After settling in at the hotel, my colleague and I ventured to one of the few restaurants which remained open at 9:45 p.m. with less than 10 minutes before the last seating (this ‘aint New York, folks). I had a hankering for sushi, so we made our way to Kyo-ya at 2 New Montgomery Street, touted as “San Francisco’s premier Japanese restuarant.” According to the website, Chef Akifusa Tonai was a 2007 winner of the Master Sushi Chef competition (who knew?)
I enjoyed the “Celebration roll” (which certainly looked like a party for your mouth) which featured lobster, avocado, tuna, white fish and tobiko:
Celebration roll at Kyo-ya
After a jet-lagged meal, it was time to call it an evening. The second night we enjoyed a dinner out at Absinthe Brasserie & Bar on 398 Hayes Street. The darkly lit French bistro was exactly what I needed after a long day and still feeling the time difference.
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Top Chef Season 5 contestant Jamie Lauren was previously at the helm of this fine establishment, however, Adam Keough (of the Michael Mina dynasty of great eats) has now taken over as of August 17, so I got to enjoy food from the very newly appointed which I must say was absolutely delectable. I started with the french fries served up with a homemade smoky tomato ketchup and sweet onion aioli, a side of marinated mixed olives, followed by the pinot-noir braised beef short ribs – exceptional. To end the meal, we chose a selection of cheeses including the Stilton, Ossau Iraty (sheep’s milk) and the Robiola Bosina (cow’s milk).
French fries
Marinated olives
Beef short ribs
Cheese plate
While it was only a short trip and I realize I have a lot more exploring to do, I ended my culinary adventure on a high before flying at the Virgin America Clubhouse. The Clubhouse serves up food, drinks and more while providing a comfortable area to relax, work and even shower.
Virgin America Clubhouse
I cozied up to the bar and enjoyed a Virgin Kiss (essentially a cosmo), and a lunch of mixed greens salad with strawberries, walnuts and gorgonzola cheese followed by a wild mushroom bolognase. I topped off the meal with a vanilla panna cotta (which I was told from the Sodexo Executive Chef was newly added to the menu). Quick tip: If you’re an Elevate member on Virgin, you can access the Clubhouse by paying a nominal fee without having to be in First Class or Main Cabin Select (in SFO only).
Virgin Kiss
Mixed greens salad
Wild Mushroom Bolognase
Vanilla panna cotta
Needless to say, I’m definitely due for another trip out West in the near future.
Mojitos & Florentine 