THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Stars

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Stars Restaurant Review:

The reinvented Stars, now with Amaryl Schwertner behind the stoves, is still where San Francisco's political, business and social elite meet to schmooze. The personality of the mostly straightforward American menu lies in the ingredients and inspiration drawn from areas east of the Mediterranean. A beautiful salad of chicory and mâche is studded with barrel-aged feta, pomegranate and sesame seeds. Flatbread adorned with Persian spices arrives with almonds and chickpeas. A succulent, grilled rack of lamb shares center stage with house-made merguez sausage, couscous, and olives. Other dishes like the fish soup with sturgeon, clams, saffron broth and rouille-topped, grilled bread; or the wood oven--roasted mussels cloaked in a spicy brown butter speak in a more California vernacular. Inquire about the organic elixirs like Popeye's lemonade made with sorrel and lavender honey. The beautiful Persian carpets, massive food paintings and sleek Spanish lamps complete the new and refreshing look.