Straddling the Financial District and Union Square, this restaurant is aptly named due to its mid-district location. The chef, Michelle Mah, named one of the Chronicle’s 2006 Rising Star Chefs, aims to make Midi a modern day California brassiere. Entering the first story, you walked into the bar/lounge area. Ascending the staircase to the dining area, you are presented with a vivid mural along the two-story wall, which really brings some color to the otherwise modern establishment.
After placing my drink order, I scoped the scene to see what kind of patrons dine here. To my surprise it seemed that a decent amount of tables were hunched over decks of paper, immersed in meetings. I have to say, out of all the lunch restaurants I have been to in the Financial District, this place is the most conducive to conducting business. The chairs are comfortable and the tables are spacious. The floor layout is great and there is a ton of room between tables, so you don’t feel like your conversations will be overheard by nosy neighbors.
This menu is definitely for the professional who appreciates more than just the quickie grab-n-go lunch. There is an assortment of salads, sandwiches, and a variety of entrees. They have a special “midi quartet” that consists of a peach salad, soup du jour, duck confit ravioli and a devil’s food cupcake.
I opted for the soup of the day (rock shrimp chowder) and the roasted golden trout entrée. The soup was absolutely delicious, though I would have liked if the broth was just a bit thicker. The trout was scrumptious. I opted for French fries over the fingerling potatoes and they were a great choice. I couldn’t stop eating them. The meal left me satisfied, but not overly stuffed, the perfect work day lunch. The service left me feeling so-so. Would it kill you for some warmth and maybe a smile? Other than that, I highly recommend this place for a sit down, work-while-you-eat, downtown lunch.
Midi is located at 185 Sutter St., San Francisco. Reservations can be made at 415.835.6400. For FourSquare users, this location has a special, one free lemonhead cocktail at the bar with your check-in.
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