A Cozy Birthday Dinner at Sorrel
For my wife’s birthday this year, we celebrated at Sorrel Restaurant, a Michelin-starred gem in San Francisco that perfectly balances creativity and comfort. The dim, golden lighting and soft sounds of conversation made the evening feel intimate and unhurried.
We chose the five-course menu, and each dish felt like a thoughtful expression of the season:
Hokkaido Scallop with wild rice, Asian pear, and warm bone marrow — a beautiful mix of delicate sweetness and richness.
Triple Cream paired with fig, basil, and tomato fry bread — unexpectedly playful, balancing creamy and herbaceous notes.
Bread Service — A warm, golden loaf with a crisp crust and pillowy center, served alongside cultured butter dusted with herbs and a trio of accompaniments that turned something simple into something soulful. Each bite felt like a quiet beginning — comforting, fragrant, and the perfect way to ease into the evening.
Buckwheat Gnudi with sweet corn, shishito, and chanterelle — earthy and comforting, the kind of dish you wish wouldn’t end.
King Salmon with grilled cucumber, buttermilk, and brown butter broth — a standout for both of us, with the perfect balance of freshness and depth.
Duck Legs dish with five-spice and furikake, which was rich, crispy, and beautifully fragrant — a perfect way to end the savory courses.
S’mores with marshmallow, red miso caramel, and dark chocolate — a nostalgic finish elevated by that subtle miso saltiness.
Complimentary Birthday Cake — A petite chocolate canelé served glowing with a single candle — simple, elegant, and heartfelt. Its crisp shell gave way to a rich, custardy center, the kind of sweetness that perfectly closed the evening. A small gesture that made the night feel all the more special.
There’s something about Sorrel that feels like a hidden pocket of calm in the city — refined without pretense. The flavors, the textures, and the pacing of the meal made the night feel both luxurious and deeply personal.
A birthday dinner worth remembering, shared over candlelight and conversation that lingered long after dessert.
Happy Birthday to my amazing wife and cheers to many more!
