Ame, the new restaurant in the St. Regis Hotel (at 3rd and Mission) is beautiful, elegant, and serves creative and delicious food. The space is very urban, with black columns, white accents and tan walls including elegant understated decoration (except for the art-glass light fixtures which are definitely over the top, though portraying exquisite taste). I believe this place is destined to become a San Francisco classic.
The bar in the St. Regis lobby also run by the Ame staff, oozes class and will quickly become one of the in spots for unwinding after work or other bar-related activities for the well-paid, well-groomed set.
For a starter, I ordered a crudo of fluke with Meyer lemon zest, fleur de sel, and extra virgin olive oil "from Lessino olives." This was a deceptively simple dish, but it was refreshing, and delicious in the best tradition of clean unadorned flavors of both Japanese and Calfornia cuisines
The appetizer of fricassee of Miyugi oysters, leeks and forest mushrooms in sauce beurre blanc was full-flavored, incredibly rich and begged to be consumed to the last drop through discreet swabbing of the plate with the bread.
For an entrée, I had a red wine braised "Wagyu" beef cheek served with sweetbread cutlets and cauliflower puree all finished with a cabernet sauvignon sauce. Though it was excellent, it didn't have the clarity of flavors, nor the freshness of the seafood dishes. When I come back (which will be soon), I think I'll stick to seafood and skip the meat dishes.
The wine list is of moderate length with an eclectic selection, including some excellent offerings of sake. Corkage is a very reasonable $20 per bottle. Highly Recommended. Ame at the St. Regis
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