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Review content:
If Annabelle's had management issues 3 1/2 years ago (late 2006 by others' reviews), those issues have been resolved completely. I made a reservation for one on a Saturday night at 7 pm, edging into prime time. The restaurant was busy (good) without being crowded (not as good). The executive chef was patrolling and observing at an appropriate frequency (he served me my main course, and I chatted with him afterward). Service was efficient without being rushed, too slow, or too obtrusive. Everyone, from host, to server, to chef was attentive, efficient, and conversational without being overly familiar.
I grew up in New Orleans, home of the Sazerac cocktail. I make it regularly myself. This is the first establishment I've encountered in a while that offers a Sazerac as a featured cocktail. My estimate is that at best 1 in 500 establishments outside of New Orleans will offer the Sazerac - most seem unwilling to track down the requisite Peychaud's bitters, or keep rye (strange) or absinthe or absinthe substitute (maybe not so strange) on hand. The cocktail was correctly made up to the point of the absinthe. Instead of swirling Absinthe in the glass as a scent/flavor garnish to the drink, Annabelle's bartender chooses to serve the Absinthe on the side (properly diluted with icewater) with the drink, giving you effectively two drinks for one.
Annabelle's identifies itself as a certified (San Francisco) Green restaurant, with most ingredients sourced locally/regionally and/or organic. Meats and seafood are sourced from local and sustainable operations. Well, yes, this would not necessarily apply to most of the spirits at the bar. But, the wine list is extensive, with nearly all wines being regional (not difficult at all given the proximity to Napa and Sonoma), even if the styles are European in character.
Decor is classic urban chic, with black and white hexagonal tiles, dark brown, glossy wood, and warm sage/olive tones on the wall with white trim/accents. The building/original establishment dates from 1913, and the preservation of many aspects, including a large stained glass panel, shows. The place melds Belle Epoque style edging through Craftsman (a few Tiffany lamps and stylized fixtures) through to Art Deco-esque overhead lights and fans.
My meal was simply delicious. I ordered the grilled asparagus salad, with parmesan slivers and green olives, over butter lettuce with a dill/yogurt dressing. Very California, but very tasty. The briny olives and the cheese complemented the grilled flavor of the asparagus and the sweet vegetal flavor of the lettuce very well.
My main course was skirt steak with frites, blue cheese butter, spinach and jus. I ordered the steak medium rare and they delivered a great tasting, tender piece of meat that was perfectly grilled to the desired temperature. The frites were delicious, and classically French, with the right hints of garlic and parsley. I forgot to ask the executive chef if he cooks them in duck fat, but for all intents and purposes, they tasted that way. The spinach was properly cooked, tender but still retaining that very slight spinach bite. The blue cheese butter offered an unctuous, pungent note for the steak. The jus, which had a wine reduction in it, offered a nice back note.
I would definitely recommend Annabelle's to anyone. Locals may have varying opinions of the SOMA neighborhood, but for an out of towner, this was definitely a worthwhile visit. The Marriott is right across the street, with a cab stand, so getting back to where one is staying is a breeze.
Pros: decor, food, wine list, bar, service
Cons: location - maybe more tourists than locals
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