Quince: 8 courses. 2 Michelin Stars. 1 too many glasses of wine.

2 Star- Michelin Rated restaurants don’t happen very often. In fact, there are only 5 restaurants with a 2 star Michelin rating among the ~4,500 restaurants in the city of San Francisco. (3 stars max)

As of 2014, Quince is among the worthy five- and the most affordable for a restaurant of this caliber. If you’re looking for an awesome place for a celebration, this is one unforgettable meal.

Quince understands that the dinner experience doesn’t begin with the meal- it begins right when you walk through the glass doors where the hostess welcomes you in, offers to take your coat, and immediately checks on your table. Needless to say, the service was flawless & on point- yet not uncomfortably pretentious throughout the entire night.

They offer 3 tasting menus:

1. Quince Tasting Menu (8 courses/$180)
2. Garden Menu (for Vegetarians- 8 courses/$180)
3. Smaller version of Quince menu (5 courses)
4. Wine Pairing (additional $120)

Their menu changes quite often (3-4 days) – – > depending on the best ingredients/ veggies/ meats of the day. So instead of boring you and telling you about everything I had, I’ll show you. We had the Quince Tasting Menu with the wine pairing.

We started off our meal with the “Stuzzichini Di Benvenuto”

It looks like dessert, but it was the appetizer!

I’m not exactly sure what each piece was (so sorry) but it was beautifully presented!

The next appetizer was the “Maine Belon Oyster” with elderflower, pink peppercorn & grapefruit.

This was so flavorful, with a nice crunch and a tiny spicy aftertaste. I wish we had more than one!

Next, was the “White Asparagus” with morel mushroom, spring garlic and vin juane.

We could smell the sauce pan coming out hot from the kitchen!

Each dish was carefully paired with either champagne, red or white wine to help bring out certain flavors in your palate. My personal favorite of the night is Krug, which I thought went well with everything.

FYI- There’s also a 10 minute story to each wine glass that begins like this “this wine was made in Spain where the weather was blah blah, and the sky was… and the creators were…” {Yawnnnn.}

“Tortelli Alla Celcilia Chiang:”smoked sturgeon, potato, caviar

(supplement $40 per person if you choose this option)

{Or}

“Loup de Mer” with green strawberry, broccoli di cicco, almond

I loved that the skin was perfectly crisped on the outside, while the meat remained soft and tender at the same time. The green strawberry was the most surprising- it was sooo sweet & tangy. Nice touch Quince!

Up next was the “Trofie” with dungeness crab, sea urchin, lime

OMG. The sea urchin really makes this dish. As you would imagine, the flavors mixed very well together, bringing out a creamy texture.

“Suckling Pig Tortellini” with fonduta di paramigano reggiano

My least favorite dish. Although it was beautifully presented with the intricacy of the handmade tortellini, the texture was a little hard and too chewy for my liking.

“Watson Farm Lamb” with artichoke, zucchini, salsa di percorino

The lamb was so tender, and I loved that it didn’t have that pungent aftertaste that most lambs have.

Everything was just so so good. But seriously, where’s the rest of my meat??

This was the palate cleanser.

Not sure why they put it in this awkward bowl where I can’t scoop any of it onto my spoon -_-

OMG. This dessert “Tierra Farm Rhubarb” with yoghurt, oat sable, valrhona opalys

My FAVORITE dessert of all time. It’s topped with a thin piece of white chocolate and as you dig in, you’ll find a crunchy layer below.

I really really. like really. wish this wasn’t seasonal so I can get it again. #foodieproblems

If you didn’t notice already, the quality of the ingredients in each dish were extremely fresh, the skill in the kitchen was exceptional and the resulting flavors were very satisfying.

Was it expensive? Yes. Was it worth it? Worth every penny!

So if you’re looking for that special place to plan a celebration: birthday, anniversary, promotion, or if you just want to celebrate life- come to Quince. It’s a dinner experience you’ll never forget!

Plus, who doesn’t want to get wined and dined once in a while ;  )

Cheers,

Cyn

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