|
|
 |
 |
|
A Tantalizing Roster Of San Francisco Union Square Restaurants
Dining remains a legendary experience at The Westin St. Francis - home to three of the top restaurants
in Union Square, San Francisco. From casual breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at Caruso's to the
spectacular cuisine of our renowned MICHAEL MINA Restaurant, we can satisfy the most refined palates.
For perfectly chilled cocktails or wine, a few light appetizers, and some of the best people-watching
in the Bay City, visit the Oak Room, the ideal spot for a relaxing night on the town. As a guest at our
legendary hotel, simply head downstairs to experience a diverse trio of Union Square
restaurants, including:
Click here to watch the Westin St. Francis on Good Taste with Tanji
Click here to watch Executive Chef Bernd Liebergesell on The View from the Bay.
Setting the Standard in San Francisco Cuisine
Victor Hirtzler, the venerable chef of The St. Francis Hotel from 1904 to 1926, was known as the chef
who would not stay in the kitchen. If The St. Francis was a grand theater -- then surely Victor was its
greatest actor. With his strong French accent, pointed mustache and beard, and flamboyant costumes, he
is said to have made the perfect portrait of a master chef.
During his time at The St. Francis, he helped establish San Francisco as a world class culinary center
and taught socialites how to set lavish tables, plan Epicurean menus, and even how to cook. Prior to
his tenure with The St. Francis, Victor was the chef and food taster for Czar Nicholas II and chef de
cuisine for King Don Carlos of Portugal. His culinary feats are documented in the historic 1910 St.
Francis cookbook -- praised by the Los Angeles Times as the "original California cuisine cookbook."
Dining at The Westin St. Francis today remains a legendary experience.
Meet our Talented Chefs
 BERND LIEBERGESELL,
Executive Chef, C.E.C., and Food and Beverage Director
Wouldn't you like your next event to be created by a chef who's cooked for United States Presidents
Carter, Clinton and Bush, the Empress and Emperor of Japan, the Dalai Lama, and a host of Hollywood
celebrities?
Chef Liebergesell began his career in Johannesburg, South Africa, after attending Hotel School in
Frankfurt at the age of 14.
In his 30 plus years with Westin Hotels and Resorts he has worked in Hawaii, Houston, Denver,
Pittsburgh and the Bay Area. He has won six prestigious medals in culinary competitions and has been
voted Chef of the Year of the Pacific Coast by the American Culinary Federation. He has also won the
Inspirational Award from Westin, and the "Antonine Careme" Medal from the Chef's Association of the
Pacific Coast.
What does he love most about cooking at the Westin St. Francis? His 60 plus culinary team that always
"makes it happen" for him, the history and lore of this legendary hotel...
and the challenge of cooking so many different kinds of foods for a very diverse clientele.
 THOMAS H. RIMPEL,
Chef de Cuisine
Being born in the U.S. and raised in Germany has enabled Chef Rimpel to appreciate cultural differences
--- and incorporate them in his creations. He attended culinary school in Hamburg, where he perfected
his knowledge of classical European cuisine.
He describes going from that beginning to preparing a much-praised dinner for 1,200 in honor of George
W. Bush as a "miracle" --- which he now considers just another part of his job.
Over the years, Chef Rimpel has created such miracles for Bob Hope, Don Johnson, the Queen of England,
Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter.
With a raging passion for food, what does he consider his specialty? "Changing our menus as the seasons
change." he explains. Which is perhaps one reason why he created the first seasonal banquet menu in San
Francisco, and why he loves trying out new dishes on his friends.
 JEAN-FRANÇOIS HOUDRÉ,
Executive Pastry Chef
Born in the Southwest region of France into a family business of Boulanger-Pâtissier, Jean François was
inspired to become a Pâtissier by his father. He has fond memories working with his father in the
family owned pastry shop where everything was created from scratch.
At the tender age of 21, Jean François began working in Southern California for the Vie de France
Corporation. He has also worked for the Ritz Carlton, Le Meridien and the Sutton Place Hotel in Newport
Beach, where he participated in many Chaines des Rôtisseurs and Tôque Blanche events.
Jean François always had a close connection with French Pâtisserie and he continues to educate himself
by studying at l'Ecole de la Pâtisserie Lenôtre. He is always searching for the latest flavor
combination but always respecting the French tradition of creating pastries.
Working at the St. Francis is being a part of history. He says this hotel holds a tremendous amount of
San Francisco nostalgia. The culinary team at the St. Francis is diverse, creative and professional, my
position as Executive Pastry Chef extents itself throughout the hotel.
Click here for more about our San Francisco California Luxury Hotel.
Experience the grandeur of the past - coupled with contemporary luxury and style - at The Westin St.
Francis. As a signature San Franciscan treasure, this landmark hotel has kept legendary watch over
Union Square since 1904. Come discover one of the best Union Square restaurants and book online today
for The Best Rates. Guaranteed.
|
|
|
|
