Friday, April 13, 2012

Michael Mina

Hey, Jami.  Yeah?  What do you want for your birthday?  Oh, nothing.  No really, what do you want?  Nothing big, anything's fine.  Okaaay, nothing big as in a watch or necklace?  Oh, you know, like maybe dinner for four at Michael Mina's <deep breathe> Oh, boy.

There are a few things I remember from that night.  No, wait.  There are few things I remember from that night.  Yeah, that's it.

Fortunately, there are pictures.  Here's what I do remember, in no particular order.

Lobster pot pie.  Trust me, you will want to eat this.
Champagne.  Pinot Noir.  A bottle of Rosé.  A lobster pot pie.  Me telling the hostess to sit us away from people "so we don't disturb them", and her replying that this place needs to be "livened up" before sitting us in the middle of the restaurant.  Making fun of the French before realizing we were say next to a French couple.  Oysters with frozen accoutrements.  Making fun of the word "accoutrements".  Shabu shabu.  Making fun of the word "shabu shabu".  Desserts that tasted like a Manhattan and another that tasted like an Old Fashion.  Closing down the place.

Oh, and being really, really happy.

Chef Mina, I won't be able to eat here every weekend, or even quarter, but I want you to know that I really appreciate how you make a culinary experience a special occassion, and not the other way around. 

Michael Mina | 252 California St., San Francisco, CA | www.michaelmina.net