Sophisticated and Contemporary Dining

By Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives

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The ever changing San Francisco dining scene continues to amaze us. Just when we thought that there were enough quality Steak Houses, Restaurateur JC Chen and Executive Chef Jeffrey Stout raise the bar by opening Alexander's Steakhouse, which is an American steakhouse with Japanese influences. We were immediately impressed as we entered by the dramatic upscale design. There is a three-tiered dining space, exposed brick walls, wine racks, skylights, contemporary light fixtures, banquette seating, custom Japanese shoji screens, colorful floral arrangements, an exhibition kitchen and a separate bar area.

We started with some fabulous signature cocktails including their Green Dragon, which is made with Square One Cucumber Vodka, Stirrings Apple Liqueur, fresh juiced Granny Smith apples, wasabi oil and a rim of black sea salt. This cocktail was crisp, perfectly balanced and the black sea salt was definitely fun. The starters that we loved were the Beef Sashimi "Surf and Turf" with crab and the six pack Hamachi Shots with truffled Ponzu sauce, chili, avocado, frizzled ginger and cilantro greens. The variety of textures in the Hamachi Shot were very complimentary and quite flavorful. The entrees that we really enjoyed included a perfectly prepared 28 day Dry Aged Certified Angus Prime corn fed Porterhouse which came with rosemary pisou and fabulous roasted garlic and the smoked Jidori Chicken Tobanyaki which was served piping hot cooked in miso ginger sauce which had the consistency of a wonderful broth and served with amazing beets. We see why they are so proud of the dish! They also feature A5 Grade Japanese Kobe Beef, which we must try on our next visit. We must also mention the superior service, as the professional and knowledgeable wait staff was there but not there.

The international wine list is overseen by Eric Entrikin who is one of only 105 Master Sommeliers in the United States. The wines that were paired with our dinner included the 2009 Husch Mendocino Chenin Blanc, 2009 , the J Vineyards California Pinot Gris, the 2007 St. Clement Napa Valley Piping Merlot and the 2009 Maipe Andean Culture Torrontes. We enjoyed both of our desserts. The Dark Dimensions featured chocolate which was not too rich and the Tropic Thunder mango sorbet with sticky rice was excellent. Espressos and their signature Cotton Candy were the perfect finish to a great dinner. We won't be surprised when you hear it called Alexander's The Great... Steakhouse! The attention to every detail was superior and we look forward to returning soon.

 

Alexander's Steakhouse
448 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA. 94107
415-495-1111
www.alexanderssteakhouse.com