July 16th, 2012 
Prospect has been open for two years on Spear Street in San Francisco’s financial district. The team at Prospect and their sister restaurant, Boulevard, are Nancy Oakes, Pamela Mazzola and Kathy King who have collaborated to provide an American “contemporary approach to dining in San Francisco in the 21stcentury”.
(Photo Credit: Prospect SF Restaurant)
When we arrived, Prospect’s large, open plan bar was buzzing with people enjoying drinks and small plates after work. We were greeted by their manager, Scott Carr, who showed us to our seat, which had a great view of the city through their ceiling-high windows. The restaurant had a warm and atmospheric feel, unusual for a loft style restaurant, with a mixture of light and dark wooden walls, floors, tables and booths lit by dramatic ceiling lights.
We started off the meal with two specialty cocktails. My husband had the Prospector, which was a flawless blended scotch, madeira, benedictine and burnt orange, and I enjoyed the Whaler, which was Jamaican rum, sparkling wine, blackberry honey mint, lime and egg white, an usual mix of ingredients that tasted absolutely delicious.
(Photo Credit: Prospect SF Restaurant)
For appetizers, I chose the refreshing baby beet and goat cheese salad with blackberries served under large green leaves which gave it the appearance of a little vegetable garden. My husband ordered the Mendocino porcini mushrooms with braised pork belly, soft cooked egg, creamed spinach and bacon spinach salad which was a tasty combination. He also enjoyed the crispy pig trotters, which were a bit rich for my taste.
We ordered a superb Pinot Noir called Black Pig 2010 from the Russian River Valley, only 100 cases of which have been made. The wine was full of fruity notes and extremely moorish to drink.
For main course, my husband ordered the fantastic veal tenderloin with glazed sweetbreads, polenta, caramelized mission figs, fennel bulb and natural jus. I ordered the Storm Hill Beef Petite New York with tender and juicy braised short ribs, which was served with wonderfully crisp Yukon Gold potato and fork crushed red bliss potatoes. It also came with creamed cavalo nero, mushrooms, watercress and beef jus. We actually shared both dishes as they were full of amazing flavors. Plus, I couldn’t keep my hands off the veal.
(Photo Credit: Prospect SF Restaurant)
We managed to find room for dessert and ordered the strawberry ice-cream sandwiches in lavender shortbread cookies, with a 1999 dessert wine to compliment the sweet flavors.
Prospect SF was probably the best dining experience we have ever had in the Bay Area. The impeccable service was not only warm and friendly, but very knowledgeable and personable. The ambiance was atmospheric without being too noisy, perfect for a date night. The food was flawless, and every forkful that hit our palettes made us marvel in the combination of great flavors and quality ingredients. We can’t wait to return to celebrate a special occasion at such a special dining experience that “aims for perfection without being stuffy”.
WHERE:
Prospect SF
300 Spear Street (at Folsom Street)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Ph. 415-247-7770
HOURS:
Happy Hour:
Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Dinner:
Monday – Thursday: 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sunday Dinner: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Brunch:
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Bar Menu:
Daily: 5:30 p.m. to closing
Prospect SF is fantastic! Very knowledgable and warm staff. Delicious food – and we sampled a handful of dishes from the starters and created our own yummy tasting menu. Come dressed, or California-casual; the food is the sophisticated standout! Thx for the tip, Sophie. Hubby and I had a great date night.