Thanksgiving Brunch at International Smoke
/Things have been heating up under the Millennium Tower, and I don't mean the fact the building is apparently sinking. (Don't worry, It's earthquake safe ya'll).
Ayesha Curry and Chef Michael Mina have opened the doors to International Smoke. The menu is a collaborative dream of their individual heritages and also gather inspiration from the places they've traveled. All those international flavors come together for quite the cozy eating experience at their newly opened restaurant on Mission St. in San Francisco.
Make reservations to taste the food and enjoy this warm, welcoming, and intimate dining experience for yourself!
Out here, we do things a little different
On Thanksgiving, my family and I keep things pretty small. Meet my mom and dad! It's an annual tradition to go out and enjoy our Thanksgiving feast. 🦃 Say goodbye to the worries of prep, cook and clean up! 👋🏽 If it seems strange or unfamiliar, know this is quite common in California.
My mom visited International Smoke on opening night earlier this month and has made it widely known she got to talk to Ayesha Curry lol. She loved it so much that she wanted Curtis and myself to experience it too, making it the perfect place for our annual Thanksgiving meal.
International Smoke's Thanksgiving Buffet
Finally, what you've been waiting for! Please don't blame me if you're hungry after this part! 🙈
Though the daily menu is already on it's own level, let's just say International Smoke's Thanksgiving Buffet set the bar for going out on this day of gratitude. After this meal, I damn sure had a lot to be thankful for.
The Ribs
When we arrived Ayesha had already gone back home for her family plans, but she had been at the restaurant all morning cooking ribs! Happy to say, I got some and didn't regret it one bit. When offered, we quickly said "yes please!" and the chefs sprinkled brown sugar and glaze over the ribs. Then they torched it, creating just the right crispy top layer.
The Steak
At each station of the buffet, you are served with plentiful portions. The steak was no exception, served to perfection and topped with Chimichurri.
The Brussel Sprouts
International Smoke's brussel sprouts are flavored with soy caramel and peanuts. I could tell by those around me, that everyone that ate them loved them because the flavor packs a punch.
The Stuffing
My holiday weakness... the carb overload of all carb overloads... stuffing. My sweet tooth was happy when I took the first bite and realized it had a sweet undertone. Definitely went back for seconds... okay fine, you got me. Thirds!
The Charcuterie Table
At this point your plate is probably full, and you scoot over what you can to make room. I'll let your eyes gander and enjoy at the choices.
The overall experience
Cheers to the holidays! We took our server's recommendation to try the spiced cider bourbon cocktail. 👌🏽 In addition to some great serving selections, the staff was as warm and welcoming as the ambiance of their restaurant. Not once did we feel rushed during our reservation, even when the restaurant started to fill up.
We enjoyed our food to our hearts content, shared great conversation and the staff sometimes joined in our conversation as well!
Ayesha is very hands on at her restaurant and comes in to both cook and serve, so if you're lucky she'll be there during your visit! Make reservations before going. Since it's meant to be an intimate environment the restaurant keeps it cozy at 80 person capacity.
Before heading out, they handed us gift bags from Ayesha Curry. We all went home with one of the loaf pans from Ayesha Curry's cookware line with Target! Truly, that hospitality was the cherry on top for a great holiday experience.
