Bye-Bye Bushi-tei

The Picky Eater is bummed. In fact, her response to the fact that Bushi-tei, a San Francisco Japanese French fusion restaurant that we just discovered in March was closing and changing ownership was, "WAAAAAAAHHH!!" My sentiments as well. We had big plans to take her there for a belated birthday dinner when she is home for two weeks in May, and now we have had to reschedule to Green's@ Fort Mason instead. I know, that sounds like a real hardship, but the Picky Eater was swept off her feet by the amazing food at Bushi-tei. First of all, the flavors were delicate, which was perfect for her sensitive palate. Second of all, the flavors made regular Japanese food seem heavy handed, and also avoided the over the top excessiveness of traditional French cuisine. Plus, they even had a Michelin star, and one star restaurants are just what we like- worth a detour for great food without the pomp and circumstance.

Silken Tofu Mousse

So, the P.E. may be in Philadelphia, but I'm not, so I strong armed a good friend with dietary proclivities somewhat similar to my daughter's to head up for one last meal at Bushi-tei as we now know it. And, it was amazing once again!                                                   We had the Omakase, which is a chef's choice five course meal, including dessert, and this is what graced our table:
-Silken Tofu Mousse with Toasted Nori and Wasabi Furikake and Ginger Jus: contrasts of silkiness & crunch
-Smoked Clam Chawan Mushi with Dashi & Sweet Herbs: smoky & custardy
-Almond Crusted Walu with English Peas & Braised Escarole: very buttery
-Broiled Ribeye Steak with Heirloom Broccoli & Smoked Potato Puree: rare meat & sublime potatoes

Smoked Clam Chawan Mushi

Egg Noodles with Browned Butter Cauliflower

-the Vegetarian option, Handmade Egg Noodles with Brown Buttered Cauliflower, Swiss Chard and Hatcho Miso Ragout- deemed outstanding by both avid vegetarians.
And, for dessert- Black Sesame Blancmange with Tuile Shards & Creme Chantilly

Speaking as a non-cocktail person, I also loved my "Roba" cocktail: Sake & Ginger Ale topped off with a soupcon of Lime.

  

Winter Vegetable Chowder

   To round out her one and only meal there, the Picky Eater selected:
   -Winter Vegetable Chowder with Satsuma Sweet Potato, Burdock    and Beech Mushroom in Three Miso Broth
   -Tropical sorbets: Lychee, Guava & Kiwi

Tropical Sorbet

Bushi-tei will reopen with new owners and a new chef later in May. We will hold our breath, and hope that the reviews are satisfactory, with the aim of escorting the Picky Eater there during her August home leave. (Her poor old mother has neglected to mention that the P.E. is spending the summer in a hydrogen synthesis laboratory in suburban Philadelphia, must to her mother's concurrent delight and disappointment.)

BUT!! Just last night, the P.E.'s dad and I rediscovered a restaurant we dined at in St. Helena before she was born- Terra - with a California Japanese fusion multiple choice menu.