My first introduction to Michael Mina was at Aqua in San Francisco right around the turn of the century. It was eye opening (and stomach satiating) to be introduced to such simple yet amazing food. The deconstructed tuna tar tare mixed in front of you... the lobster pot pie carefully removed from the inverted crust topping and placed on your plate in the shape of a lobster... it was all new and amazing to me.
Now, Mina (with the help of Andre Agassi's bankroll) is spreading his awesomeness around the country with establishments such as Bourbon Steak, Nobhill Tavern, Stripsteak and his signature Michael Mina found in the old Aqua location in the Bellagio hotel.
Remnants of Aqua are still there... the lobster pot pie and the tar tare, but I went all fois while there. The seared scallops topped with fois gras were simply decadent. The texture and cooking temperature just blew my palate. They were paired with a little bit of citrus, vanilla, and a parsnip puree. I followed that with more fois... this time on top of a fillet (not my usual cut, but the fois was sure to add a layer of fatty type richness). The beef was served on top of a potato pancake, then topped with a nice slice of fois gras and had a perigourdine sauce drizzled over top.
My meal ended with an outstanding trio of cheeses with some atypical accompaniments like tiny marinated mushrooms and jellied pomegranate. All in all, Mina continues to please with impeccable service and remarkable food.