Aqua

Cappy and I celebrated our 4-year anniversary with a 2.5 hour culinary love fest at Laurent Manrique's Aqua in the Financial District of San Francisco. I say love fest because we were killed with culinary passion. We indulged ourselves with the Chef's Tasting Menu which included 7-courses of pure ecstasy.

Overall, it was a wonderful night. Each dish topped the last, service was impeccable, and we couldn't stop smiling before/during/after each dish. We walked out feeling the warmth from the waitstaff with their knowing smiles--they deliver food heroin and they know it.

We were killed with love. It felt like being on a roller-coaster. With each dish delivered, it seemed as if we were constantly climbing up the track incline with giddy anticipation, and screaming on each descent--enjoying every tiny bite. And just when we thought the thrills were over, we'd turn a corner and start climbing upwards again...

The chef's tasting menu featured a 7-course barrage of soul satisfying bliss. Here are some of the highlights:

Smoked Sturgeon Cannoli with American Caviar, and Chives
Parmesan-Black Pepper Soufflé with Dungeness Crab, Sea Urchin, and Chive Butter
Gazpacho with Trout, Grapes, and Herbs
Sea Bass with Porcini Mushrooms
Beef with Veal Jus and Potato Gnocci
Yogurt mint lime granita

I may have forgotten a dish or two. Each tasting dish was small, completely satisfying. The wine and champagne menu resembled that of a Thai beach bungalow restaurant. Pages and pages--about 25 to be exact.

The aforementioned service was impeccable. The waitstaff was intuitive and very friendly. I could imagine their employee handbook was borrowed a bit from Disneyland, slightly modified..."treat each guest as if they are a good friend, but keep enthusiasm from being over the top..."

We left the restaurant feeling as if we were ending a short sojourn on a tropical island. We were greeted with half a dozen thank you's, handshakes and French accented greets like, "we hope to see you again soon!" Though I know all that hoopla is part of waitstaff logistics, and totally a part of the 4-star experience, it still felt warm and natural.

If you've ever enjoyed a dinner at Aqua, you know what I'm talking about. If not, I highly recommend it, especially for a romantic anniversary!

Next up for our 5-year: Gary Danko