SPQR, San Francisco, 3/14/15

SPQR Exterior
SPQR Exterior

We cancelled our reservation here last year but got rave reviews from a friend we suggested go there and am glad we got there this year. An Italian inspired cuisine but with a California twist they are well deserved of their Michelin one star rating for the second year. We went on a Sat. when they offer a pasta tasting menu with wine pairings optional.

menu
menu
Interior
Interior

Everyone on weekends starts their meal with hot buttermilk biscuits and a homemade spread. They were delicious and set the tone for a great meal to come. The first 2 selections were better than the last but all were very good. The squid ink pasta had a touch of spice and a pasta shape that was magnetic for the sauce. Something crunchy on top made a nice contrast with the chewy cuttlefish. This plate cleaner was followed by an even more delightful mushroom pasta. The mushrooms had that wild strong taste I love and the greens added to the perfect texture. I would have licked this one dry if I could have! While the liver and shallot pasta was good it would have been hard to match the intensity of the first 2 but the three made a nice amount of food and great contrasts in taste to provide an intensely satisfying meal. So what better than to add a dessert – their tiramisu was tremendous! I can see going back to this place again to try a whole dinner event.

table set up
table set up
Hot buttermilk biscuits with spiced apple spread and butter
Hot buttermilk biscuits with spiced apple spread and butter
Squid ink mezze maniche, seppia, gulf shrimp, san marzano tomato and wild arugula
Squid ink mezze maniche, seppia, gulf shrimp, san marzano tomato and wild arugula
Nettle and mushroom cannelloni, nettle fonduta and piave cheese
Nettle and mushroom cannelloni, nettle fonduta and piave cheese
Whole wheat gemelli, chicken liver, madeira wine, verjus shallot and red sorrel
Whole wheat gemelli, chicken liver, madeira wine, verjus shallot and red sorrel
open kitchen
open kitchen
Tiramisu, espresso coffee, mascarpone and cocoa
Tiramisu, espresso coffee, mascarpone and cocoa

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