Josephine in SF

RN74 is the newest brain child to the Mina Group. Michael Mina and Raj Parr premiered the first casual restaurant/wine bar to their portfolio. With a more laid back approach, waiters in jeans, paper placements, and more affordable pricing, some people are wondering, can MM really do casual?  The prices may feel more normal in this tightened economy but the expansive wine list including over 80 pages is quite overwhelming with several high end gems. Something I don't think Parr could stray from even if he tried.

The restaurant space itself is gorgeous. I loved all the extra detail that went into the layout, upholstery, bathroom fixtures, and the train station board. It totally took me back to eating at Otto in NYC where they have a European train station board that flips with all waiting reservation names. This one donned a wine list with vintage and price. I thought it was a fun touch to hear the board clicking every half hour.

 Onto the food, for our first course we shared the Hamachi Sashimi ($16) with hearts of palm, green apple, pumpkin seed and lime. The tender pieces of fish were so fresh and I loved the textural change in my mouth with the hearts of palm. We also had the Sauteed Pork Belly with Manila Clams ($15) with spring garlic, smoked paprika and parsley. This was served in a very complex broth and had we not had sourdough bread (ick), I would have sopped that up! The pork belly was tender and juicy with just enough to satisfy my pork belly quota for the month. There wasn't anything on the appetizer menu I wouldn't eat. We were also debating between the Salad of Jumbo Green Asparagus with Quail Egg, Frisee and Serrano Ham Vinaigrette ($13), Grilled Mushrooms ($14), and Foie Gras Terrine ($22).

For our main course, I knew immediately I would order the lamb loin ($31). Hardly ever do I see it on menus and when I do, I always order it. It was served with morel mushrooms, fava beans, turnips and pearl onions. The meat was exquisitely prepared in presentation and flavor. My number one reason to go to cooking school is to learn how to make this sauce. The other dish we got was the Liberty Farm Duck "cassoulet" with barley, shitake mushrooms, sweet carrots, and spinach ($27). This was cassoulet deconstructed with the duck confit laid on top of the bed of vegetables, sans the beans. The duck was amazing with it's crispy skin! There were Maine Sea Scallops ($29) which I spotted on the way to use the ladies and these were the biggest scallops I've ever seen. I think they were pushing on a 3" diameter! Also on the menu was an olive oil poached wild caught halibut ($24) and grilled prime beef rib eye ($28).

For dessert we had the Chocolate Delice with Roasted Bananas and Brown Butter Cashew Ice Cream ($9). This delicate chocolate mousse was filled with the most decadent caramel and the chocolate, caramel, banana and ice cream were heaven in my mouth. And the waiter pulled through and gave me an extra scoop of ice cream (at the objection of the pastry chef). The other desserts included a vanilla gelato, white sesame pot de creme, and kumquat confiture sponge cake. 

RN74 was delish and I definitely want to go back again soon. For the location downtown, I can see how it would be a popular spot to grab drinks after work along with a few nibblies. Definitely a winner in my book!