As many of you may know, one of the most amazing vegan restaurants there ever was, Millennium, will be closing its doors forever in April. We had an amazing meal there almost two years ago and it's definitely remained, in our minds, one of the best meals of our life. So naturally, this news was pretty devastating.
When I heard the news, I already had upcoming plans to be in San Francisco for a book signing, so I immediately made reservations for while we were going to be there.
Upon arriving, we were happy to see that Millennium was packed with many people waiting for their table. I was really happy to see that they were doing so well in their last couple of months. Ironically, we were seated in the very same seat that we'd had the first time we went there. It felt very appropriate. Without even looking at the menu, we knew we wanted to start with the Crusted King Trumpet Mushrooms. We order them every time we go there- it's our favorite thing on the menu. It should be on every vegan's bucket list.
For my entree, I ordered the Rendang Tofu. I ordered it because it's something I would never think to order but the description sounded both intriguing and delicious: "Lemongrass tamarind curry, black garlic & miso-glazed purple sweet potatoes, ginger-black bean roasted maitake mushrooms, seared kohlrabi, daikon, spicy peanut-shallot sambal, Asian aromatics salad." It did not disappoint. The tofu was tender but quite flavorful, the sweet potatoes were amazing, the mushrooms were incredibly tasty, and all of the sauces were so perfectly paired. I loved every bite of this dish.
Chris ordered the Brik Pastry Purse, which is what I ordered the first time we ate there. It's also pretty wonderful. Here's the description: "Cumin & cardamom scented chard-potato-winter squash cashew florentine, black lentil dal makhani, seared cauliflower & Romanesco broccoli, methi, pistachios, roasted pear-red chile-mint raita."
We looked at the dessert menu and though we wanted to try something new, we decided to go with the same dessert we end up getting every time we go there: Chocolate Almond Midnight. It has "midnight" in the title so how can you not? This dessert has everything a chocolate lover would love: Chocolate almond crust, white chocolate mousse, dark chocolate filling, chocolate espresso ganache, dark chocolate bark, and raspberry sauce. Everything. I never wanted it to end.
We left Millennium feeling full (but not too full- just perfectly satisfied), happy to have eaten at one of our favorite restaurants, yet it was bittersweet knowing this was the last time we would be doing so. The creativity and depth that goes into every dish always leaves me awe-struck and the presentation is always stunning. There is word that the head chef and the head manager will be opening up their own restaurant so I'll be eagerly awaiting that. In the meantime, if you can, you need to make it to Millennium before they close. Millennium is an institution in the vegan community and we'll be very sad to see it go. Thank you, Millennium, for not only providing us with incredible, inspirational vegan food, but for being a shining example of just how great and delicious veganism is. You will be missed.
UPDATE (3-3-15): Just Kidding! It looks like Millennium has decided not to close but instead to move to a new city, Rockridge, CA (the head chef and general manager will be opening it)! They have a Kickstarter going so you can help make this move possible! You should still totally go to the San Francisco location while you can because, like I said, it's an institution. Go! But also donate so we can all go the new location soon!
Millennium • 580 Geary St., San Francisco, CA 94102 • 415-345-3900
michelle
the kickstarter is for the Chef... the owners are going to retire right.
Edith
I donated. Yes, I hear the owners are retiring. 'looking forward to the Millennium in its new location!
Caitlin
yay! what a happy ending!
Laryssa
I hope that they keep that cake on the menu at their new location because I NEED TO HAVE IT and won't be making it to the SF area any time soon. Yum!
Marissa
I am so happy they are opening in another location. I was sad that they were closing especially because I never got a chance to eat there! I do have their cookbook which is really fantastic, so I kind of know what a treat I'm in for when I finally make it out to the West Coast!
Christine // my natural kitchen
It was such a nice surprise for me to see you've written about Millenium here! My husband and I were just in SF in February, which was our first introduction to Millenium. We had the most fantastic meal and coincidentially, I also ordered (and absolutely loved) the Rendang Tofu and we shared the Chocolate Almond Midnight for dessert. It was one of our favourite meals from our trip and I'm so happy to hear that they have decided not to close but instead just move to another location - thank you for sharing that happy news!
Jennifer
PHEW!! I got a sinking feeling in my stomach thinking of this restaurant closing, I've only been there once and it was a super special evening. When I won the Earth Balance Spring to Life contest a couple years back, dinner for two @ millennium was part of the prize package. It was my first vacation with my husband away from our two children (we now have three) since they were born and the meal we had there was unforgettable!! I am glad they are just moving and I can't wait to get back to California again, I'm so jealous of all the vegan food out there!! =)
Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge)
So happy to hear that they are not closing! Millennium will always have a special place in my heart and I am glad they are moving instead of closing. Those mushrooms are a MUST. I've tried to recreate them several times in my kitchen and they come no where close. My husband got the purse last time we were there and I think I ended up eating half of his- just so good! Do you have the cookbook? It's fun to cook from for nights when you want a really special, indulgent meal.
Elyse Sokoloff
We are headed there next week from Spokane; it's one of our favorites. We found it because the owners are in laws to my husband's work partner. He told us about it and we were there the next month. I'm sad it's closing but will be very excited to check out the new location!
C. Fruity
Wow that food looks delicious! I wish there was more vegan restaurants out there and it's sad that they are closing 🙁
Chris B.
Listen up, you are still in luck! This fabulous establishment has reopened its doors just across the bridge in Oakland! Still pumping out the same vegan dishes we have come to know and love. And oh my, those trumpet mushrooms are screaming! Great review. Next time, while in the bay area be sure to check out Hella Vegan, also in Oakland… You will not be disappointed!
keepinitkind
Thank you- I actually went to the new location over a year ago but have not bee able to write about it yet. Thanks!