Where it begins....

foodwinesex. There's something in there for everyone. When my marriage began disintegrating at the beginning of the year I sought something to occupy my free time...a challenge. I came across Michael Bauer's (food critic SF Chronicle) list and embarked on a mission (with several friends in tow) to eat my way through all 100. Since I do a bit of business traveling I'll also eat at the best restaurants in the cities I visit as well as occasional pilgrimages to gustatory shrines overseas. I am now about half-way through Bauer's list and have eaten at 3 of the 4 Michelin three-star restaurants in NYC (Per Se, Alain Ducasse, Jean Georges). I've eaten at Fat Duck in London (well Bray actually) and at any number of good/great places off the published lists. I'll try to touch on all of them going forward.

Now, the sex part. It's all too easy to lump everything together under the banner of satisfying appetites...too glib. I find the enjoyment of food and wine to be heightened when enjoyed in the company of others. When that "company" is an interesting woman, food takes on added dimensions. Lingering over a bordeaux and enjoying conversation heightens anticipation.

I don't know if I'll make every restaurant on the list. I dont know who I'll meet along the way and who'll join me for dinner. I will report on all of it for anybody interested.

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Comments

[GNP]

This restaurant doesn't appear to be in the top 100 but I really liked it. Sparrow in Nob Hill (http://www.sparrowrestaurant.com/) - across the street from Grace Cathedral. My wife and I went there for our wedding anniversary this past weekend. There is a standard 6 course tasting menu or you can "set us free" to do up to 12 courses. I had them do 6 courses and also select wines to go with them. I was quite pleased with the outcome. Price for my part of the meal was $100 ($65 for the 6 courses and $33 for the alcohol).

Apparently the chef was excited that I did the "set us free" menu. I'm sure they'd totally be into your "mission from God".

There are plenty of online reviews for this place - both good and bad. Also, note, the restaurant was formerly the Watergate. Not sure if they simply changed the name or it's basically a brand new restaurant at this point.

Enjoy.