The Picky Eater's Restaurant Picks: An Occasional Feature

The Happy Eater lifts a celebratory grapefruit spritzer.

No doubt about it, the Picky Eater has a penchant for Michelin starred restaurants. But, of course, only those which meet her personal specifications- vegetarian, preferably locally sourced ingredients, with food so good that it's worth starving all day to save calories for dessert. Her latest find, her mother must admit, is a gem- Sons & Daughters, located in San Francisco just a few blocks toward Nob Hill from Union Square.

You are served a set seven course tasting menu with thoughtful vegetarian alternatives for non-carnivores. Wine pairings are suggested for each course, and the Daddy & I shared one. He was so enamored of the Easton 2010 'Monarch Mine Vineyard' Cabernet Franc that we were served with our lamb that he has a friend who is heading to the Sierra foothills picking up a case for us.

The restaurant's produce comes from their Los Gatos garden which, in addition to fruits, herbs, and vegetables, includes an orchard, snail farm (?), chicken coop and beehive. The back side of the menu lists ingredients from the garden that you might be eating that night.

Menu annotated by Ellin

Here's what the Picky Eater has to say about Sons & Daughters herself:

The food: Dishes are works of art.  Interesting, unusual combinations, but everything tastes pure and just divine. Not as "out there" as Manresa but good use of acid, dairy, farm produce.
The decor: I love the space-- small, but uncluttered, and it feels comfortable.  The last time we went there it was abosolutely beautiful with the May evening sun coming in the windows.
The wait staff: Staff is helpful but not... impersonal, the way they kind of were at Manresa.

I find her assessment pretty much right on. I love the aesthetics- from the gray (my new favorite color) tablecloths to the mismatched handcrafted serving vessels to the series of homemade mini-breads- buckwheat toast, pretzel rolls, sourdough- that are brought between courses. Every dish is like a little (and truth be told they are little, this is not a restaurant for hearty eaters) surprise; a combination of tastes, textures, and visuals that I never would have come up with in a million years. I have eaten in quite a few restaurants that aspire (and fall short) of accomplishing this, but Sons & Daughters hits the mark with ease. But, don't take my word for it. Feast your eyes on these glorious Picky Eater photos and click over to Open Table to make a reservation!

Buttermilk chip amuse-guele with trout roe

Roasted baby beets (loved the accompanying
fried onions & pickled mustard seeds)

Sea urchin, Delta asparagus  & smoked bread (veggie version sans sea urchin)

Gnocchi & morels with pea tendrils

Lamb shoulder, seared artichoke & fava beans

Dessert #2- Geranium ice cream with huckleberries & white chocolate mousse.

The Picky Eater's dad says that I must mention what all this sensory delight will set you back- $98. per person, and $68. per wine pairing. Don't gasp! The way we look at it, we would rather eat one meal at Sons & Daughters than five at (y)our local chain restaurant., and that is how we do business- cooking and eating at home and springing for fabulous meals when we travel or for special occasions. It was big foodie news recently, when Sons & Daughters has chosen to reduce their tariff from $114 in line with their reduced food costs.

Sons & Daughters

708 Bush St  San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 391-8311
http://www.sonsanddaughterssf.com/