Lanie’s 5-star review:
It's been two years since I had my first dining experience here at Millennium.
As you can read from my previous review, it was almost like a child-like fairy tale experience. I ate things I didn't understand what it was made of. There were ingredients I've never heard of. Vegan food was cooked in a manner I never dreamed of.
Two years later, Millennium is now down to its last two days of business here in the Tenderloin of downtown San Francisco. The boring brown interior that shares space with the Best Western Hotel lobby will start to see the last plates of rainbow-colored dishes brought out.
And eight visits later, I have just had my last bite of some of the best foods I've ever eaten in my life.
Sure sure, this isn't really a "good-bye" for Millennium. The owners are set to retire and the entire building will be gutted and turned into a new ritzy hotel. But the executive chef is moving over to Rockridge in the East Bay to continue on the Millennium legacy as something new. A phoenix going though its next phase. Vegan food constantly being reinvented.
But for Kyle H. and I, this restaurant has created so many priceless and meaningful memories for us that we couldn't help but shed a tear over our four-course "Yes we ordered 7 dishes between us to share" dinner.
When we first got together, this was one of our first dates. When we celebrated anniversaries, this is where we went. When it was my birthday, or his birthday. You know it was Millennium. When we had family come in to visit-Millennium. When Kyle H. got his dream job...Millennium. When we wanted to have a fancy bourgie date night-Millennium.
It was easy too, since we live within a few blocks. We would stuff ourselves silly and walk (or stumble) our wine-induced selves home.
We always had perfect service here. It wasn't overly in your face or too trying. They kept their space, made excellent recommendations, and kept the timing of our meal precise.
I've eaten dishes here that I though I would never, as a vegan, be able to eat again. Many of them are dessert dishes. Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, Chocolate Eclairs, Cheesecake, etc. I thought these things were near impossible for a vegan to enjoy.
Brik Pastry Purses, Black eyed Fritters, Tamales, Glazed Tempeh, Volcano Rice, Potato Tikka Cakes, Fava Soples, Ravioli (OMG probably the best thing I've ever eaten here), Eggplant Napoleon, Potato Gnocchi, Verdas Tapas, and on and on.
Everything I've eaten here has just melted in my mouth. Obviously some things I enjoyed way more than others, but I would not change a single experience I've had here.
Of course there is the wine. It has taught me to appreciate wine pairings with food and how one takes in the flavors of the dish. Some of the best and smoothest wines I've had here.
Then there are the cocktails-especially the dessert cocktails. White Russians? Creme de menthe hot chocolate? And my favorite-The Nocturne-which is the perfect balance of chocolate, espresso, and booze.
Thank You Thank You THANK YOU Millennium...for SO many great memories and great food. I will definitely visit the new restaurant in the summer, but alas, I know it will not be the same.
I hope that all my friends-vegans or not-have had a chance to dine here at least once. I cannot have more favorable things to say about this place. I wish them nothing but the best as they continue their vegan legacy!