Relishing San Francisco

Rashmi Uday Singh’s

Good Food Guide

Sensory San Francisco seduces! It's love at first sight both with the city and with Cityscape. I feast on the spectacular panoramic views from this rooftop restaurant as much as I do on Chef Adam Timney's sensational cooking.

First of all you should definitely detour to go to this vibrant city. (I am a confirmed New Yorker till I visit San Francisco). Stay at the magnificent Hilton, within walking distance of the Union Square, theatres and historic cable cars. If you can't, then just zoom right up to the 46th floor of this luxurious hotel and you'll be delighted you did.

A truly versatile restaurant, this one shimmers with romance as the city twinkles below, has dining and dancing, great cuisine and cocktails too.

On a Sunday afternoon, live jazz fills the airy, bright space and the elaborate buffet brunch is a gourmet and gourmand's dream come true. No wonder it is highly rated by the food critics and as one of the city's best too.

It is here that I first taste chef Adam Timney's superlative creations. The roasted squab with roasted chanterelle mushrooms and Jerusalem artichoke cream with fresh English peas is a masterpiece of textures and flavours. So is the pepper seared rare American Waygyu beef salad with Tomato and hoisin dressing. Of course this menu is for a very special wine and food pairing dinner, when the finale of the Plum Galette with its orange blossom honey and almond pastry crust is married with the 1997 vineyard selection Botrytis Semillon there is pure bliss.

Chef Timney's repertoire also includes several classical dishes. He takes care to use only the freshest of ingredients, plenty of herbs. Don't miss the restaurant's signature dish of the 'Five spiced duck breast', you can request for many a vegetarian option too.

This is the hotel I'd go back to again and again, it gleams with its very recent US$ 38 million renovation and it's Rooftop restaurant beckons. Go to Cityscape to go to feast on the mile high banana split, go to Cityscape for its fine dining and wines, music and dancing and even its vibrant Sunday brunch. Or just go to watch the sun set as the Golden Gate becomes even more golden…