Benu is the long awaited new restaurant in SF from French Laundry Alum
and James Beard Award-winning chef Corey Lee. His old boss Thomas Keller
is a partner in this new venture and has a wine locker by the front
door. benu is housed where Hawthorne Lane used to be. We dined early on,
during their 3rd week of operation. benu is a small product driven
restaurant focused on contemporary American cuisine. benu is an Egyptian
word and that stands for the phoenix, a symbol of something constantly
renewing. benu received Two Michelin stars for 2012. The 17 course fixed
price menu now costs $180. A la carte is offered Tuesday through
Thursday.
Benu takes reservations 60 days out and were fully booked the last we checked, indicating that interest here is high, even in the midst of the economic downturn. You need to call right when they open for reservations each morning, to lock one up. Also note that the a la carte Poularde cut en vessie served in 2 courses requires 3 days advanced notice.
