s never been high on my to-go list. Partly because the pandemic has limited my travel options, and partly because I finally put in the time to research the area, I was finally curious enough and took a 3-night trip there in early May, 2021. Well, now I’m a believer!

6 Big Sur Attractions You Must Not Miss!

Big Sur consists of a roughly 30-mile stretch along the California coast on the famed Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon. Here are some of the places we visited on this trip from north to south.

1. Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail

This is a stretch of mostly flat trails on the bluff along the coast. On the trail there is a cute little bridge that crosses the Soberanes Creek, and you can enjoy awesome views of large waves crashing against the sea stacks and cliffs.

2. The Calla Lily Valley

Did you know calla lilies grow naturally in the wild in swampy areas? I’ve seen calla lily patches in the past on other hikes but never made the connection. Look for “Garrapata State Beach Parking” on Google Maps (and some cars parked on the dirt patch on either side of Highway 1). After you park, look for the “Garrapata State Park” sign and you’ll see a narrow trail that goes down towards the beach. Head north to get to the little valley full of wild calla lilies! I think peak bloom season may be earlier in March or April, because many of the lilies we saw were already wilting/dried up. At the valley of the lilies there are some steps that go up to a trail that takes you back onto the highway, at a point a bit north of where you parked. Here you can get a full view of the valley of the lilies from the top and walk back along Highway 1 to your car (or you can go back down and back-track on the trail, and go further south where the trail leads to a stretch of beaches).

3. Bixby Creek Bridge

This is probably one of the most iconic sights associated with Big Sur. The bridge was built in the 1930s and is quite impressive. There are some areas both north and south of the bridge where you can pull over to get a view. This is a view north of the bridge at “Castle Rock Viewpoint”.

4. Buzzard’s Roost Trail (in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park – entrance fee required)

There are a lot of trails (and camping) in this huge state park, but this was the only hike we did here. This trail starts at Big Sur Lodge near a small creek, and is about 4 mile roundtrip (took us a little over 2 hours). You slowly zig-zag uphill towards Buzzard’s Roost view point, and there are many pretty wildflowers along the way. You can then make a loop from the top to get back down, though we ended up going up and coming down the same way. It was still quite foggy when we made it to the peak on our morning hike, so we did not get the famed view of the coast from the top.

5. Pfeiffer Beach (entrance fee required)

The Keyhole Arch at this beach may be the second most famous sight associated with Big Sur – it’s a popular sunset photography spot, as the sunlight streams directly though the keyhole at sunset, especially during the winter months around the winter solstice. My picture of the Keyhole Arch here is from 2016 (when we made a detour on a drive from SF to LA). On this most recent May 2021 trip, it was so windy on the beach the wind-whipped sand bit into our exposed skin like a million little needles. We quickly snapped a few pictures and ran back to the car, and didn’t even get a proper view of the Keyhole Arch (which really was just a few more steps north along the beach). There are a few other arches and cool rock formations here, but the Keyhole Arch gets all the glory because of the sunset phenomenon. Pfeiffer beach is also known as the Purple Beach, as the sand is purple from the manganese garnet deposits that wash down onto the beach from the surrounding hills. To get to this beach, take Sycamore Canyon Road (which requires a sharp right turn if you’re coming southbound) off Highway 1. It’s a 2-mile, very narrow, not really paved, road with turnouts that leads to two parking areas for the beach. Both parking areas are a very short walk to the beach. 

6. McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – entrance fee required)

A short ¼ -mile walk from the parking lot leads to a deck overlooking the beautiful McWay Cove and the McWay Falls. It is a small waterfall and we didn’t see it at first. There are a few other (longer) trails in this park, but they were all closed during our visit, though may be due to recent fires/rains rather than the pandemic? We also noticed a lot of people parked off Highway 1 just before the park entrance, so you can get a view of the cove and waterfall on the highway without actually entering the park. 


Where to Eat?

There aren’t a lot of dining options at Big Sur, but enough that if you wanted to eat at a different place for lunch and dinner each day over a 3-4 day trip, it is still possible. Here are two of my favorites on this trip.

Coast Big Sur (49901 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920)

Art gallery and café, you can get a nice lunch here and enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Coast with your meal. Don’t forget to try one of the soft-serve options for dessert!

Big Sur Bakery (47540 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920)

This a good breakfast/lunch spot nestled amongst pretty fruit trees and gardens, flanked by a couple small art galleries. They have also recently started (restarted?) serving dinner starting at 5pm. This fried chicken was very juicy and flavorful, and the purple sauce was a horseradish crème fraiche, and it was really, really good!


Where to Stay?

Big Sur Lodge (Family friendly)

This is where we stayed on this trip. Situated right in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, staying here also gives you complimentary day passes to all 3 state parks in Big Sur (Pfeiffer Big Sur, Andrew Molera, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns). All the units are cottages of different sizes. We chose the Kitchenette Cottage that had a bedroom with a queen bed, a living room with a pull-out couch, and a kitchen that included a refrigerator, stove, microwave, a small coffee maker, a toaster, and basic kitchen supplies (pot, pan, dishes, utensils — bring your own cooking oil, salt/pepper). There is a café at the main lodge, but the main restaurant was still closed due to the pandemic. The accommodations here are basic but clean and comfortable; there is no Wi-Fi, and cellphone reception was spotty at best, but the location was great and allowed easy exploration of the area.

Glen Oaks Big Sur (Adults preferred)

I would’ve liked to stay here during this trip, but by the time I found this place there weren’t good options for the dates I wanted, since most units are double-occupancies only. The lodging options range from hotel rooms of various sizes to cabins and cottages with kitchenettes. All the rooms and cabins/cottages have views of or decks that look into the woods, the décor seems rustic but modern, and overall these accommodations are probably luxurious compared to Big Sur Lodge. And all rooms have Wi-Fi! Haha.

[avatar user=”Joyce” /]


Other Practical Tips

  1. Download offline Google map of the area. As alluded to above, cellphone reception is overall pretty minimal in Big Sur, and most of the restaurants we went to didn’t offer Wi-Fi either. Download an offline map before your trip and you’ll still be able to search for various sights and navigate between sites during your stay.
  2. Fill up your gas tank before you get to Big Sur. There are gas stations in Big Sur but they are understandably pricey, as it can’t be easy to truck gasoline into Big Sur.
  3. Carmel is only about 25 miles north of Big Sur (about a 40-min drive), so one of the nights we drove up there for dinner. It makes a nice side-trip if you have a longer Big Sur stay (or want different dining options), also a good option if you want to restock groceries for a longer stay. Just remember this stretch of Highway 1 does not have street lights! So definitely drive carefully if you’re getting back to Big Sur after dark. 

 

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AUBERGE DU SOLEIL

AUBERGE DU SOLEIL

Napa & Sonoma

Auberge du Soleil

180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 963-1211
www.aubergedusoleil.com
American

auberge-du-soleil_restauran

BRUNCH MENU

Bread & Butter

muffins, house made pastries & artisanal breads

auberge-du-soleil_bread

Beginnings

potato gnocchi, wild Mushrooms, pea shoots, parmesan nage
auberge-du-soleil_gnocchi

Oysters

auberge-du-soleil_oyster1

auberge-du-soleil_oyster

Sustenance

duck confit hash, slow cooked farm eggs, mâche, red wine sauce

auberge-du-soleil_duck

Dessert

crispy filo wrapped chocolate dumplings
tarragon ice cream, arbequina olive oil
auberge-du-soleil_dessert

MANRESA

MANRESA

Michelin Star San Francisco Bay Area

Manresa

320 Village Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354-4330
www.manresarestaurant.com
American

Chef’s Menu – 2013

After enjoying a fabulous meal in 2009, we returned with a party of five for a winter menu. Menus change with the seasons. I must say the service continues to excel. Food comprised of nine dishes plus desserts. Each course was a work of art, visually and in its preparation and taste.

Amuse Bouche

red pepper and black olive madeleines
manresa_amusebouche_2013

manresa_amuse_bouche

Bread

house-baked bread
manresa_bread_2013

First Course

local milk panna cotta with abalone
manresa_1st_course

Second Course

manresa_sashimi

Third Course

locally grown greens, flowers and herbs and “soil”
manresa_veggie

manresa_veggies

Fourth Course

manresa_fish

Fifth Course

manresa_popcorn

Sixth Course

manresa_soup

Seventh Course

manresa_duck

Eigth Course

manresa_steak

manresa_smith_apple

Ninth Course

manresa_dessert2013

Petit Fours

manresa_petit_fours_2013

January Menu

manresa_menu_2013

LA FOLIE

LA FOLIE

San Francisco Bay Area

La Folie

2316 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 776-5577
www.lafolie.com
French

CHEF’S FIVE COURSE MENU

We ordered the 5 course piggy menu and were STUFFED. You don’t want to ruin your expensive meal by overeating! Presentation is beautiful. The dessert course was probably the least outstanding.

Bread

french baguette
la-folie_bread

Amuse Bouche

la-folie_amuse_bouche

egg yolk with leek cream soup
la-folie_egg_york

Osetra Caviar

la-folie_caviar

Brentwood Farms Sweet Corn Soup

lobster, truffle, crispy sweetbreads
la-folie_truffle_soup

la-folie_truffle-soup

Seared Day Boat Scallop & Crispy Sweetbreads

on nantais carrot puree, truffle vinaigrette
la-folie_scallop

Quail and Squab

stuffed with mushrooms, wrapped in crispy potato strings, truffled jus
la-folie_quail

Seasonal Sorbets

mixed berries sorbet and yuzu granite, passion fruit sorbet cannoli
la_folie_dessert

Petit Fours

chocolate plantain, canele de bourdeaux, madeleines with brandied cherries, apricot pate de fruit
la-folie_petit_fours

Brenda’s French Soul Food

Brenda’s French Soul Food

San Francisco Bay Area

Brenda’s French Soul Food

652 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 345-8100
frenchsoulfood.com
Cajun

Sunday Brunch

A taste of Lousiana! We were excited to try it out based on the reviews and always seeing the line formed outside, which is usually a good sign. They have good beignets, big and fluffy. The cheddar grits was a bit too cheesy and heavy for me. Overall atmosphere is very open and bright. Portions are really big so make sure to share!

Beignet Flight

plain, chocolate, granny smith apple, crayfish
brendas-french-soul_beignet

Granny Smith Apple

sweetened with cinnamon honey butter
brenda-french-soul_apple

Crayfish

spiced with cayenne, scallions & cheddar
brendas-french-soul_crayfis

Chocolate

molten Ghirardelli chocolate
brendas-french-soul_chocola

Eggs Benedict

two poached eggs on cream biscuits with creole hollandaise and grits
brendas-french-soul_eggs

Shrimp & Grits

sauteed shrimp, cheddar grits, spicy tomato-bacon gravy
brendas-french-soul_grits

BENU

BENU

Michelin Star San Francisco Bay Area

Benu

22 Hawthorne St.,San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 685-4860
www.benusf.com
Asian Fusion

18 Course Tasting Menu

1st Course

Thousand-year old quail egg, potage, ginger
benu_quail_egg

2nd Course

Oyster, pork belly, kimchi
benu_oyster

3rd Course

Potato salad with anchovy
benu_potato_salad_ball

4th Course

Wild salmon roe, eggplant, buckwheat, perlla
benu_salmon_roe

5th Course

Chicken liver steamed in rice wine, caviar, green apple, radish, brioche
benu_chicken_liver

6th Course

eel, feuille de brick, crème fraîche, lime
benu_eel_cream

7th Course

Sesame tofu, black moss, baby corn.
benu_tofu

Tomato and preserved plum
benu_plum

9th Course

Lobster coral xiao long bao
benu_xiaolongbao

10th Course

Salt and pepper squid
benu_squid

11th Course

Sablefish, soft shell clam, black bean, squash
benu_sablefish

12th Course

Abalone blanquette
benu_abalone

13th Course

Duck, cucumber, scallion, Shaoxing wine, black truffle bun
benu_duck

benu_blk_truffle_bun

14th Course

Roast quail, turnip, spicy cabbage, cherry
benu_quail

15th Course

“Shark’s fin” soup, dungeness crab, Jinhua ham, black truffle custard
benu_sharksfin

16th Course

Melon, sake, pine
benu_melon

17th Course

Spice cake, blueberry, yogurt, oatmeal ice cream
benu_spice_cake

18th Course

Chocolates
benu_petite_four

THE BAZAAR by José Andrés

THE BAZAAR by José Andrés

Los Angeles

The Bazaar

465 S La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 246-5555
www.thebazaar.com/
Spanish

Modern Tapas Menu

Amuse Bouche

the-bazaar_amuse_bouche

Not Your Everyday Caprese

cherry tomatoes, liquid mozzarella
the-bazaar_capreses

Japanese Taco

grilled eel, shiso, cucumber, wasabi, chicbarron
the-bazaar_jp_taco

Smoked Yellowtail & Crispy Rice

yogburt, grapes, capers, radish
the-bazaar_yellowtail

Croquetas de Pollo

chicken bécbamel fritters
the-bazaar_croquetas

Sauteed Shrimp

garlic, guindilla pepper
the-bazaar_shrimp

White Asparagus with Miso

california walnuts
the-bazaar_white_asparagus

Duck Liver Sandwiches

quince, toasted brioche
the-bazaar_duckliver

Philly

the-bazaar_philly

the_bazaar_philly

Boneless Buffalo Chicken Wings

bleu cheese, celery
the-bazaar_chicken_wings

Pa’amb Tomaquet Catalan Style

toasted bread, manchego, tomato
the-bazaar_tomaquet

Tomato Watermelon Skewers

lemon dressing, basil
the-bazaar_tomato

Nitro Coconut Flating Island

passion fruit and vanilla
the-bazaar_coconut_floating

the-bazaar_nitro_coconut

Hot Chocolate

the-bazaar_hot_chocolate

Sweets

salted caramel, rice crispy, and chocolate chip cookie
the-bazaar_sweets

MELISSE 2012

MELISSE 2012

Los Angeles

Melisse

1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-0881
www.melisse.com
French

FOUR COURSE TASTING MENU – 2012

The environment there is very laid back and the servers are quite friendly. The food, as they deliver what they describe exactly. We had an amazing meal and an amazing experience overall. This is a real culinary treat.

Amuse Bouche

melisse_amusebouche

melisse_amuse_bouche

Bread & Butter

melisse_bread

Santa Barbara Spot Prawn

Celtuce, razor clam, uni and geoduck
melisse_spot_prawn

White Asparagus

A single spear of white asparagus with morel mushrooms and some sort of magical buttery sauce that made me want to lick the plate.
melisse_white_asparagus

True Day boat Scallop “Rossini”

melisse_scallop

Maine Lobster

Morel mushrooms, asparagus, toasted macadamia nut emulsion, jamón ibérico bellota
melisse_lobster

Passion Fruit Soufflé Glacé

Coconut sorbet, pistachio and lemongrass.
melisse_passion_fruit

Petit Fours

melisse_petit_four

SWAN OYSTER DEPOT

SWAN OYSTER DEPOT

San Francisco Bay Area

Swan Oyster Depot

1517 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-1101
Seafood

What to expect

Having lived in San Franciso for several years, I’ve never thought about this place. It was on one of Anthony Bourdain’s shows and since a friend was visiting from LA, we decided to check this place out. It’s a small place (a bar with about 20 stools) so expect to wait in line (hour+).

swan_oyster_depot

Clam Chowder

The clam chowder wasn’t what I’m used to. It had the clam flavor but it was a bit watery.
swan_oyster_depot_soup

Shrimp Cocktail

lots baby shrimp and cocktail sauce
swan_oyster_depot_shrimp

Oysters

mixed dozen oysters
swan_oyster_depot_oyster

Combination Sashimi Sicilian Style

salmon, tuna, capers, olive oil, red onion, black pepper
swan_oyster_depot_sashimi