Fleur De Lys
3.5000/5 (32 reviews)
777 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-7779
Category: French
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| Updated: |
October 19, 1999 |
| Cuisine: |
American, British, Californian, Continental, Eclectic, Exotic, French |
| Reviewer: |
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Relation: |
Not Related |
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| Facilities: |
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| Type: |
Bistro, Cafe, Grill , Pub |
Entertainment: |
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Atmosphere: |
Artistic |
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Nearby Places: |
Downtown |
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32 Reviews
REVIEW #5
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S J.
Avg. Entree: $20-30
Rating:
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November 16, 2003
0 of
0 people found this review helpful
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They read their Open Table comments....
<br>
On Christmas Eve 2002, we went to Fluer de Lys for their special
Christmas Eve dinner. I know, don’t go out to eat on Holidays.
However, we had a good meal with some great highpoints.
<br>
The service, on the other hand, was poor. They were busy, but there
was too much movement and distractions from the staff. Every
time they passed behind our chairs the bumped or rubbed against
them. By the end of the evening it was really annoying. They also
reached over the table several times to clear dishes. The staff
was distracted and overall the service was rushed and inattentive. <br>
Hubert Keller did come by the table to ask how everything was and
we told him that the food was nice, but the atmosphere and service
were lacking. He apologized and recommended that we come back
and they would make it up.
<br>
November 15, 2003:
<br>
Well, we decided to give it another try. We made reservations
through Open Table for 5:30 pm (pre concert). In the comment section
my wife described our last visit.
<br>
Well, they read the comments; because basically no one was allowed
to visit our table except the Sommelier (didn’t catch her name,
but Nicole Kidman kinda looks like her). She pretty much took
care of everything for us from covering the menu to serving our
wine pairings to escorting us into the kitchen to meet Hubert
Keller. I must admit…they did take care of us.
<br>
Also, we only ordered one pairing, but they poured two glasses.
Before we went into the kitchen to meet Keller, they also offered
a complimentary port or after dinner drink.
<br>
I did not recall any dress code mentioned or on their web site.
I did not have a jacket (not the only one in the room), but nothing
was said. If they still have a dress code, it is not easily found
on their web page (they should post it).
<br>
The food was as expected for the level of the place, however, meat
is probably a better option. My wife’s Halibut was ever so slightly
over cooked. For appetizers we had the Lobster Salad and Fois
Gras Duo…both good. Entrees were also good (Halibut & Veal…Veal
was excellent). Desert: Chocolate Soufflé **** and Tapioca
Pyramid **. Would be fun to stop by some night for desert at the
small bar.
<br>
It was nice to see that they read my wife’s comments and made an
extra effort to make up for our previous visit. Maybe they read
some of the comments on Dine.com too!?
<br>
Despite our first visit and some of the reviews below, we will
give it another try. Wondering what kind of service we will get
without calling attention to our last Christmas experience…?
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REVIEW #6
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Bill C.
Avg. Entree: $30-40
Rating:
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May 28, 2003
0 of
0 people found this review helpful
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Nice room, the staff pleasant although two were clearly sick if the amount of sniffling going on was an indication, which wasn't
all that pleasant.
The first 3 courses were great, the four of us all had something
differentand during these courses everyone was quite happy.
After a slight misunderstanding on the servers part, we all unded
up with the cheese course, which was the beginning of the end. The fourth cheese (swiss mountail cheese) was SO pungent and
smelly it really over powered the subtler goat cheese in olive
oil, camembert and blue cheese, and caused two of the ladies to
have an overwhelming desire to wash their hands.
The wine list has some huge holes, meaninig very few in the $60-90
range fewer in the $90-125 range and pleanty in the $250+ range.
Also they served our first 100 cabernet in burgundy/pinot glasses,
my bad for not asking for a bordeaux/carbernet glass, as the wine
never opened up like I would have wished.
So in conclusion, compared with some of San Francisco's
other fine dining establishments, last might was average, would
i go back? Yes, I feel that they can provide an excellent experience,
but they fell just short last night.
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REVIEW #7
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Avg. Entree: $30-40
Rating:
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September 15, 2002
0 of
0 people found this review helpful
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It was wonderful to step into the new Fleur de Lys the other night.
The new floor design is great with the bar now on the right side
as you enter. There is a new private room where the old bar was,
and it is beautiful, lined with wine storage and a fireplace.
We were greeted warmly as always and proceeded to the main dining
area. The menu is different now with you choosing from different
sections to create a 3, 4 or 5 course dinner. But first Chef Keller
sent out two amuse bouches, the first a spoon of lobster with a
carrot-cardamon gelee. Then he sent out a single malpeque oyster
with casino butter...wow both were great and both were getting
us hungry. Then some of the first courses (there were 3 of us),
Foie Gras 2 ways...one on a mini "hamburger" and one in a Baekeoffe.
Crayfish salad with corn, and quail with choucroute, all fantastic.
Then second course we all had the day boat scallop with caviar
on a blini with buttery leeks. The main courses were Monk fish
with serrano ham and figs, skate and squid ink pasta and veal loin
with truffles. We had a trio of desserts which were great and warm
fresh madelines with coffee and calvados. You can't do any better
than that. But we did, afterwards Hubert Keller showed us around
the new interior and then sat with us and told us of the hassles
involved with reopening the restaurant. Despite what Mr. Olsen
says below, reopening was not a foregone conclusion. A couple
times Hubert was ready to pack it all in. Thank goodness he stayed
in there fighting the city. Good news also, he has not abandoned
the idea of a Brasserie. He is waiting for the right location and
better economic times. To us he seems re-energized and is cooking
better than ever. Go there yourself, you will love it.
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REVIEW #9
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Avg. Entree: $30-40
Rating:
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June 13, 2001
0 of
0 people found this review helpful
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Wow,
What a varied bunch of reviews! I had dinner here on 6/8/01 and
here is a summary of my experience. For the gentleman, who implied
that Asian Americans were not welcomed to FDL, I too am Asian;
Korean to be exact.
1) I arrived 30 min late, but called to let them know. Normally
restaurants at this tier have a "15 min rule" about being late.
The hostess was most understanding and when I finally arrived,
I was greeted very warmly.
2) After we were seated, the wait staff was very friendly and knowledgable.
I was simply amazed at the comprehensive list of half bottle wines.
This is perfect for a party of two. With such a selection, we decided
to order a la carte and select some of our favorite wines.
3) Our main server was able to make some excellent recommendations
since this was our first time to FDL. We were also presented with
off-menu entrees and starters.
4) The service was excellent as each course arrived. The two hours
of main dining flew by so quickly.
5) Of course the food was incredible and absolutely world class.
Presentation was wonderful as well. I would characterize the
food as subtle and elegant - classic French, but with a lighter
modern touch.
6) Dessert was equally impressive. The one small problem here
was that a calvados I ordered, arrived fairly late. No big problem,
but the staff was very apologetic and did not charge me for the
item.
7) Upon leaving, I had assumed that the valet parking charge was
added to my bill, but in fact, one must pay the valet directly.
Just a reminder for those who plan to go.
Overall, FDL lived up to my expectations and I would definitely
go again. The half bottle wine list is truly unique.
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REVIEW #10
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Avg. Entree: $40-50
Rating:
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May 7, 2001
0 of
0 people found this review helpful
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I'm surprised to see so many complaints about the service at this restaurant. I had a very pleasant experience when I went there (about a year and a half ago). I made reservation on the same day, and was able to get a late seating for a weekday. I
asked about the dress code, and was told that coat and tie were required.
We had a short wait (about 15 minutes) before we were seated. The service was excellent all night long. We had a small
misunderstanding about my order (I wanted the tasting menu,
but
the waitress thought I was ordering a la carte), so they gave me a complementary glass of wine.
All in all, it was a wonderful evening, and reasonably priced ($170 per person) considering the quality of the food and the service. Of all the high end restaurants I've been to in the
Bay Area (others are Chez Panisse downstairs and La Folie), Fleur de Lys was clearly the best. For those familiar with the Michelin guide of the top (mostly French) restaurants in Europe, this
one
would rate as a solid 2 stars (i.e. it would rank as one of the
top 30 restaurants in Paris).
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REVIEW #12
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dee and/or judy L.
Avg. Entree: $60-80
Rating:
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January 5, 2001
0 of
0 people found this review helpful
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At one time this was my wife's favorite restaurant. She thought
it romantic. We used to eat there often until we had the absolute worst unimaginable time we ever experienced and we have not been back since. The only female waiter in the place dropped a bottle of wine on the table completely drenching and ruining our guest's designer dress and flooded our plates with wine. I wanted to go
but our elderly friends did not want to make a fuss. They changed the tablecloth and brought new food and wine. At the end of the
dinner and AFTER WE PAID THE FULL CHECK the owner came over and
in french claimed "Je suis desolee". Merde! The entire room heard the clatter, and he offered not a comp but to pay the cleaning bill! The dress was pink and looked like it was in polka dots! It was ruined. I felt sorry for her and contacted Chantel Keller,
who couldn't be bothered as she was leaving on a cruise! We went after their insurance to pay for the dress when she suggested
we
take the dress to a chinese seamstress down the Peninsula! What
an example of gallic nerve from both owners! They call themselves a high class restaurant? The owner started there as a busboy and you can dress him up, but.... Thank God there is Masa's and some really first rate restaurants in town that are not run by crude
standards. The bad reviews are legitimate, don't take a chance. It is not worth the risk. This isn't even a jumped up bistro.
The people who run it act like they should be at a fast food.
The food is very expensive, small portions, good, but they don't get that any restaurant is in the entertainment business, and
if
the front of the house stinks, and the service is snooty, then
it
doesn't matter if the food is good, they already have two strikes against them. You have to treat people with care and concern, and these people act like they just don't care about you at all.
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REVIEW #13
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Eric W.
Avg. Entree: $30-40
Rating:
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November 4, 2000
0 of
0 people found this review helpful
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After reviewing some of the less than favorable reviews here,
my wife and I ventured to Fleur De Lys last evening with some trepidation,
in celebration of our tenth wedding anniversary.
I am very happy to report that Fleur De Lys and chef Hubert Keller
lived up the their well earned reputation as one of the top restaurants
anywhere. Service was prompt, courteous, and accurate. We are a few minutes
early for our reservation, and the host received us promptly
and we waited at the bar for no more than 5 minutes before being
seated. Our waitperson seemed a bit awkward, but her service
was fine and were pleased to be left alone throughout the meal
unless something required attention. Water and wine glasses
were attended to quickly and without prompting, each course
was delivered at a casual, comfortable pace, and we did not for
a moment feel rushed.
The food - simply beyond belief. I had the Prix fix, which turned
out to be a marvelous way to get a broad range of fantastic taste
and texture experience. The main dish was a marinated Venison
lion in a rum peppercorn sauce with a pineapple topping - fantastic.
Sorry to see that so many here had a bad experience - ours was five
stars all the way :)
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REVIEW #16
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Avg. Entree: $30-40
Rating:
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January 16, 2000
0 of
1 people found this review helpful
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It is interesting to read the reviews on this page. Let me share
our experience here. I reserved well in advance for an early dinner
time. We were the first to enter the dining room. The service was
acceptable from the start. However, after placing our order
it was fascinating to watch how the customers who arrived after
us were treated. During the ordering process at an adjoining
table, our own waiter went out of his way to describe specials
and dishes not on the menu, dishes the chef could prepare for them
that were not on the menu, etc. I then watched this happen at a variety
of other tables. Funny, no one offered us such treatment -- we
were handed the menus and never told of such possibilities. The
entire evening did give us the feeling that there is a clear "in
group and out group" at this restaurant, with the regular customers
receiving special pampering and the people unknown to the staff
receiving the minimum of treatment. Don't get me wrong, if we
had not seen that we were being treated differently, I would have
thought that the overall service was fine. However, we could
not help but have a sour taste during the entire meal when we watched
everyone being given special care while we were relatively ignored.
I should note that the food was world class, up to my highest expectations.
However, I doubt we will return.
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REVIEW #17
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Rating:
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January 6, 2000
0 of
1 people found this review helpful
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I've put avg entree price as unknown because I have yet to review
the prices on the menu when the entrance to the door has already
been barred by a manager there named Chris who so blatantly on
the phone said, " We don't need you as a customer" after God forbid,
we got upset after a 10 run around without even finding if they
are booked or not. The only question that comes to mind after the
experience my boyfriend had with making a reservation by phone
for Valentine's Day two months in advance was how much a manager
of a restaurant makes that gives him the air of authority and arrogance
to decide who and who may not frequent a restaurant that he does
not own? Or perchaps they are now giving stock options nowadays
instead of tips. Rude and ill-mannered would not be begin to describe
his behavior with someone who is merely inquiring about a reservation.
More than likely, it was not all Chris's fault for being a completely
unhelpful customer service representative ( isn't that the
major job duty for all service-oriented jobs?), I apologize
for not helping Chris out by flashing my platinum credit cards
and my bank account information and certainly my access to the
internet and most of all, my undying devotion to ensure all English
reading people to the benefit of reading what a restaurant should
not do no matter how wealthy their avg. clientale is.
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REVIEW #19
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Daniel W.
Avg. Entree: $40-50
Rating:
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November 25, 1999
0 of
1 people found this review helpful
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I know this is _supposed_ to be a great place, but it was pretentious,
overpriced, the staff was rude (it wasn't discrimination, that's
just how they are!). The place is pretty with tented walls, and
the plates change with all the courses.
But the food is really mediocre (and, as Woody Allen says, "There's
so little of it.). Nothing is larger than a quarter. Many things
are pureed beyond recognition. When we asked what a bunch of soft
lumps of slightly different colors were, the waiter wouldn't
tell us! They all basically tasted like bland baby food.
I guess some people are impressed by places like this. Me, I'm
impressed by good food and a happy, helpful staff. This had neither.
If you want a really _fine_ restaurant, try the Ritz Carlton dining
room or Terrace, or the new Gary Danko.
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