The above menu was from one of the best dining experiences I have ever had, at Saison in the Mission. As this is part of K and I celebrating eight years together. Big ups to the Missus.
There is essentially nothing about the experience that was pretentious, as everything seems wholly focused on the food. There are no requirements for dressing up, but it is a weekend only establishment, working out of the Stable Cafe building, of which you do not pick from a menu; you book (and pay) in advance, then arrive to a multi-course meal that is prepared, presented and paced impeccably well.
And while that menu shows five courses, there were actually seven, with segue courses consisting of a tomato-based jelly with melon and a scallop with chard in a reduction of some kind that was so much epic win.
And they freely promote seeing the kitchen at work:
