Atelier Crenn

Where can you find the first female chef in US to receive a two Michelin star restaurant?  Well, where else but San Francisco, a foodie town that is only rivaled by NYC in US (in my humble opinion).  I'm so happy for Dominique Crenn.  I remember tasting her food at Luce restaurant at Intercontinental hotel in SF.  The restaurant was not packed at all.  I was a bit surprised since I thought the food was quite good.  It had received one Michelin star for god's sakes!  Then last year, I went to Atelier Crenn.  I just remember the food to be delectable.

The experience of eating there was very unique to say the least.  It felt like I was taken into a story book and going through a journey.... almost like Alice in Wonderland.  Sounds really odd but if you have eaten at this restaurant, I'm sure you would agree with me.  This restaurant doesn't really have a menu per se....you get a poem instead.  And each line of the poem corresponds to a dish.  It's just kinda odd and quirky.  The waiters come and sometimes they squirt scent onto your food in front of you and sometimes they bring you a log (literally a real wooden log with bark attached) with food on top..... and if you get lucky, you may even get a bonsai with your food.  Like I said, it's all very Alice in Wonderland-ish.  Is it over the top? Some may say yes.  But in my eyes, it's just another way for Dominique to express her art.

Atelier Crenn received its second Michelin star yesterday.  I would call and make a reservation ASAP as no doubt their opentable slots are filling up as I type.