This sophisticated one Michelin starred American Brasserie by award-winning chef Gary Danko (the 1995 James Beard award winner for best Californian chef) has retained its “Most Popular Restaurant” title on the SF Zagat survey for seven years running and is an iconic special occasion dining spot. Diners can choose between three and five prix-fixe menu courses touching on the essential categories of a traditional dining experience --starters, fish, game, cheese, dessert. Signature items include glazed oysters with Osetra caviar, zucchini pearls, and lettuce cream; and the simply prepared roast Maine lobster with potato puree, chantarelles, corn and tarragon. Diners seeking more elaborate and involved dishes may choose the hearty mushroom, quinoa and foie gras-stuffed quail with cornbread pudding, beans, bacon and relish. Gary Danko restaurant is also renowned for its bountiful cheese cart and dessert soufflés. While the extensive wine list doesn't come cheaply, the service is impeccable and the decor --a wood paneled, contemporary American reflection of the French menu- (I don’t really get this???) -is formal yet unstuffy. The restaurant also books out a private dining room for up to ten guests, and makes available its ten-seater first-come bar for more informal a la carte dining.
