Josephine in SF

Saturday night date nights are nice – especially when you don't have to plan anything! The bf did a great job and planned a "pre-show" dinner at Jardiniere and afterwards walked just down the street to enjoy the San Francisco Symphony. I have been to Jardiniere before and despite their convenient location for opera/symphony go-ers, Traci Des Jardins is cooking up some fantastic fare. I did write about their Monday night prix-fixe not too long ago and ended up going for the cioppino night. Moderately disappointed by the meal and severely disappointed by the cioppino. I'm sorry if you went. This experience to Jardiniere not only turned around my last recollection of the food but was able to introduce this classic restaurant to a new person.

We weren't terribly hungry and knew we wouldn't want to doggie bag it to the symphony so went a little lighter and started off with the Lettuce Gem Salad with Sugar Snap Peas, Purple Asparagus, Farm Egg and Ricotta Salata ($15). This was my favorite dish of the night and I want to replicate this at home. The salad presentation was full, the dressing light, and full of veggies. For our other starter we had the Jardiniere Charcuterie Platter with mortadella, country pate, sausisson de Paris, lonza, toscano and spicy coppa ($17). I believe these are all house cured and were delicious! It even came with a cheat sheet so we could remember what we were eating. Definitely a must have to share for two people. Among the apps also included a Terrine of Duck Foie Gras ($25), Maine Diver Scallos with Meyer Lemon Emulsion ($23), Burrata Cheese, Crispy Artichokes, and Fava Beans ($17), and Zuckerman Farm Asparagus with Jamon Iberico with a Sunny Side Egg ($30). I had my eye on the Iberico if it weren't for the price tag!

For our 2nd course, we went with the pappardelle with snap peas and morel mushrooms. The pasta was delicate and the pork ragu was rich although a bit salty after a few bites. For the entree, we got a Bluenose Seabass with Sugar Snap Peas, Fingerling Potatoes and Pancetta with a Mustard Buerre Blanc Sauce ($35). The seabass was perfectly seasoned and flaky. We were also debating between the Alaskan Halibut with Crawfish Jus ($36) or Duck Breast with Smoked Bacon ($36).

I don't normally order dessert but along with a glass of port, a chocolate dessert seemed like the way to go. The chocolate brioche bread pudding was very rich. Served warm with a candied kumquat ice cream, it hit the spot with the port and an espresso.

Jardiniere is always a lovely dining experience. Go a little more casual and enjoy their bar and lounge area or experience the dining room for beautifully presented food and attentive service. I will say the wine list is very pricey with most bottles in the upwards of $60+. I counted less than 5 on my hand under $50. Don't get me wrong, great wine selection but expect to spend a lot of coin. We managed to score a Nebbiolo for $63 that we were super pleased with. Beware of the $35 corkage. I definitely recommend Jardiniere if you're headed to a show or for a special occasion.

(415) 861-5555