Medjool Restaurant & Lounge
Mission District, SF

It’s been said that Medjool is a little slice of Los Angeles in the heart of The Mission, so the CSNSC couldn’t resist having a go at this bourgie hot spot. The reservation policy is strict and potentially costly to the pocket if your party has any cancellations, so diners beware. Our party opted for the valet service, which proved as efficient as it could be under the circumstances, those circumstances being that Medjool is crowded and wildly popular. Patience is a necessity here.

The restaurant is wide open and airy. Two floors and a rooftop bar allow for large, raucous parties and opulent décor. The lighting fixtures are otherworldly. The walls are painted in warm cinnamon and saffron and are adorned with eye-catching Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ornaments. The service was friendly and easy on the eyes. Our waiter was just as enthused about the cocktail menu as we were.

We dived right into the drinks and ordered the special, plum martini. These were tart and unimpressive. The pear martinis and margaritas redeemed the initial cocktail. Though we’d heard that Medjool is popular for their drinks, we found that their libations are not of the same caliber as Absinthe or Jardinaire.

Just like the plum martini, the dolmas fell flat. We had high expectations for their lamb dishes, which were utterly and unforgivably dashed when we bit into the Olive Oil Poached Half Rack of Lamb, Quinoa, Cherry Jus, English Peas. This dish was shamefully over-cooked, dry and flavorless. The Medjool Sampler with Hummus, Tabouli and Baba Ghanoush was filling but CSNSC members can prepare the same dishes at home and delight the palate. Add to that, the Roasted Local Halibut, Chermoula, Fava Beans, Rainbow Chard proved too fishy and salty.

What was worth the price tag was the lamb tangine and fig. The combination of stewed fruit and meat made this dish a delicious revelation. We, thankfully, ordered two plates of the Brined Pork Tenderloin on a Bed of Chorizo White Beans. This was simply irresistible. Perfectly salty and savory, the beans and pork gave it a meatiness that just leaves you wanting more.

Medjool is a place to be seen. Like a typical trendy LA restaurant, it’s more hype than good eating, and you’re left wondering why is the bill so high when the food is so unsatisfying? After this dining experience, the CSNSC has sworn off bourgie eateries because, when it comes right down to it, despite the people watching, impressive architecture and interior design, it’s just not worth the cost to the wallet. For now, Medjool concludes our Asian Culinary Tour.

Medjool Restaurant & Lounge
2522 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94111
http://www.medjoolsf.com/