Sacred cow of upscale vegetarian restaurants? What? Perhaps in Hicksville, Idaho. \r
My husband and I went for brunch on Sunday afternoon expecting something magnificent. Something that only 20 years of San Francisco restaurant-teering could supply. We were disappointed. \r
The menu promised exotic, mouth-watering vegetarian fare. Extraordinary dishes with flavor-bursting descriptions. I read every item nearly TWICE trying to decide. \r
I should have taken a hint from the 4th grade art on the walls... these people are beginners. \r
I finally settled on the Pinnacle Scramble. This is what I was promised: Scrambled eggs with roasted yellow finn potatoes, poblano and chipotle chilies, scallions, Vermont cheddar and cilantro. Served on warm corn tortillas with fire roasted salsa, black bean chili and crème fraiche.\r
This is what I got: scrambled eggs with scallions and corn sitting on top of 2 soggy flour tortillas topped with jarred salsa and fresh avocado. On the side - what tasted like vegetarian Hormel chili and the stringiest crème fraiche I've ever had. \r
My husband opted for the Mesquite Grilled Brochettes of mushrooms, peppers, yellow finn potatoes, red onions, fennel, cherry tomatoes and marinated tofu with charmoula. Served with cherry-pistachio couscous.\r
The kebabs were flavorless, save for the little slices of corn cob (which are not mentioned in the description... excess of corn?). The tofu were giant bricks of untreated, unmarinated soy. Nearly straight out of the package. Who eats tofu like that? However, the couscous did have a memorable, sweet flavor that was unexpected. Not enough to save the meal, though. \r
A few saving graces: the view, the generous mimosas and the peculiar, yet nice wait staff.
Pros: the view
Cons: stereo-typical vegetarian food (bland) at extreme prices
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