Super Fun Night out in Super Fun San Francisco

G being Gobbled by the Bamboo Hut Monster

Last night Georgia & I stepped out on a tour of fabulousness in San Francisco. Stop #1 was to be the Fairmont’s Tonga Room. We marched up Powell working up a fearsome thirst and we were foiled by a “The Tonga Room is Currently Closed for Renovations” placard at the door. EGADS!!! Keeping panic at bay we regrouped and clomped down to Chinatown for refreshment at Li Po Lounge. They keep a scary Chinese Whisky behind the bar which I’ve not yet tried. I considered it but opted for a Tsing Tao instead wanting to remain upright. The alleys led us to Bamboo Hut on Broadway for our much desired tiki drinks then the surprise was just down the street…

Georgia said “maybe we’ll get a pizza or I made a reservation at a restaurant I’ve been wanting to try” The two options are at extreme opposites of the spectrum. The reservation was at Coi. Not being absolutely stupid we, of course, opted for Coi. Immediately after stepping in the door we were transported into fine dining nirvana. “Good Evening Georgia” said the host as we swooned in anticipation. The 11 course menu started with an oil that we were instructed to dab on out skin. Nice touch!!!! I understand you can purchase Coi perfume – is it this? I must find out and I definitely need some!

I didn’t take notes or pictures – I just enjoyed the ride. Everything was exquisite. The sommelier, Paul, took good care of us with two wines: something white, followed by something red. How’s that for not getting hung up on the details! The meld of textures and flavors were a sensory roller coaster that never disappointed. I can’t wait to return and will squirrel away pennies in my piggy bank hoping to make it soon. The lightness of the fare kept me going strong through all 11 courses plus the 3 amuses bouche. G needed a power nap under the table but, hey, that’s what happens when you get up a 4am. I wish I could detail every single dish but I’ll leave that to others.

The absolute corp de grace was when I was laying in bed this morning blearily eyeing the New York Times and what pops out at me!! Frank Bruni’s Top Ten “Significant” restaurants include Coi and I get to relive my experience while reading his article. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/dining/05count.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Bruni grumbles a bit about the service but I can’t think a thing to grumble about. I have to rate Coi as one of my very top dining experiences EVER!!!!!

“Maybe we’ll grab a pizza!” whatever…

Now I need to forage oxalis from my yard for my destined to be disappointing attempt to recreate Coi’s out of this world nettle and oxalis soup.

Two links G sent while I was writing this:

Opening Day by Daniel Patterson
http://chezpim.typepad.com/blogs/2007/05/openning_day_by.html

Coi Chowhound Report
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/495013