GREAT EATS HAWAII: MICHAEL MINA

MICHAEL MINA

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Oops I did it again. How many times have we tried what are supposed to be the best restaurants in a city and found them not to live up to the hype and expectations. Michael Mina goes to the top of the list for total let downs. While the service was excellent, the food failed to impress. Best part of the evening was the company. My girls and best friends Tom and Arlene. We had a great table set away from the main dining room. I convinced our guests to go with the Chef's Tasting Menu that is $125 per person. $185 with the wine pairing. Tom brought a bottle of wine from a local vintner near his home in Pleasanton. Corkage fee was $35. This was one of the most unimpressive and tasteless meals of my life. The only dish with some taste was the grilled cheese sandwich served as a pre-appetizer. The fish had no taste, the steak had no taste, the scallop had no taste. I don't know how you can serve up so many dishes and not have any flavor. I was shocked at the lack of flavor of each dish. This was just not right for the price. I expected to be blown away by this chef. I was embarrassed for having brought my friends here. I wanted to take them down the street for some good pasta after this meal. Just don't get this place. The ambiance and service was excellent. The food came out of the kitchen at all the right times. Everything was perfect except the food. Would not recommend this restaurant or go back.