Chez Spencer, San Francisco

Went in March on a Friday night for The Gov’na’s Celebration dinner. We were calling it Birthday, Part Deux!
The good news is that he really enjoyed himself. Started with a Maker's Mark Manhattan, which he used to adore but hasn’t had in a long time. Apparently it was better than cigarettes after quitting for years….We were seated in the rear of the dining room on a small raised platform. Interestingly, the noise level was significantly lower back there than in the front of the dining room. That’s a good thing. I love being able to hear my own conversation.

On to the meal: We both started with the Smoked Duck Breast ‘à La Lyonnaise’ which is sort of a salad, but more of a first course. My only complaint about this is that it’s small. Not postage stamp small, but still a diminutive portion. The taste was awesome, but it would have been nice to have more than 3 sprigs of frisee and a whiff of the lardon that was near the serving station as the course was being prepped.

For the main course the Gov’na had Pan Seared Venison Tenderloin w/Jabron Potato, Juniper Berry-Peppercorn Jus. He loved it and cleaned his plate. He had never had Venison before and was curious to try it. I’m pleased to say that he was pleasantly surprised at how much he liked it. He’s becoming a far more adventurous diner these days.

I had the Roasted Lamb Rack w/Braised Artichoke ‘Barigoule’, Fromage Blanc and Lamb Jus. But without the fromage. Again the taste was amazing, but the portion was small. Which, I know…I know…that’s what you get with rack of lamb. But, when you are a restaurant and one of your diners orders a meal, but they can’t eat 1/3 of the dish as prepared, would you try to substitute another side for that diner? I would.
I asked our server if she could sub something or if it was a super important part of the dish and she said that it wouldn’t ruin it without the formage and that she would ask the kitchen. It just came out as a smaller meal, no sub and no bump up of portion on the artichoke. I was a bit peeved because if I had known that I had a back up dish to order instead. Whatever, live and learn.

For Dessert the Gov’na had Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake w/ Flowers of the Alps Tea Anglaise. He loves everything chocolate and dug into this like it was the last piece of chocolate on earth.
I ordered the Warm Apple Almond Tart w/ Apple Cider Caramel, Glace au Lait but asked the server to hold the Glace au Lait. When it came out the Glace au Lait was sitting pretty right on top. Sadly, the server was no where to be seen at that point, so I just sort of played around with it while the Gov’na had his pudding cake. I didn’t make a fuss or say that it was wrong. I hate hate hate to make a scene or anything on someone else’s night.

Anyway, when the bill came I saw why my requests were not honored by the kitchen; our server never noted it on the check. Chez Spencer’s check that is presented to the diner is the same one the server writes the order on. Evidence was clear… The total bill including tip was $200.

Afterwards we went to the Ritz for a drink, which was a nice way to end the evening.
Looking back, I would say that it was worth it because The Gov’na had such a good time and really enjoyed his meal. I doubt I’ll be back anytime soon. This was better than my previous experience, but not great overall. My suggestion is that if you want to go, don’t make any special requests and order straight off the menu with no allergy-based menu changes. Sorry, i know other people love this restaurant. And I would too, if i didn't have allergy issues.

Side Note:
My previous experience at Chez Spencer was approximately 4 years earlier. I was with a group of 3 other diners.
My previous experience at Chez Spencer taught me that some servers do indeed NOT like to admit their mistakes.
When i was there before, i didn't order an appetizer, just the entree. the server apparently got miffed and "forgot" to order my meal. while the rest of the table was dining, we asked when mine would come out and then he got super pissey about me not ordering anything and just taking up space in the dining room.
that was fun.
eventually, he did rush through an order for the duck. but, it was raw in the middle due to the quick cooking.
ever had raw duck? yeah, neither did i.
i wouldn't eat most of it nor did i send it back. i prefered not to have another side of Waiter Spit that evening.
that was hands down the worst dining experience i have ever had.

Globe Restaurant, San Francisco

On Sunday evening we had an impromptu dinner at Globe Restaurant in SF.
It was not a super busy night and we were seated right away.

The Gov’na started with the Salad Lardon: frisee with warm bacon vinaigrette and poached chick eggs.
This salad was a very large portion and he really enjoyed it. There was an appropriate amount of all elements and the poached eggs really made the sauce once they were pierced.
We were literally dipping bread in the plate juices when he was done with the salad.

I had the Tuna Tartare with fresh basil and black olive tapenade. It was served with some lightly toasted bread points. The tuna was cut into large, fork-friendly pieces and had a very fresh and clean flavor. The bread was perfectly toasted; the inside was very soft & fresh, while allowing a nice crisp crust to complement the tuna.

Gov’na had the Rotisserie Chicken with pancetta and black mission figs. He said the chicken was one of the moistest chicken dishes he has ordered in a restaurant. Again, the portion was huge. It was like a half of a chicken, de-boned on the breast with everything else on the bone.
Had figs, which, it turns out he’s not too fond of…hmmm he didn’t mention that on Friday's ducky dinner…

I had the braised Lamb Sugo over soft polenta and english peas which was smaller in proportion than his meal, but really had a wonderful depth of flavor that comes from the slow cooking. Also, you don’t need a huge portion with a meal like this; it’s so filling as it is.
The lamb was lamby, but not gamey. This was a great comfort dish.

We shared a bottle of 2003 Domaine Les Pallieres, Gigondas.
Total for 2 including tip was $161, the service was great, not too intrusive, but attentive.
In fact, they scored bonus points for chasing me down when we left, I had forgotten my (new) scarf at the table, and they brought it to me.

In any event, I have been to Globe on a few occasions; this was the best meal so far. I’m glad they are still around and still stay open late for dinner.
Well, late for this town anyway.

As a side note, Globe has a special menu on Sunday’s called the Farmer’s Menu. It was quite extensive and looked interesting. Unfortunately, they were already out of some items, so we ordered from the regular menu.

I would most definitely go back in the future.

http://www.globerestaurant.com/