credit Mark Mediana
Do you remember the former Starlight at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel? I went to a wedding party there in my bachelorette days. That was more than 16 years ago. I recently returned to the hotel, now the Beacon Grand, to dine at The Post Room, the meal a reminder of the hotel’s stunning art deco features and grand staircases, newly spiffed up and looking better than ever.
Starlite, once again an iconic cocktail bar, formally opened on February 2. It’s still on the 21st floor with the same lovely views over Union Square and downtown San Francisco. The vibe? Pure cocktail party, zhushed up to modern Art Deco–inspired standards by Alice Crumeyrolle of Maison A (and previously at Ken Fulk Inc.). It feels great to be back in this beautiful place.
Along with the remodeled hotel and new spelling of Starlite, there’s new food from @johnnyspero – baked oysters, hot fried chicken buns, and the like – which cast an eye to San Francisco’s past appetites as easily as its modern ones. Stunning cocktails from the wondrous mind of Scott Baird (Trick Dog) to sip when you are not looking at the city lights include a Cable Car Redux, complete with Karl the Fog, and a Porn Star Martini cuz that’s what it takes these days to make a living as a bar and restaurant. I am glad to be back to see the space shine once again.
Silver Fizz cocktail at Starlite: photo credit Joseph Weaver
Put your dancing shoes on cuz there’s a DJ spinning vinyl.
I see a date night in your future….
Reservations strongly recommended.
