Restaurant: Jardinere
Location: 300 Grove St. San Francisco, CA 94102. (415) 861-5555
Date: February 9, 2012
Cuisine: California French
Rating: Solid flavors
We left the reservation aspect of our San Francisco trip to a bit late. S.F. diners, it seems, make their reservations early. Besides, we were traveling with my 3-year-old, so long involved tasting menus were not an option. Sigh. Coi even had availability. In any case, we ended up at this overpriced but tasty California French. Although not pictured, the dining room is lovely in one of those ornate between the wars styles.
“Pierre Gelin, Gevrey-Chambertin “Clos de Meixvelle” 2007.” This turned out to be an excellent example of young Burgundy. Bright notes of berries I soft round charm.
The menu changes frequently.
“Roasted Butternut Squash Soap, herb goat cheese, prosciutto and spiced pepitas.” The specific soup pictured did not include the ham.
“mushroom cappuccino.” One of our diners did not order the 1st course and received this as a free substitute.
“Venison Tartare, cara cara orange, celery root and mustard seed.” I’m totally becoming a Tartar addict.
“Carnaroli Risotto, Delta Asparagus, English Peas and Parmiggiano-Reggiano.”
“Liberty Farms Duck Breast, Savoy Cabbage, Preserved Kumquats and Farro.” Perfectly rare.
Homemade pasta with tomatoes for my son.
And the all-important cheese.
The dessert menu.
“Bonne Bouche Platter. Crème Brûlée, Opera Cake, Petite Tarts, Cookies, Fruit Jellies, Chocolate Truffles and Candies.” A bit of everything — and in a good way.
“Bearss Lime Cake. Coconut Crème, Margarita Sorbet and Salt Air.” Basically deconstructed piña colada.
Overall, this was a good meal. The price tag reflected the location near the theater and the ornate dining room. The food was not stunningly guard, but it was on point.