One of the grandest memories I have involving dining has yet to be surpassed by anything I have done since.  About nine years ago during my first year with a real job, my mentor  agreed to meet me in San Francisco since it was the midway point between our respective hometowns. She, having just retired from the career in the field I was only just embarking on, opened my eyes to some of the most gorgeous eating establishments in the city.

The Palace. Sunday Brunch at The Palace.

The Palace Hotel is located in San Francisco in the heart of the city – three blocks from Union Square and on the corner of Market Street (Montgomery Street).

The Sunday Jazz Brunch takes place in the Garden Court Restaurant above.  Throughout the entire experience, my eyes were overwhelmed and in awe of the beauty above.

After the April 18, 1906, earthquake followed by fire, the hotel was decimated, but it re-opened its doors in 1909 and has since celebrated it’s 100th anniversary in 2009.  It has welcomed more than a handful of US Presidents and many celebrities, and continues to be the Grand Dame of San Francisco.  Above is a photo of the Grand Re-Opening Honoring The Palace Hotel in 1909.  As you can see the chandeliers continue to remain in the Garden Court.

Back to the brunch!

While I was hungry, I should have been famished because the feast I was about to be presented with would exhaust my eyes just from staring at its opulence.  The cost is $68 which seems at first exorbitant, but take a look at the menu. Sweet and savory bites abound. You have your traditional brunch fare – eggs and omelets prepared to your liking, crepes, pastries, as well as sushi, cakes, pies, dim sum, Chinese delicacies, organically grown California menu items and much of it involving local produce. Oh, and don’t forget the pasta.  All three of your meals for the day could easily be consumed during this one sitting.  So a $68 price tag isn’t looking too steep after all, is it?

With a mimosa or two to wash all of the goodness down, we finally left, but not without going back for seconds.  It truly was an experience I will never forget and will always remain as one of the highest of highlights of my trips to the city by the bay.

If ever you have the opportunity to experience a brunch that I believe will exceed all of your expectations, I encourage you to go.  I know I’m sure glad I did. (Thank you Marthe, for sharing this gem with me.)