Quince (San Francisco, California) | Influencer Restaurant Review by Alexander The Guest

AI-Generated Summary: Alexander The Guest’s Quince Restaurant Review Video

Overview:

Restaurant: Quince, San Francisco, a farm-to-table restaurant known for its Italian-inspired Californian cuisine.
Chef: Michael Tusk, with a background in art history, studied at the Culinary Institute of America, and gained experience in France and Italy. Tusk and his wife opened Quince in 2003, earning their first Michelin star in 2007, second in 2014, and third in 2017. The restaurant also holds a Michelin Green Star for its sustainability practices.
Lawsuit: Quince is in a legal battle over the restaurant’s name with an online retailer that uses the same name. The lawsuit involves brand confusion, with the retailer’s bad reviews impacting the restaurant’s reputation. Chef Tusk is seeking $12 million in damages.

Ambiance & Interior:

Located in the Jackson Square neighborhood, the restaurant features old-world charm with a modern, nature-inspired design. A 2023 redesign connects the restaurant with the farm supplying its ingredients.
The tables are spaced to create intimacy, and natural materials give the restaurant an earthy, warm tone.

Tasting Menu Highlights:

Tsar Nicoulai Reserve Caviar, Spring Onion, Almond Waffle: A strong opening dish, paired with a 2017 organic Sauvignon Blanc.
Green Asparagus with Spring Mustard Broth, Fried Egg, and Caviar: Delicately textured and elegant, paired with a 2010 Sauvignon Blanc.
Spring Peas with Tomales Bay Clam and Guanciale: Umami-rich Italian cured meat adds depth.
Hokkaido Sea Urchin Risotto with Passion Fruit: A la carte addition with a strong flavor, worth the extra cost.
Wild Nettle Velouté: Crisp, refined flavors; one of Alexander’s favorites.
West Marin Black Cod, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Fresh Chard with Vin Jaune: Rich and flavorful, a highlight of the meal.
Don Watson Spring Lamb with Fava, Green Garlic, and Roasted Wild Spring Onion: Cooked in a fireplace, served with international cutlery, and paired with vintage wines.

Wines:

Wine Pairing: Chose the rare wine pairing (€400), including selections from Burgundy, Loire Valley, Sicily, and Napa Valley. The tasting menu had many unique and rare wines, with vintages ranging from 2001 to 1929.
Notable wines include a 1929 Madeira, a dessert wine, and a 1962 Nebbiolo from the Piedmont region.

Desserts & Final Thoughts:

Rhubarb, Sorrel, and Ginger: A tangy and sweet first dessert.
Warm Rhubarb, Strawberry, and Bronte Pistachio Tart: A balance of tangy and nutty flavors.
The experience ends with bonbons, a visit to the wine cellar, and a total bill of around €2,000 for two.

Final Impression:

Alexander highlights the elegant, refined service and intimate, beautifully designed space. He’s impressed by the sophisticated dishes, rare wines, and Chef Tusk’s dedication to quality ingredients. The restaurant’s battle over its name is a key issue, but regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome, Quince will continue to shine in the culinary world.

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Quince is a highly acclaimed fine dining restaurant located in San Francisco’s historic Jackson Square neighborhood. Known for its contemporary Californian cuisine with Italian influences, Quince focuses on seasonal ingredients and local produce. Chef Michael Tusk, along with his wife Lindsay Tusk, leads the restaurant, which has earned three Michelin stars, reflecting its status as one of the top dining establishments in the world. The menu features a nightly changing tasting menu that showcases the best seasonal ingredients, many sourced from their exclusive partnership with Fresh Run Farm. Following a recent renovation for its 20th anniversary, Quince now boasts a brighter, more open dining room with large windows facing the street, creating an elegant atmosphere for diners.

Address

470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Customer Feedback

Quince has received outstanding reviews from patrons, boasting a strong reputation for its exquisite food and attentive service. Diners frequently praise the innovative dishes and high-quality ingredients, particularly enjoying the expertly crafted pasta and seasonal offerings. The restaurant’s commitment to detail and presentation enhances the overall dining experience. With a price point in the highest category ($$$$), guests appreciate the value of the culinary artistry provided. Reservations are typically required well in advance due to its popularity, and while there is no explicit dress code, smart casual to formal attire is recommended. Overall, Quince is celebrated as one of San Francisco’s premier dining destinations, offering an unforgettable gastronomic experience.