The Cosmopolitan Cafe

121 Spear St Ste B8 (between Howard & Mission)
(415) 543-4001
www.thecosmopolitancafe.com

J and I decided to meet somewhere between his work and my BART stop so when he suggested the Cosmopolitan, I was game because I'd surprisingly never been there before. AND they have half priced bottles of wine on Thursdays.

We sat at the bar because our intention was to just have a few drinks, but in order to take advantage of the half-priced wine, we needed to order an entree. Not that I'm complaining, because let's face it. I'm always down to eat.

Our bartender told us that his wife's favorite dish on the menu is the Sauteed Dayboat Sea Scallops and Oxtail Risotto served with black trumpet mushrooms and white truffle oil. Since neither of us were super hungry, we decided to split the dish and oh my god was it good! The dish was very rich so I was relieved that we were sharing, but it was also very well balanced between the earthiness of the mushrooms and truffle oil, the sweetness of the risotto, and the varying saltiness of the oxtail pieces and the perfectly seared scallops. I would hands down order this dish again and again.

I can sometimes go without dessert, but when I saw the Molten Center Chocolate Bread Pudding on the menu, we had to get it. In the world of desserts...bread pudding? And molten? No-brainer! Unfortunately the dessert, though satisfying, was slightly overcooked so it was less molten than desired. Perhaps we should have taken Mr. Bartender's wife's fave - the Banana Pecan Galette - since she steered us in the oh so right direction on the entree.

I might try to make happy hour next time - hello $5 apps and $3 Bud Lights - but before 7 is a little tough. There's always next time!

The Verdict: Worth It