McCormick & Kuleto’s – A San Francisco Favorite

My wife and I recently celebrated our 2nd anniversary, and wishing to go somewhere new and special, we took the advice of some friends and booked reservations at McCormick & Kuleto’s Restaurant in San Francisco, CA.  Located in the heart of Ghirradelli Square, with beautiful views of the bay and harbor, we soon came to find that our “new and special” destination has long been a trademark of San Franciscans and Bay Area residents alike.

As we first walked in the doors we were greeted kindly with a smile, and escorted to our seating area.  The interior of the restaurant had a classic charm, that even though it was our first time dining there, it immediately felt as if we had been dining there for ages.  Our waiter (who by the way, was just an absolute gentleman, and was extremely helpful and informative) seated us, and proceeded to tell us a bit about the restaurant, and most importantly — the menu.

Instantly I was impressed by the selection of the menu.  Being a seafood restaurant, I assumed a majority, if not all of the dishes would be cultivated below sea level. I was pleased to find however, that in addition to an extensive seafood selection, there were ample choices for those who might be so inclined to do so.  Choice is always a big factor for me when dining, so I was very happy that both my wife and I could find something we could both enjoy.

We started the meal with an appetizer — Fried calamari w/ Basil Dipping sauce.  The calamari was delicious as expected, but the basil sauce was unlike anything I’d tried before.  Smooth and flavorful, I remember joking with my wife that I may order another side of sauce to take home.  If you’re into trying new things, I recommend this new twist on an old favorite.

With the appetizer complete, we were ready for the main dishes.  I ordered the 9 oz. Filet Mignon — with a side of vegetables and sun dried tomatoes, while my wife opted for seafood and went with the Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Sauteed — with white wine, garlic, tomatoes, and lemon, over Pasta.  The filet was cooked to perfection, with each bite tender and moist, offering a mouthful of heaven with each bite I took.  I was very surprised to find such level of steak at a seafood restaurant — as the quality and flavor of filet mignon was that which you might expect at a steak house.  Seriously. It was that good.

Having really jump started my appetite with the wonderful food I had just eaten, I couldn’t help but “help” my wife with her meal.  After all, isn’t that what marriage is all about?  Her meal was terrific as well, and believe it, when the menu says “jumbo” shrimp — it doesn’t exaggerate.  The shrimp was very large, very fresh, and very tasty.  The pasta was cooked just right, and paired with the sauce and shrimp — made for an excellent anniversary meal for my very happy (and very full) wife.

All of this would have been a perfect meal, in an of itself, however the star of the meal had yet to make an appearance.  As we perused the desert menu, our waiter suggested we try the “Banana Toffee Cream Pie” — wanting to try something new, we took his advice (thank goodness we did) and shortly thereafter partook in the most incredible dessert I have ever eaten.  Not too sweet, and incredibly light, yet filling, I had a difficult time wanting to share this masterpiece with my beautiful wife.  We were told that only that specific McCormick & Kuleto’s carries that specific dessert –  so if you ever go to San Francisco, make sure you try this pie, you will not regret it.

With a full stomach and an afternoon full of wonderful memories, our experience at McCormick & Kuleto’s was just fantastic from beginning to end.  Excellent food, paired with excellent service, make sure to make McCormick & Kuleto’s part of your dining destinations — I know we will.