Elite Traveler November-December 2016

EXPLORE SAN FRANCISCO

EAT & DRINK

HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN

SAISON A three-Michelin-starred dining destination, Saison ( saisonsf.com ) carries the distinction of being California’s most expensive restaurant, with a $398 prix fixe, without wine pairings, tax or service. There is no menu. Dishes change daily and often a meal is completely customized to diners’ preferences. We spoke to chef Joshua Skenes for the lowdown on what makes Saison so special. Q. What is distinctive about the cooking at Saison? A. We cook everything around or in an open fire – even the desserts. There is a fire pit, contraptions, wood-burning devices – all to honor the fire. Q. What does fire cooking do for a dish? A. It gives depth. It brings the flavors of the products to the surface. Q. What is the ambition that lies behind Saison? A. My goal is to create dishes from the highest possible quality products and create around them. To get this level of quality, we have our own farms, animals and fishing fleet. Q. Can you give us an example of something you cooked recently at home? A. This morning, a friend woke me at 6am and we went hunting for wild quail. I made a meal from it.

Chef Joshua Skenes will set your tastebuds aflame at Saison