Pasion- Modern Latin Cuisine-San Francisco
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
It
is always fun dining out on warm San Francisco nights,
especially in October. Everyone was so was happy that the Giants
were in the Playoffs and then won the World Series! the 49ers
were winning and a few even remembered that this night was the
23rd. Anniversary of The Loma Prieta Earthquake. We were in the
mood for Latin Cuisine and Pisco Cocktails so we decided to head
to Irving Street in the Inner Sunset to dine at San Francisco
native and Restaurateur/Executive Chef Jose Calvo-Perez's
restaurant Pasion.
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The
stylish and inviting restaurant has two sides with a bar on one
and dining room on the other. The Décor which includes
Venetian Plaster walls, crystal chandeliers, a fabulous Michael
Brennen Mural and an exhibition kitchen is lovely. There are also
large front windows which allow you to see the active street which
is always fun.
We
sat in the dining room and were pleasantly surprised to be greeted
with Jello Vodka Shots by Guest Chef Michael Reese who told us
that he also works at their Fresca Restaurants www.FrescaSF.com
in San Francisco and has his own line of Cajun products www.shutmymouth.com.
This was the perfect way to start our evening!
We
are always intrigued by and love to begin with Specialty Cocktails
and here the Signature Cocktails are made with Pisco. We loved
both the Pisco Sour Tradicional 1632 made with Pisco Quebranta,
sugar, lime, egg whites and bitters and the El Chilcano made with
Pisco Totontel, lime juice, ginger beer and bitters.
Our
first course was the fresh and flavorful Ceviche Campechano
which was made with local halibut, tuna, salmon, white truffles,
leche de Tigre, red onion, cilantro and pickled jalapeno. It was
an excellent starter and definitely one of the best Ceviche's
we have had!
The
appetizers that we shared were both delicious as well. The Conchitas
which are Seared Diver Scallops with sweet plantain tostone, cilantro
mojo, and black quinoa sofrito had complex flavors that worked
perfectly together with beautiful presentation. We also loved
the Albondigas Lamb Meatballs with black truffle sherry
cream, manchego cheese, green peas and fresno chilies.
The
entrees were quite healthy portions. The Atun "Encendido"
Achiote which was Grilled Ahi Tuna with coconut risotto,
sautéed spinach, pineapple chimichurri and aji Amarillo
beurre blanc had a lovely sweetness, perfect texture and was fabulous.
The paring of the flavors with the Ahi was perfect. The Chuleton
Grilled Kurobuta Pork Chop with sweet potato puree, roasted
corn salsa, escarole with bacon and apricots and cranberry compote
had herbaceous flavors and was extremely tender and juicy. Their
marinade is top secret and we can see why, this pork chop is really
exceptional!
The
Wine List is International and has a Latin Flair. We enjoyed the
2011 Broadbent Trajadura Loureiro Vinho Verde from Portugal
with our appetizers and the 2006 Vina Alberdi Tempranillo
La Rioja Alta from Spain with our entrees.
Illy
Espressos and their unique and delicious Lucuma Panna
Cotta dessert was the perfect finish to our excellent dinner
at Pasion. We enjoyed the Modern Latin Cuisine made with locally
sourced and traditional ingredients using their creative modern
techniques. The Specialty Pisco Cocktails were terrific, the service
was professional and knowledgeable and the atmosphere was fun.
We look forward to returning soon for Lunch, Dinner or their Weekend
Brunch which offers $12 bottomless Mimosas.
Pasion
Restaurant
737 Irving Street (Between 8th & 9th)
San Francisco, CA 94122
415-742-5727
www.PasionSF.com