Molecular Gastronomy
By Patrick Heig, San Francisco Editor
Molecular gastronomy--radical new cooking techniques that alter the taste, texture and form of common foods--is said to be at odds with the Bay Area's local, natural, farm-to-table food culture. But some top local chefs disagree, arguing that all cooking changes the properties of foods, and are creating avant-garde dishes that every foodie--even Alice Waters groupies--should try at least once.
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Coi
373 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
At Coi, new cooking techniques are used to add body and enhance flavor release from already bold ingredients. Example: The mushroom dashi noodles that accompany the Monterey Bay abalone are actually a gel that liquefies on the tongue. -
Orson
508 Fourth St, San Francisco, CA
Also at the forefront of culinary experimentation is Orson, whose "parmaggiano pudding, pepper jam, cocoa nib explosion" containing of all things, unflavored Pop Rocks, is one of its most popular dishes. -
Manresa
320 Village Ln, Los Gatos, CA
The recipient of two Michelin stars, and commonly called one of the top 50 restaurants in the country, Manresa uses produce from its own biodynamic garden in innovative flavor combinations and cutting edge cooking techniques. -
Citizen Cake
399 Grove St, San Francisco, CA
Elizabeth Faulkner's first venture is still pushing the envelope with plates like beet salad topped with goat cheese foam, walnut paper and apple noodles. -
Le Sanctuaire
315 Sutter St Fl 5, San Francisco, CA
For aspiring Franken-cooks, this Union Square cooking store caters to chefs (but sells to anyone) looking for super rare spices and the bizarre and esoteric cooking equipment used in molecular gastronomy. -
Green Apple Books & Music
506 Clement St, San Francisco, CA
Pick up "A Day at El Bulli" about Ferran Adria, the chef credited with inventing molecular gastronomy--the book teaches you to make cold white miso foam, peanut oil marshmallow, and frozen green pinecone powder, among other things--at this beloved bookshop in the Richmond. -
Seasons
757 Market St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel guests and SF residents alike flock to this sophisticated spot, which focuses on modern-steakhouse fare and seafood--and excels at both.
