A Q U A : haute cuisine

252 California Street
San Francisco, CA
415-956-9662


What names come to mind when you think of designer clothing? Perhaps Armani, Gucci, Dolce & Gabana or even Prada. The biggest names in couture are the epitome of luxury to those who crave the extra wearable frills in life; but for those whose cravings can only be satisfied by exquisite and delectable, palate-pleasing eats, then consider A Q U A restaurant in San Francisco as one of the leaders in the category of "designer cuisine".

Last Monday, for my one year anniversary with my amazing and adorable boyfriend whose passion for food is equal to mine, I was lucky to have indulged my senses at this incredible restaurant to celebrate. We arrived 15 minutes early for our reservation and were seated promptly by a very friendly and unpretentious hostess. The atmosphere was sophisticated and enchanting and frankly, quite cozy. The beautiful display of flowers and flawless table settings in the spacious dining room of warm tones, created the perfect ambiance.

We decided to start off by ordering a bottle of wine from their very diverse and thorough wine list. We chose a Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand- Cloudy Bay- and we were very happy with our selection. It was extremely aromatic with intense flavors of sweet kumkwats, lemon zest and an indescribable hint of some kind of sweet/spicy herb. Summer in a glass!

After perusing the mouth-watering menu, which enticed us to want everything available, we decided to go with the seven-course tasting menu. Complete bliss!

• Smoked Sturgeon & Caviar "Bombe" (this was accompanied by a Meyer Lemon & Yuzu Gelee.... Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit in which the fruit is relatively rare and it's highly prized)
• Tuna & Foie Gras Mosaic (with spiced mustard fruits and Muscat vinegar. Mustard fruits are whole candied fruits preserved in a mustard-flavored syrup. This was a delightful sweet/spicy accompaniment to the Foie Gras)
• Parmesan-Black Pepper Souffle (Made with Dungeness Crab, Sea Urchin & Chive butter.
  
• Maine Scallops (with Tandoori Spices, Cauliflower Couscous, Pickled Lime Vinaigrette. This dish alone, would have made an amazing entree and it was incredible with our wine choice)

At this point in our meal... we were really beginning to wonder if we would be able to finish. Our taste buds were going through a divine culinary craze and we just couldn't wait to see what would come next.

• Monkfish Roti (with Ramps, Porcini Mushrooms & Sweetbread Fondue. I wasn't sure what Ramps were and the waiter informed us that they are a spring scallion/leek-like onion that grows in the wild)
• Roast Beef Tenderloin (with Glazed Onions, Poppy Seed Pappardelle, and Sauce Au Poivre)

And to top off this extraordinary meal.... it was time for dessert. I had the Chocolate Tart with peanut butter crunch and candied mango. *Big Smile* My boyfriend isn't keen on the combination of peanut butter and chocolate so he had the Milk Chocolate Mousse Bar, which was a flourless cake with ginger-infused chocolate mousse and carmelized-bananas. We both went to Dessert Heaven.

The timing in between tastings was impeccable and the service was definitely top notch. We went home that evening and fell into a culinary coma. I couldn't imagine a more perfect way to celebrate our one year together and I certainly won't forget it!