Restaurant Gary Danko

I tried a new restaurant last night, Gary Danko. One of the hardest reservations to get here in the Bay Area, I was pleasantly surprised that they actually lived up to their reputation. The service was stellar. No less than 11 people were at our table pouring wine, serving bread, moving dishes around, and all were as stealthy as cats. No in your face, "Are you ready to order?!" from this crew.

The food is seriously delicious. I'd been told that their specialty is game. My coworker Karena suggested ordering the game birds because they are served with a fabulous glace sauce. She was right. I had the guinea hen with bread pudding and it was small, but very tasty. It went perfectly with a French Sancerre wine. Followed up by a chocolate souffle served with more panache than I thought possible. The waiter punctured it to let out the steam, then filled the hole with chocolate and vanilla sauce. Yum!

I also noted some bizarre but brillant touches. When the wait staff realized I had put my clutch under the table (there was no room on the table), they brought a hook and moved it up under our table. Then at the end of our meal they brought me a pineapple brioche to take home and eat for breakfast the following morning. Delightful!

Some tips for first timers. Don't order the bottled water, it's imported and incredibly expensive. Go for tap instead. Also, you must try the frog legs. And don't miss the cheese cart, an impressive display of cheeses is moved onto your plate with grapes and walnut bread so artfully displayed you almost won't want to disturb it. The wine list is the size of a small phonebook. It is easy to get overwhelmed, just breathe and choose something you can afford. That way if you must have a second bottle you can.

I am definitely going back.