Month: May 2007

I’ve been wanting to visit this place for a while because of it’s intriguing premise.  Medicine Eatstation in the Crocker Galleria in San Francisco, serves a type of cuisine called “shojin” style Japanese food, but with a modern twist.  Shojin is the ancient food of Buddhist temples where they believe food is medicine.  Sort of takes all the fun out of eating, but I’ll give it a shot.

The restaurant is heaven for vegans, but they recently added some protein “add-ons” to the menu.  The decor is thoroughly modern Japanese with its stark white walls and its zen-like space.  The light wood rectangular tables exemplify the clean lines of the place.

Service is friendly and helpful.  They seem happy enough to answer any questions.  The food is Japanese, but the ingredients, presentation and innovative preparation are what make it different.  They also offer refrigerated ready to go bento box options, as well.

All their ingredients are organic, locally grown, sustainable, and healthful.  Their preparations truly highlight the freshness and flavor of quality vegetables.  I had the Wild Mushroom Ramen with a side of Sweet-soy Marinated Whitefish for protein.  The mushrooms, carrots and peas were bright with flavor and their preparation highlighted their pure natural sweetness and farm-fresh texture.  The noodles were perfectly chewy but firm, and the broth had a classic smoky soy flavor.  But as with a lot of Japanese food, it was a bit too salty.

The fish was delicately mild and tenderly fried.  The tempura-esque batter was so light that it broke apart with the first bite.  It was so light and mild that it bordered on bland.  But it was its texture that made the dish.  Only the accompanying sweet soy-like dipping sauce gave it the extra punch of flavor it so needed.

The worst thing about this place is that it isn’t cheap and the portions are far from hearty.  But the dishes are pretty to look at with their artfully stark and simple presentation.

It’s definitely worth a try just for the experience.  But $16 for a small bowl of pretty ramen and four tiny pieces of delicately fried fish isn’t my idea of a practical, affordable lunch.

Medicine New-Shojin Eatstation – 161 Sutter St. – S.F. – 415.677.4405

We were running late for our reservation at Range on Valencia St. in San Francisco.  I was enjoying myself a bit too much at the Jeremy’s Anniversary Sale buying a Theory jacket for just 40 bucks.  But I digress…

I called the restaurant to let them know we were running late, so I did my part.  I expected to get some attitude when I got there, especially since they’d recently been named one of the Top 100 Restaurants by the SF Chronicle, yet again.  But they were nothing but accomodating, and even told me there was no need to apologize.  Right then and there they’d already exceeded my expectations.

We started with a golden beet salad that was the special appetizer of the evening.  It was served with watercress, creamy dollops of mild goat cheese, and drizzled with a light hazelnut oil.  There was plenty of salt in the dish, but fortunately salty is right up my alley so I enjoyed it.  The sweetness of the beets was balanced by the creamy tang of the cheese.  A subtle, sunny dish and a great start.

I ordered the halibut with leeks, mushrooms, and a mustard butter sauce as my entree.  The dish was subtle, beautifully presented, and perfectly cooked.  One more minute of cooking and the fish would have been overcooked and tough.  The sweetness of the leeks came through and gently stood up to the buttery, slightly mustardy sauce.  All this was perfect for a firm yet light piece of halibut.  And the mushrooms gave just a touch of meatiness to the dish, though I would have loved just a few more.  It was a masterfully prepared dish.

My pal, Sara, ordered their classic roasted chicken dish with sausage and croutons.  The dish was rich, moist, and delicious.  And the green olives added a bit of zestiness to what was a delightfully meaty, homey dish.

I was slightly disappointed with my Apple Rhubarb Crisp.  The nutty topping was pretty good, but the fruit bordered on sour.  I know that’s what the ice cream is for, but the crisp should have been able to stand on its own.  It didn’t.  I expected more out of their pastry chef after all the raves I’ve heard from others.

Nothing we had was over the top.  Everything from the service to the decor to the food was subtle, accomodating, and well balanced.  Everything was a careful, masterful play of tangy and sweet, bright yet subtle.  The dishes may seem understated, almost ordinary on paper.  But it’s clear the restaurant has an attention to detail and the aim to please.

Range – 842 Valencia St. – San Francisco – 415.282.8283