Andrea had a dinner with her coworkers so what’s a guy to do? Fortunately, I was able to score a last minute reservation at Saison. Last time I was here, I was with Scott on his birthday, which happens to be on Star Wars day; that is still one of the best meals I ever had. This time I’m sitting solo in the “salon” (I.e. bar area). Since then, the restaurant had a change in chefs and they’d lost a Michelin star.

The first couple dishes were ok. The first dish with the tuna was ok and the gelee was interesting, but the wooden utensils were a bit clunky. The second dish with the cod and mushrooms was also ok… which from me means not a lot of flavor. The next dish, I did quite enjoy…it was an aged grilled carrot with harissa and paried with an orange colored alsacian wine. After that came the uni course, which was an add on course for the salon menu. They had to use Fort Bragg uni due to supply chain constraints in getting Hokkaido uni. This was paired with a junmai sake. I did enjoy this dish and this is considered one of their signature dishes.

After that came the duck dish, which had duck 3 ways…the breast, the legs/thigh wrapped in nasturtium leaf, and the offal – gizzard and heart. I asked one of the waitstaff how many people actually ate the innards and he said about 30-40% do not. I loved the knife that they provided which apparently was a Finnish hunting knife. The concept was to use all of the duck (there was also a broth provided) and was one of my favorite duck presentations I’ve had.

After that came the A5 wagyu (also an add on course). This came from the Miyazaki Gyu prefecture and some chicory which was paired with a Cain bordeaux-style wine. Solid wagyu offering unlike some others I’ve had. After that came a palate cleanser, mint something and a granita.

Finally came dessert which I really enjoyed. It was a creme fraiche ice cream with some caramel, salt, and some cocoa nibs from Dandelion chocolate paired with a sauterne. lastly, I was looking for a digestif and was recommended an Amaro by Liz. Liz provided most the service to me and I peppered her with my many questions and she was fantastic. Coincidentally, she also lives in Noe Valley, so she’s in the neighborhood. Overall, it was mostly excellent food, solid wine pairings, and fantastic service from Liz. Not bad for a solo night out dining!