I was fortunate enough to have our name on the guest list for Spruce's 2nd Anniversary dinner on August 2nd. Fortunate, considering I wasn't a concierge from Yountville or a Presidio Heights socialite who has hosted parties at the restaurant, or a food business partner. Of course the pleasure was mine to make my first dining experience at Spruce occur following a cocktail reception with champagne and hors d'oeuvres hobnobbing with the hostess and the new general manager who had just returned from Park City where Spruce is opening its second location. Too many two's for one night. To top it off, the special menu had each course served two ways.
The two magnums of Henriot Blanc Souverain champagne were overflowing in our glasses and paired beautifully with the charcuterie and cheese platters. Not such a hit with the overpowering duck fat french fries. We said hello to Deborah who lives three blocks away and was waiting inside for her husband, the original owner of the 1972 Rolls Royce who prefers to park his own car rather than valet. Somehow I had a feeling we weren't the first strangers Deborah had apologized to for not using the restaurant's valet service. Next was Nina who couldn't stop talking about the theme of her last spring open house party at Spruce and the opulence she hosted. Until of course someone more opulent that us arrived and our conversation ended abruptly. We enjoyed most chatting with Mary who was down to earth, had most likely parked her own car without shame like us, and talked about real life values and being true to who you are. Something rare in that room's guest list. Happily it was something omnipresent with Spruce's team.
We were delighted with our meal. Our server greeted us with yet another glass of champagne this time as dining room guests to celebrate the anniversary. Salut! To be fair, considering it was my first meal at Spruce, I opted for regular menu items rather than the tempting special menu of Dirty Girl Heirloom Tomatoes Two Ways, Grimaud Farms Natural Guinea Hen Two Ways, and Hamada Farms Two Stone Fruits Crostata. We can never resist an appetizer of foie gras and Spruce's is served two ways: seared with a poached pluot and a piece au torchon with a fruit gelee. It tasted as lovely as it sounds. Their burger that is written up as one of the best in SF was delightful. And the grilled bavette steak with sauce bordelaise was made to perfection.
Our meal was outstanding and the cocktail reception an added bonus, yet what Spruce makes most memorable is their people. Everyone we encountered was warm, friendly, and genuinely attentive to our needs. And it looked like from socialite regulars to one-time guests from other neighborhoods, the staff had respect in mind and a pleasurable dining experience making sure you return for yet another wonderful meal with them even if the best they can offer is a seat at the bar.
suggestions:
Try the dining room for their lunch or dinner menu. Alternatively sit at the bar and enjoy cheese, charcuterie, and burgers. No matter what your choice Spruce will delight.
where to find:
Spruce
address: 3640 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
phone: (415) 931-5100
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My feeling in a lot of life's transactions is that customer service is EVERYTHING. If you have bad or snooty customer service, it doesn't matter how good your product is. Glad you had a good time. Perhaps you'll get to ride in the Rolls sometime?