Last week I was invited to a blogger dinner at Presidio. I quickly took a peek at their menu, as I usually do before I head out to a new restaurant. I had already mentally bookmarked a few of the dishes I knew I had to try. Two words. Foie Gras. I went for the foie gras but little did I know, I would be leaving with some major interior design envy. The whole space is so beautifully designed; oxblood calf-hair bar chairs, luscious leathers, brass details and starburst light fixtures. Images of the Golden Gate blend into the decor, sconces that mimic the bridge details and beautiful floral centerpieces and twinkling candles. The space instantly envelops you into a warm and decadent hug. I basically want to move in. The lighting is just bright enough for you to see your delicious plates but dim enough to make it a perfect date-night spot.
I only had the chance to snap photos of the interior before we started trying out the different plates of food. There was no time to photograph. Just eat. And eat we did. We started the evening off with cocktails and a squash soup with forbidden black rice, hazelnut pesto, chili oil and spices. It was divine. It immediately set the bar for the rest of the evening and warmed our palettes. I of course, ordered the foie gras that comes as a parfait with layers of sour cherry gelee and grilled slices of baguette. I could have licked the bowl clean, but that would probably be inappropriate when I was just meeting these fellow bloggers for the first time. Next time, though. Next time. Next up was the delicious baked polenta with a wild mushroom ragout and a ricotta salata. The polenta was perfectly crispy on the outside but the inside was creamy and rich as polenta should be. The mushroom ragout blended perfectly with the ricotta, making it extra creamy and the mushrooms were in the most delicious of sauces. Magic mushrooms, indeed.
For someone who generally eats red meat only when I dine out, I was excited to try the lamb loin for our main course. The curry yogurt was the perfect accompaniment to the lamb, which was perfectly seared to perfection. The tamarind sauce added an unexpected sweet note to the dish and the roasted rainbow carrots and green beans were perfectly crispy. As a palette cleanser, we enjoyed the black mission figs that were topped with marcona almonds, a gorgonzola whip and a sherry reduction. Give me figs anything and I’m a happy gal! Dessert was the affogato, which I didn’t participate in because frankly, coffee at 10 pm doesn’t agree with me. But the other girls absolutely loved it. Homemade vanilla bean ice cream topped with warm coffee from sparrow roasters. It really does sound delicious.
We enjoyed course by course, which allowed us to savor each plate and it’s ingredients fully. I don’t know if it was the food, or the decor or simply the cocktails, but something about Presidio resonated with me. Everything about the presentation to the food was thoughtful and absolutely indulgent.
Thank you to Presidio for having us!
