THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Padovani's Restaurant & Wine Bar

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Padovani's Restaurant & Wine Bar Restaurant Review:

First making a name for himself in France (La Tour Rose in Lyon) then Hawaii (the Halekulani Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Mauna Lani, and the first Padovani's), chef Philippe Padovani has set his sights on San Francisco, opening the second location of Padovani's Restaurant & Wine Bar in the Hotel Milano. The popular Michael Brennen, who designed Dine, Julia, and La Table, got to work on enlivening the space, draping the rooms in earthy greens and rich caramels set off by a vaulted ceiling and enormous round windows. With an attached wine bar, it should come as no surprise that good wine and plenty of it is available. A special Cruvinet makes it possible to keep opened bottles fresh, allowing for over 50 wines to be served by the glass. Padovani stays true to his culinary roots, integrating local products with his French techniques. Oysters are sparklingly fresh and accented with hints of ginger. The dramatic flair of most fish dishes might mask the subtle flavors, but still reveal a tender, perfectly cooked filet. Crisp-topped seared scallops mingle with wild mushrooms atop gnocchi. An Italian-inspired lamb is fortified with sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes. Desserts are a must as Padovani is famous for making his own Hawaiian chocolate.