I took off for the city in the afternoon and went over to the Kabuki Spa on Geary for a shiatsu massage. It almost made me right but all the aches and creaks are still there but fortunately not quite as bad as they once were.
Afterwards I caught a gorgeous flaming sunset from Dave's back yard. BigDave decided to take me out to dinner at his friend Jonathan Beard's Bistro Aix located at Chestnut and Steiner in the Marina District. I have to admit that I looked like quite the yokel wandering into the genteel confines of the trendy restaurant wearing my orange Fallbrook Avocado Festival t-shirt and funky jeans. This place was full of very attractive young ladies basically dressed to kill or at least maim. Lots of bald or head shaven people at the bar, I think that my full head of hair is now decidedly unhip, once again I look the rube.
The owner came out and greeted us and led us to a small high table. He confided that his back was killing him too. The food was excellent. I started off with a Star Route Farm butter lettuce salad with a tarragon vinaigrette and warm breaded goat cheese. BigDave had gravlax on a potato galette with dill. He had a nice ahi entree, seared on the outside and almost raw in the center. Flown in that day. Impeccable.
We were given some of the nice homemade bread that is baked in house daily. I chose a pinot noir while Dave tried a syrah.
I had a New York steak with fries and ratatouille, perfectly seasoned with a garlicky herb butter. Meat is cooked over special woods on a special grill. Although the portion was on the slightly small side for a big guy like me, it was delicious. Ratatouille, normally not one of my favorites, was slightly smoky and maybe the best I have ever had. Dave kept trying to steal the fantastic pommes frites.
Dessert was a chocolate cake with a creme top for me and the never to be equaled apple tart for BigDave.
I had a chance to talk to the chef owner Jonathan about what motivates his cooking. He said that it was principally three rules, buy natural, buy local and buy sustainable. He regularly scours the local farmers markets for the perfect fruits and vegetables.
His second maxim is to eat with your mouth and not your eyes. Although the food is presented nicely, taste is paramount at Bistro Aix, according to the owner.
I would recommend this friendly neighborhood restaurant to anyone who wants a nice meal without pretense, that is delicious to boot, when dining in the bay area.
