A SF Restaurant Where You Can Dine in Harmony with Nature

Founded in 2011 by a husband-and-wife team, Adam and Stacy Jed, Bluestem Brasserie is a chic, urban restaurant that highlights an expansive menu created with fresh, seasonal ingredients. With a special focus on providing a dining experience that works in harmony with nature, Bluestem Brasserie highlights local, sustainable ingredients from small farms that specialize in the likes of grass-fed beef and free-range chicken. The brasserie, which boasts a stylish yet relaxed ambiance, is conveniently located in the midst of San Francisco's bustling Financial District and Union Square.

Seared Spanish Octopus ($15)

To start, the Seared Spanish Octopus ($15) was the perfect first course to amp up our appetite. The dish seamlessly fused different ingredients, flavors, and textures. The plate included a generous portion of tender, chewy octopus legs with crispy, house-made rice crackers, marinated Bloomsdale spinach, and spicy, pickled Fresno chilies over a puree of creamy black sesame sauce.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi ($22)

While the vegetarian entree of Sweet Potato Gnocchi ($22) is listed under "Mains," we ordered this dish to share - and what a great decision as it was my favorite of the evening! The sweet potato gnocchi was fluffy like a bed of pillows. Together with the creamy chestnut-sherry purée, chestnut cubes, cultivated mushrooms, and crispy sage, this gnocchi plate will remain as one of the top dishes I have tried.

 Seared Liberty Duck ($31)

The entree menu at Bluestem Brasserie is a carnivore's dream, featuring meats that range from chicken to pork to lamb to beef. My choice for the evening was the Seared Liberty Duck ($31) over a bed of Brussels sprout hash with duck confit and farro. Underneath it was a golden yellow puree of spiced butternut squash and sharied cherry-port sauce. The dish was as delicious as it was colorful - I especially enjoyed the interplay between sweet and savory from the butternut squash and the cherry-port sauce. The hash would have been a bit more pleasing to the mouth had it not been seasoned with too much salt.

Butter Poached Filet Mignon & Prawns ($48)

Another highlight from the entree was the Butter Poached Filet Mignon & Prawns ($48) with sauteed spinach over green peppercorn brandy sauce. The grass-fed filet showcased the ethos that Bluestem prides in: sustainability. The medium rare filet was tender and juicy, while the gulf prawns had beautifully crispy exterior with moist interior. 

Meyer Lemon Citrus Cheesecake($22)

While we were quite satiated by now, we couldn't say no to dessert upon seeing whimsical menu items like "Blondies Have More Fun" and "Snap, Crackle, Pot de Creme." The Meyer Lemon Citrus Cheesecake ($11) on shortbread crust was topped with a beautiful meringue of toasted marshmallow, dried fruit compote of raisins and cranberries, and sugared orange peel.

Snap, Crackle, Pot de Creme ($11)

What an appropriate name for the dessert, Snap, Crackle, Pot de Creme ($11), as it was the perfect onomatopoeia for what we received. This delectable pot of rich, milk chocolate custard was complemented by dense, almond macaroon, candied kumquats, a dollop of sweet cream, and toffee brittle with rice krispies for that kick of crackle. One bite of this melt-in-your-mouth dessert was enough to make me shout, "Oh snap - I will be back for more!"