In an effort to dine at 3000 San Francisco restaurants and having experienced over 500, my wife Linda and I recently had the pleasure of dining at the "Big 4" in San Francisco.
Located on famous Nob Hill, your soul is immediately soothed at this newly remodeled restaurant by the live streaming music from the bar's grand piano, dark wood decor and elegant green leather chairs, white tablecloths impeccable service and the fireplace in the bar capturing the magic of San Francisco past. Perfectly mixed drinks and a reasonably priced bar menu is also available for those with lighter appetites in the old school bar filled with pictures and artifacts from California's rich past.
From the web site" Established in
October 1976, Big 4 Restaurant at The Scarlet Huntington was named after the reputed “Big Four” industrialists –
Collis P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford and Mark Hopkins – famed
railroad tycoons of the nineteenth century who played a vital role in San
Francisco’s history and early development. The renovated restaurant pays
tribute to the grandeur of earlier eras, retaining its elegance and impressive
collection of original artifacts, historical photographs and memorabilia from
California’s unique history. Loyal patrons and first-time guests will continue
to enjoy the live piano entertainment that fills this one-of-a-kind destination
with a refreshing soul."
Chef Kevin Scott brings more than a decade of culinary experience with a beginning at Traci des Jardin's Jardiniere another San Francisco favorite.
Service is impeccable and our waiter was very knowledgeable. You can bring your own wine and the corking fee is $25.00. Like everything else at the charming eatery, the wine decanters are v shaped and sit in a silver base that allow the wine to breathe perfectly as you prepare for your dining experience.
We had our own Big 4 experience as we dined with some special friends and celebrated my wife Linda's birthday. They have daily specials and Linda chose the Loch Duart Salmon that was delicate and delicious. She also ordered the crispy artichokes with fried mint and aioli that was graciously shared with all of us. Our friends started with the bibb lettuce salads and ordered the aged rib eye with sour cream mashed potatoes and bordelaise sauce that was cooked to buttery perfection.
I started out with the soup of the day which was minestrone which was the best I had ever experienced. Of course the Caymus and Shafer wine along with some fresh sour dough bread complemented the perfectly seasoned work of art.
For my entree, I ordered the herb-roasted lamb shank with butter beans and mint salsa that also was fantastic.
There are many assorted desserts and after dinner drinks to complete your divine dining experience. We chose to share the crème brulee with the birthday girl that was served with a candle.
The four of us have already made plans to return to rich historical San Francisco bistro for dinner and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at famous Grace Cathedral which is located within walking distance.
