By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | August 2, 2022 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle, City Life, Architecture, Travel, Interiors, Local,
For a truly luxurious stay that not only leaves you rejuvinatingly pampered but also lavishly well-fed, Proper Hotel is the effortless choice. Idyllically situated just off of Union Square on Market Street, Proper Hotel's historic flatiron building is both an iconic city landmark, and a sophisticated city stay.
Thanks to the creative culinary mind of Executive Chef Jason Fox, Proper's three exceptional dining options also match, if not further enhance, the sleek, yet playful atmosphere the Proper artfully exudes.
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Chef Fox is definitely no stranger to the San Francisco gastronomy scene, having truly proliferated his career beginning right here at Bizou. By learning under Chef Loretta Keller, he was able to fully realize his potential and passion for progressive California cuisine and our local fresh ingredients. Staying within our Bay community, he then worked at other nearby restaurants before earning his first chef position at Bar Tartine which eventually launched him to becoming the Co-Owner and Executive Chef of Commonwealth.
Chef Fox's Commonwealth holds 1 Michelin Star, while he himself has been a semifinalist for James Beard Best New Restaurant and has been lauded with several accolades. Now at the Proper, he continues to uphold both his mission to elevate worldly ingredients and to provide to charity, donating 1% of Proper Hotel’s fees to better financially protect and emotionally support his local community.
Knowing this trailblazer's remarkable prowess and genuine care of his food and dining experiences, here are the three restaurants to absolutely visit at the Proper, along with their unmissable engaging events and must-try menu items.
Beginning at the ground floor, Villon boasts a produce-forward seasonal menu that truly highlights the deep and subtle flavors of each fruit and vegetable. Their seafood and meat options can't be overlooked as well, with everything fresh from the oysters to the caviar and grilled Lamb Shoulder.
Definitely order their incredibly unique Carrots Roasted Over Hay with kumquat, sesame, and date ice cream, which is ingeniously complex and intriguing without being too rich or sweet. The fresh Tomato With Curried Buttermilk, Grilled Okra, and Sesame Rice Crisp is also an awe-inspiring textural choice, as well as the delightfully Crispy Maitake Mushroom, generously served atop a Sesame, Corn & Coconut Pudding with Chili Fish Sauce to balance everything out.
Villon's extensive cocktail list is also thoughtfully executed, offering several pages of classic and otherwise esoteric or antiquated concoctions that are given a contemporary revitalization. Each cocktail contains modern and creative twists, with the original history eloquently provided under each item. Their truly helpful and knowledgeable servers can personally guide you through this packed cocktail list, tailoring recommendations based on your preferences. One choice to start is with their take on a Classic Martini with tarragon oil.
You can't end a swanky meal here without grandly closing it out with their perfectly-torched anddivinely irresistable Baked Alaska!
La Bande, directly connected to Villon via their stunningly radiant outdoor patio, and here expect only the finest quality of Spanish-style tapas, charcuterie, and vermouth-centric libations. The must-tries here are undoubtedly their fresh Sardines, Salt Cod Croquettes, and Rabbit Terrine, which pairs smoothly with their Cocchi Americano Vermouth or Nitro Negroni.
Summer is also the ideal time to relax on their breezy and aesthetic patio, as their Spanish Sundown Series platforms amazingly talented musicians performing the most beautiful Spanish Rumba to Brazilian Samba. This is an authentic location that has a familial atmosphere while still maintaining resplendently glimmering sophistication.
One cannot stay at the Proper Hotel without a drink or meal at the breathtaking rooftop of Charmaine’s! Open late into the evening, this is the perfect nightcap with an impressively sweeping view of the city skyline. Complete with fire pits, comfortable lounge chairs, and even blankets for thoughtful coziness, Charmaine’s truly takes care of you, and that’s even before describing the food.
Here, the go-to drinks are the fruity and tropical Kissin’ In The California Sun, the spirit-forward Mister Bigglesworth, or the enticingly smoky Fifi The Flea. To further supplement the posh comfort, order their exclusive Huitlacoche Stuffed Potatoes or their fluffy Pretzel Rolls with luscious Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip.
Whether staying at one of the Proper’s stunning rooms, or just stopping by for a meal or drinks, all three of these venues create distinct atmospheres that all share and exude the talents and graceful care of Executive Chef Jason Fox.
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Photography by: Alina Tyulyu