Cuisine:

• French
• Californian
• Mediterranean
• Southern
• Brew, Pubs, Microbreweries
• Bar
• Italian

Absinthe Brasserie and Bar Description:
During her tenure, young chef Jamie Lauren (Top Chef) won fresh fans to this already prized, casually elegant corner brasserie and bar in burgeoning Hayes Valley, where regulars in jeans make lively cocktail conversation with diners in tuxedos, thanks to the Opera House down the street. Here, smart, seasonal creations are snappy with color and texture and feature balanced playfulness---the restaurant shines at fish and seafood, slow-cooked meats and confits, but a simple, pedigreed pile of mixed cresses tossed with toasted hazelnuts can give equal cause for wow. Red beet purée and roasted fennel soup is served at just-right temperature. The nightly crudo---maybe hamachi with a ramp purée, trout roe and a sea-salt crunch---is well worth straying from Absinthe's oyster menu. We like the tender, fresh, spring vegetable risotto; the hunks of soft rabbit and wild mushroom over pappardelle; and the clean bite of the bistro's sugar snap peas laced with cream. Expert cocktail pairings from the venue's famed bar are a fun alternative to wines. Service is smooth and knowledgeable. Brunch is also a specialty here. Lauren is leaving San Francisco. Her replacement will have to uphold---and hopefully expand upon---her reputation.


Be the first one to rate and write a review for this Absinthe Brasserie and Bar restaurant!