The Ritz-Carlton's Parallel 37 Showcases Local Ingredients
Housed inside the historic Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, Parallel 37 delivers globally influenced menu of diverse small plates. Chef Michael Rotondo's contemporary American cuisine, along with the restaurant's name, is inspired by the local ingredients and cultures running along the 37th parallel in Northern California.
Designed by EDG International Architecture and Design, the modern bar and dining space includes a backlit glass installation, rich earth tones, brown leather chairs and accents made from reclaimed West Coast wood.
The five and eight-course tasting menus, as well as other dishes, combine ingredients in unusual ways offering surprising and unexpected pairings. The large variety of small plates include gem lettuce with crispy spicy artichoke and tarragon dressing; hand-cut tagliatelle and root vegetables with a pine nut mousse; caramelized cauliflower, fregola, pickled vegetables and saffron, and scallops with uni, trumpet mushrooms, Serrano ham and puffed barley. Main courses also highlight local ingredients and include duck with mission figs and pickled chanterelles; lamb with heirloom eggplant, chorizo and piquillo peppers, and flank steak with young coconut and green curry.
Pastry chef Andrea Correa's desserts change seasonally and include rhubarb with candied pistachios and green tea semifreddo, dark chocolate cake with blood orange curd, and caramel ganache and coffee poached dates with vanilla and rosemary flowers.
Diners can opt to sit at the ten-seat Chef's Table to view all the kitchen action.
The nine-story 336 room Nob Hill resort also offers a Club Lounge with continuous complimentary food throughout the day in a comfortable setting featuring a wood fireplace.
The main lobby lounge was renovated two years ago and offers floor to ceiling views of the Financial District. The design builds on the previous neo-classical architecture with bronze and acrylic valences, custom gold-leaf chandeliers, a mix of yellow, grey and red coaches and high black chairs and a white marble bar and floor. Guests can enjoy a variety of bar bites, salads and sandwiches, sweets, handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine in the lobby lounge. Reservations can be made at 415.773.6168.