Michael Mina Marks Four-year Anniversary Of Flagship Restaurant

Nationally acclaimed chef Michael Mina and his team celebrate four years of success this month at his signature, eponymous restaurant in the venerable Westin St. Francis on Union Square. MICHAEL MINA, which opened on July 9, 2004, has been a showcase for Mina's unique style of Modern American cuisine, highlighting his innovative trios concept, where a main ingredient is featured in three different preparations.

"It has been a spectacular four years, but I'm even more excited about the future," said Mina. "I couldn't have achieved this success without my outstanding San Francisco team. They brought to fruition my vision for the restaurant, and we have the team that will take us to the next level."

Chef de cuisine Chris L'Hommedieu is responsible for day-to-day kitchen operations at MICHAEL MINA. L'Hommedieu, who joined the restaurant in spring 2007, worked with Mina earlier in his career at Aqua and was previously executive sous chef at Thomas Keller's Per Se in New York City.

L'Hommedieu collaborates closely with general manager Mario Daniele to accommodate guests. Daniele, who joined the team in early 2008, has honed his expertise in fine dining service at the helm of many world-class properties, including Masa's in San Francisco and Chez Panisse in Berkeley.

Bill Corbett, executive pastry chef since summer 2007, counts among his mentors some of the industry's most talented pastry chefs, including Sam Mason at New York City's acclaimed WD-50 and Mina Group's current corporate pastry chef, Lincoln Carson.

By all measures, the team has developed great synergy. "I credit Chris, Bill and Mario with maintaining our two Michelin stars and earning a four-star review from the San Francisco Chronicle," said Mina. MICHAEL MINA joined the newspaper's short list of four-star establishments in March, becoming the seventh restaurant to currently hold its highest ranking.

"The Bay Area's bounty of resources keeps us on our toes and inspires us daily," said L'Hommedieu. "Guests come back for the enduring Mina classics, like the tuna tartare, lobster pot pie and root beer float. But the bulk of our menu is very seasonal and product driven, so there are always new items. With the summer produce season in full swing, it's a great time to come see what we're doing."

Restaurant MICHAEL MINA is located in the Westin St. Francis on Union Square at 335 Powell St. in San Francisco. Dinner is served Sun. from 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Mon.-Sat., from 5:30-10 p.m. For reservations, call (415) 397-9222. For more information, visit www.michaelmina.net.