Originally Posted by bhrubin

Just returned from a fine dining weekend in SF, where we tried Benu and Atelier Crenn. Both truly are world class. Both also are very pricey. We did the tasting menus with wine pairings at both, as we always do. At Crenn, I did the special wine pairing while my husband and friends did the regular wine pairing. (I'm a huge student and fan of wine.)

Benu is Korean/Asian-influenced California cuisine, and is without doubt the finest Asian inspired cuisine we've ever had outside of Asia. The wine (and beer) pairings were also extremely impressive. I could eat here on a monthly basis and never tire of it...though my bank account would!

Atelier Crenn is very experimental California cuisine, with elements of molecular gastronomy and very avant-garde techniques/presentations. There were moments that reminded me of Alinea and a few that reminded even of Noma. It is more experimental in some ways and more traditional in others, but it certainly is world class. I am glad I dined here, but this is so experimental that I think I'd only return after several years.