Monday, August 20, 2007

Spruce



Spruce
Category: New California
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights
Price Range: $$$

I usually wait until I've visited a restaurant at least 3 times before I hand out such a high score. Went opening night on August 3rd for my Girl, J's birthday and it was truly a great dining experience. And that's pretty amazing for an opening night. I mean, sure they need to work out some new restaurant kinks, but believe you me, these kinks were minute. Very Impressive.

We walked into this extraordinary, warm and beautifully defined space and were greeted warmly by the staff. We had to wait about 30 minutes until we were sat, but the Restaurant Manager and the Hostess checked in with us periodically to let us know how much time it would be. Until then, we enjoyed our Cocktails and were appeased.

Once we sat down, we found the Wine List to be extensive and a bit overwhelming, so we summoned for the Sommelier to help us choose a Bottle of Wine and ended up with a nice Viognier. Big Fan of Viogners lately. Light & Refreshing.
One odd thing about the experience was that the Sommelier asked if I wanted to go back with him to the Wine Cellar to choose a bottle of Vino. It wasn't in a downstairs dungeon or anything, but in the back of the restaurant in these beautiful glass-doored rooms. It was Huge! In retrospect, I would have gone, it was just unexpected as I've never been asked to do that before. I mean, is this something that I just am not aware of? Ah well...

For our Appetizers, we shared a Salad of Heirloom Watermelon & Sardines. I know, it sounds like a strange combination, but I am seeing this in many other restaurants of this calibre/genre. It was not a fave of the Ladies, but I liked it ok. We also had a Crudo of Arctic Char, which we all liked a lot.

For Our Mains, I had the the Pan-Roasted Duck Breast topped with Buttery Foie Gras. Loved it... Duck + Duck = How can you go wrong?JZ had the Short Ribs which were fantastic, although I like the one from Range a little bit more. J had the Ribeye, which was good, but she's a 'No Blood' kinda gal, so I can't really give it my true opinion as I like my Meat medium rare...Unfortunately, I cannot remember what Mills had. I think she had a Chicken Dish...

For Dessert, we had the Semolina Cake which was a hit with the Girls and no, not 'my Girls', I meant My Ladies... (see our Photos above)

I think I am learning that I am of the Light & Refreshing Dessert category. I thought Service was pretty good for Opening Night.

I am sure that I will be back to do it again...

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