My clients were eager to celebrate with me at Bourbon Steak after we received 17 offers on a recent listing. Their home sold for a whopping 50% over the list price! (Read More)
We were greeted warmly and selected a round of drinks from the restaurant’s comprehensive menu of mixed drinks, whiskeys and wines. To celebrate the occasion, I ordered a glass of Devauz Brut Rose Champagne ($26).
Bourbon Steak is part of chef Michael Mina’s expanding empire of eating establishments. The San Francisco branch is located off the main lobby of the St. Francis Hotel. Tables are arranged around the massive Ionic columns in the dining space, which is decorated with dark masculine colors.
The waitress brought a complimentary trio of yummy Duck Fat French Fries, each with its own seasoning and dip. A couple of my friends ordered the Heirloom Beet Salad ($19), which is arranged on the edge of a plate and looked like a miniature mountain range looming over a vast while plain. I had the Dino Kale ($16). I’ve been sampling kale salads everywhere and my favorite is still at Hillstone restaurant.
When in Rome do as the Romans do. And when in a steakhouse, order steak! I had a 4 oz. Petite Filet, ($60) which was fine but cooked unevenly and the tiny piece of meat was overwhelmed by the large plate. One friend had the Wolfe Ranch Quail ($36) which was accompanied by white lentils, pearl onions and sunchokes.
A round of after dinner drinks were ordered including a cloudy Kubler Absinthe.
For dessert we sampled Michael Mina’ Signature Root Beer Float, Rocky Road Ice Cream (again, pushed to the side of the plate) and a Sorbet Trio ($12 each).
The total bill for our party of six was $1100. I know this is supposed to be haute cuisine and I have no problem with that. It’s just that the assymetrical presentation seems pretentious and the food doesn’t justify the high prices. The best part of the meal was the Duck Fat French Fries.
Bourbon Steak is open Sunday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Bourbon Steak| 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA | 415.397.3003
