http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/43350 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. en Copyright 2008 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 http://images.citysearch.com/roundup/26/a5/43350r1.gif http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/43350 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41871200/san_francisco_ca/coi.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/46316528/san_francisco_ca/orson.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. Los Gatos, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/47282016/los_gatos_ca/manresa.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11362030/san_francisco_ca/citizen_cake.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/45223186/san_francisco_ca/le_sanctuaire.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/905711/san_francisco_ca/green_apple_books_music.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Elegant food in the sophisticated Four Seasons near Union Square pampers diners, San Francisco style. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11588588/san_francisco_ca/seasons.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/43155 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/43062 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:55:55 -0700