Picture: Range - a 1 Michelin Star Restaurant in in the Mission District in San Francisco
Range in the Mission District in San Francisco is a 1 Star Michelin Restaurant. We chose to have dinner there after the final performance of Richard Wagner’s Ring der Nibelungen at San Francisco Opera. There has always been the issue whether a Michelin Star in France has the same weight as a Michelin star in another country. More specifically: Can you expect from a 1 star Michelin restaurant in San Francisco the same level of sophistication as from a 1 star Michelin restaurant in Paris?
Our experience at Range in San Francisco supports the view of those who claim that in the US the Michelin testers are rather generous in awarding stars. Nevertheless, it was a great evening with great food and great (German) wine.
The Place
The front bar, with its gleaming stainless steel stools, offers a tantalizing introduction to Range:
A walkway connecting the bar and dining room features a row of tables opposite a long window that offers a view of the kitchen:
Banquettes in a brown leather-like material line the walls of the dining room, which also features tables in the center and a credenza topped with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Three horizontal shadow-box windows above eye level frame the leafy artistry of the trees outside.
What we Ate and Drank
Starters
Little gem lettuce with cucumbers, radishes, pain de mie breadcrumbs and herb-buttermilk dressing ($9.50); at the time of the dinner, the Euro Dollar exchange rate was I Euro = 1.43 US$; you also have to figure in an additional about 30% for tax and tips:
Black truffle and egg custard with artichokes and a parmesan chip ($15.00):
Main Course
Canadian king salmon with bok choy, broccoli, almons and green peppercorn vinaigrette ($27.00)
Duck leg confit and lamb sausage with fava beans, baby turnips and duck liver toast ($25.00) (no picture):
The food we ate was not bad. But we had some problems to find the Michelin star in it. However, Michelin star yes or no, Range in San Francisco is a fun place with very good food and interesting wines. I would definitely go back.
