Dine About was back on this month after a one-month in home special occasion last month. In April we brought Vietnamese to the Phan's who were caring for Isaac, just a couple weeks old!
A good group this time around tested out a new city location for DASF - the Presidio. Pres a Vis is in the new Letterman building (Lucas' new film studios). Their theme is tastes from around the world. Tough to pull off this very eclectic menu, but they do a good job mixing the right cuisines and flavors.
Mostly veteran DASF-ers with one new addition - Isaac Phan! At 1-month old he his already following in his parents culinary footsteps. Joining Isaac were: Pat and Yosef, Cecilia and Victor, Phu and Winnie, and me (Mollie). Dr. Jon, had a seat at the table, but got stuck again at the hospital.
Overall a very nice evening. Food was very tasty, with a couple dishes that wow-ed us, a couple that disappointed. Atmosphere was impressive, but service fell far short of expectations. I had better service at Pasta Pomodoro yesterday! I would recommend this place, but don't expect fine dining service.
Food: 87
Atmosphere: 92
Service: 70
Food: the duck buns were a big surprise hit, but the "spicy" hamachi rolls were bland. OK endive salad. Salmon and Black Cod - big flavors, delicious. Steak just ordinary. Dessert - beautiful plating and flavor to match. Creme brulee was actually unique with a crumb crust and chocolate with cherry ice cream made an impression.
Atmosphere: they've done a great job with the new Letterman building. Nice wood/glass interiors with mix of seating areas; great views. Entrance through pay garage took away from the luxury feel. Bathrooms - see next posting for "Jon on the John" - from guest commentator, Victor, I love poetry!
Service: you expect a lot more from a place like this. First we waited 45 minutes for our reserved table. . . points must be docked unless we're bribed with drinks/appetizers/apologies from the management - none of which happened. Waiter was a dud - no flair, no real interest in us. Water glasses weren't filled, unused wine glasses not removed, no clean plates. . . and a dump of the check at the end with no "closure - thanks for coming in" type farewell. The automatic 20% gratuity was too much.
Until next month - happy dining!
A good group this time around tested out a new city location for DASF - the Presidio. Pres a Vis is in the new Letterman building (Lucas' new film studios). Their theme is tastes from around the world. Tough to pull off this very eclectic menu, but they do a good job mixing the right cuisines and flavors.
Mostly veteran DASF-ers with one new addition - Isaac Phan! At 1-month old he his already following in his parents culinary footsteps. Joining Isaac were: Pat and Yosef, Cecilia and Victor, Phu and Winnie, and me (Mollie). Dr. Jon, had a seat at the table, but got stuck again at the hospital.
Overall a very nice evening. Food was very tasty, with a couple dishes that wow-ed us, a couple that disappointed. Atmosphere was impressive, but service fell far short of expectations. I had better service at Pasta Pomodoro yesterday! I would recommend this place, but don't expect fine dining service.
Food: 87
Atmosphere: 92
Service: 70
Food: the duck buns were a big surprise hit, but the "spicy" hamachi rolls were bland. OK endive salad. Salmon and Black Cod - big flavors, delicious. Steak just ordinary. Dessert - beautiful plating and flavor to match. Creme brulee was actually unique with a crumb crust and chocolate with cherry ice cream made an impression.
Atmosphere: they've done a great job with the new Letterman building. Nice wood/glass interiors with mix of seating areas; great views. Entrance through pay garage took away from the luxury feel. Bathrooms - see next posting for "Jon on the John" - from guest commentator, Victor, I love poetry!
Service: you expect a lot more from a place like this. First we waited 45 minutes for our reserved table. . . points must be docked unless we're bribed with drinks/appetizers/apologies from the management - none of which happened. Waiter was a dud - no flair, no real interest in us. Water glasses weren't filled, unused wine glasses not removed, no clean plates. . . and a dump of the check at the end with no "closure - thanks for coming in" type farewell. The automatic 20% gratuity was too much.
Until next month - happy dining!
