Hot Dining in San Francisco: Michael Mina’s New Place

The foodie world is abuzz about the new Michael Mina that opened this week in the culinary mecca of San Francisco. The star chef has reopened his namesake restaurant in the old space at Aqua, where he first rose to stardom. The flagship of his restaurant empire, the restaurant will showcase "the finest expression in modern American cuisine." Zagat Buzz points out that "the more affordable New American menu adds some Japanese influence (though the signature lobster pot pie remains), and there’s also a five-course tasting menu available for $95." Whet your appetite by checking out the menus here. We like the sound of the Dungeness Crab Pasta Pyramids (a starter) and the truffle-stuffed Shelton Farms Chicken. (There's not much on the menu we *don't* like.) The cocktails sound mighty fine, too. Lavanda, anyone? (That's made with gin, lavender and absinthe.)