Perfect Pairings

the tablehopper | 10:32 am | October 26, 2009 | Foodie 411

Through October 31st

For the next week (through October 31st), be sure to look for the Perfect Pairings fork and bottle logo on menus around town at participating restaurants. If you order the pairing, a portion of proceeds goes to the local Meals-on-Wheels program. These pairings may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic and may involve a one-of-a-kind dish, the chef’s signature specialty, or a prix-fixe menu.

25 San Francisco restaurants are involved, including: Acquerello, AME at the St. Regis Hotel, Aqua, Dosa on Fillmore, Ducca, Emporio Rulli Gran Caffè, Fifth Floor, Grand Café Brasserie & Bar, Home, Jardinière, La Folie, Laïola, Le Colonial, Luce, Masa’s, Ozumo, Ritz Carlton San Francisco, RN74, Seasons at the Four Seasons, South Food & Wine Bar, Urban Tavern, Wexler’s, XYZ at the W Hotel San Francisco, and Zinnia. The promo is not only in San Francisco; it’s also in New York City and Southern Florida.

Here are a couple examples of “perfect pairings” around town:

Ame at the St. Regis Hotel

Chef Hiro Sone is featuring:

A tasting of BBQ eel on Japanese cucumber salad with yuzu vinaigrette

Paired with Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs Brut, North Coast 2006

Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton

Chef Ron Siegel is pairing a number of items on his small bites/half bottle menu. A few examples include:

64˚ quail egg, or lobster risotto, or seared foie gras

Paired with any of their extensive wine collection, including:

MV Krug, Brut Rose; 2002 Kiralyudvar, Tokaji, Cuvee Ilona, Hungary; 2005 Opus One, Napa

Marcia Gagliardi writes a popular weekly e-column about the SF dining scene, “the tablehopper.” Subscribe for free at www.tablehopper.com and get it in your inbox every Tuesday. Got news? Email Marcia at taste@sanfrancisco.travel.