Wonderful Dining Experience in San Francisco

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to share with the group the wonderful dining experience I had while staying the night in San Francisco. My family and I stayed at the Renaissance Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisc for our 25th wedding anniversary and ate at the Veranda Restaurant inside the hotel. It was the most exquisite dining experience I have had since being diagnosed 3 years ago.

I had contacted Chef Felix (the chef at the Veranda) a few weeks before our arrival, and he already knew what gluten intolerance was and even the cross-contamination issues. He took such good care of my daughter and I (we both have the disease). He created delicious dinner entrees and even came in early on Sunday morning to make a special breakfast for us also.

For dinner, my daughter had the filet mignon minus the blue cheese crust, and the pinot noir demi glaze was made and thickened without using wheat flour. It came with delicious fingerling potatoes and asparagus. My entree was the roasted breast of chicken, and the merlot wine sauce was also made and thickened without using wheat flour. This entree came with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. We savored eating the sauces on our entrees!!! We also enjoyed ceasar salad, which was made by Chef without using bread crumbs. Our dessert was creme brulee, which was especially made for us because we could not eat the other desserts. To be able to eat out like "normal people" really touched my daughter and I, and Chef 's attention to detail was exceptional. Chef had also informed the staff of our arrival, so the waiter knew what we were talking about while we were ordering our dinner. If you are vegetarian, I am sure he could make something special for you also.

We also had a wonderful breakfast the next morning at the Veranda. Chef let us know which food in the buffet was gluten-free, and even made our potatoes and eggs separately. It was an experience that my daughter and I will never forget.

If you ever want to dine out on the town in San Francisco, please give Chef a call or e-mail him in advance, and I guarantee he will take care of you.

Chef Felix

Renaissance Parc 55 Hotel

55 Cyril Magnin Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 403-6629

dfelix@...

Hersom

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

2475 Hanover Street

Palo Alto, CA 94304

(650) 233-4783

susan.hersom@...