Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

After a great dinner with friends in Hayes Valley, it seemed only appropriate to drop into one of the more famous, albeit crowded, bars in the area for a smart cocktail. Absinthe features Jaime Lauren, one of my favorite contestants from the Bravo show Top Chef, and has become a local hero for her energy and creativity in the kitchen. While we only really came for the absinthe loaded drinks, I was excited at the potential of being able to meet her.

Absinthe is known for serving up some excellent absinthe cocktails and it was my first change to try some. I ultimately ordered a drink without the green stuff but did get a chance to try it via friends' cocktails. I haven't quite warmed up to the unique flavor and effects but can see myself enjoying it after a few tries. I ordered the "Scarlett O'Hara" which consisted of Willett Single Barrel Bourbon, Nardini Amaro, and Leopard Brothers blackberry liqueur, with a lemon twist. It was extremely tasty and the twist was peeled on the spot, which added an additional layer of quality and freshness to the cocktail.

Since we were occupying a table, we decided to order some fries to nibble on. The fries were delicious with their bell pepper aioli, Dijon mustard, and vinegar dipping sauces and I really enjoyed the small cut with perfect crispness. However, the fries were cut a little too small for my tastes and were a little difficult to eat.

While we didn't get a chance to meet Jaime, we did get to enjoy some really great cocktails. The service and ambiance were extraordinary and it as a great venue to hangout and catch up with friends. I'm not sure whether absinthe has quite grown on me yet, but it was definitely an interesting new drink. Absinthe is every bit the awesome, classic bar that many have raved about, and despite the inflated cost of the cocktails, worth every penny for the unique experience. If you're around during a warm day, the tables outside are totally dog-friendly and only enhance the already excellent experience. Come for dinner and you just might be able to have your picture taken with San Francisco's own Chef Jaime!

Food: 8/10

Service: 9/10

Price: $$$

Atmosphere: 9/10