THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mercury Appetizer Bar

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mercury Appetizer Bar Restaurant Review:

The name and humble space indicate something much less than what you get at this 26-seat Marina establishment. What they call appetizers we call top-rate pan-Asian cuisine that could be served at any of San Francisco's high-end lounges. The executive chef is no slouch---Dominic Ainza honed his chops at the hip Poleng Lounge and Betelnut. Be sure to order the pan-seared filet ginger beef---marinated filet mignon flash seared, rendering the already tender cut of meat the texture of marshmallows. Other highlights include Singapore prawns in chili sauce, a take on the classic Singapore crab, made with large, juicy head-on Thai shrimp in a pungent garlic, chili and tomato sauce. Orange chicken wings are like Asian-inspired Buffalo wings, but better---a pile of crispy fried chicken tossed in a special gooey glaze. Pork and shrimp lumpia are addictive---whole shrimp and ground pork in an egg roll wrapper, deep-fried but not greasy, served with sweet chili dipping sauce. Portions are just right for sharing and an order of garlicky egg noodles is the ideal accompaniment to every dish. Wash it all down with a specialty cocktail like the Thai basil gimlet made with fresh basil leaves.