Week in Reviews

It's a tale of two Michaels this week, and Bauer seems almost apologetic that Michael Mina didn't hit the four-star mark, considering the presence of a "decadent" tasting menu from Ritz-Carlton import Ron Siegel, "flawless" service, and Mina himself, who's one of SF's "shining lights." But ultimately, "bombardment"-level noise and an a la carte menu that didn't live up to the tasting offering ("It was like eating in two different restaurants") meant it fell short. "Michael Mina is trying to navigate both camps - those who come for the food, and the business clientele who are there more for the deal than the meal." 3.5 stars. [Chron]