While we're all anxiously awaiting the opening of Martin Cate's new Tiki shrine (an announcement about the imminent opening is due, Cate tells me, next week), we can perhaps get a preview of what's to come at an unlikely place. Next Monday, the 9th, Jardinère, bastion of fine dining in the Symphony District (SyDi?), is putting on its grass skirt and putting Cate behind the stick as guest bartender. Cate says he will be making “three typically obscure and esoteric vintage tropical drinks that will be magically delicious!”

As interesting as Cate's drinks, perhaps, will be the food to go with it. Tiki cuisine has never been exactly exalted in gastronomic circles, so it will be interesting to see what Jardinère's accomplished kitchen team can do with it in a prix-fixe format.

Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at 415-861-5555. As of now, here's the menu (with included wine pairings). Mahalo.

Tiki Bar Dinner
$45 per person

Pu Pu Platter,
Sesame Hoffman Chicken Wings, Hearts of Palm Spring Rolls and Seafood Poke
Allimant-Laugner, Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé, Orschwiller, Alsace, France NV

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Banana Leaf Steamed Cod,
Porkbelly and Pineapple Rice, Coconut Jus
Schloss Schönborn Riesling Kabinett, "Hattenheim Pfaffenberg" Rheingau, Germany 2007

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Passion Fruit Tartlet,
Kiwi Sorbet and Candied Macadamia Nuts
Vietti, Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont, Italy 2007