Tuesday, November 19, 2013

San Francisco - State Bird Provisions


Hello, State Bird Provisions. You have received a plethora of awards, including Food & Wine's Best New Chef and James Beard Award Best New Restaurant and I've been dying to go to you but alas, you are super far away in San Francisco. And it is ridiculously hard to get a reservation. But finally, FINALLY I got a chance and you did not disappoint.




Your concept is to have a menu of dishes, as well as people carrying trays around with delectable, tempting treats a la dim sum style. Though the thought of that initially turned me off, it really worked! The chefs were super friendly and talkative, and advised us that the food only takes two turns around the dining table before being taken out of rotation. I did not see anything taken out of rotation, as people were eager to snatch up what you had to offer.

garlic bread with burrata

smoked duck, mushrooms, hazelnut strudel

raw oyster, spicy kohlrabi kraut, sesame

seared shishito peppers

hamachi-avocado, seaweed cracker

seared pork belly, nectarines

lobster "salsa" salad

sunchoke chips (on the house!)

roasted cauliflower "romesco"

pork spare ribs glazed in their own juices

1/2 dozen cast iron quail eggs, apple, sunchokes, my tam

birdseed bittersweet chocolate crunch, rose cloud cream, strawberries

chocolate macaron "ice cream" sandwich, curried pecan strudel

"world peace" peanut muscovado milk

I won't pretend that you're perfect (sadly, the garlic bread was slightly underwhelming after the raves I've heard about it), but it was one of the most enjoyable meals I've had in a long time. And yes, there was a lot of food. The Chef's Counter is definitely the best seat in the house and your servers and chefs were absolutely delightful. Can't wait to come back and see what else you have to offer.

State Bird Provisions
1529 Fillmore St, San Francisco, 94115
Neighborhood: Western Addition