Every time I visit San Francisco, I leave my heart at the Millennium Restaurant. This upscale establishment, situated near the Golden Gate Theater, the Orpheum Theater, and Davies Symphony Hall, is the perfect pre-theatre dinner place. Located on the first floor, of the cozy Abigail Hotel, the restaurant is elegant and romantic.

I haven't had a chance to pick up a copy of this cookbook yet. However, judging by the food, the recipes will make you the most popular vegetarian cook in town. Look for an upcoming review as soon as I have a chance to pick it up and try out the recipes, or go ahead and buy your copy today at Amazon.com.

Rather than providing a vegetarian version of continental dining, Millennium's animal-free cuisine draws from varying cultures. Your meal could start with an appetizer inspired with Asian flavors, while your entree boasts regional North American flavors from New Orleans or the South.

On this trip, my husband and I started with the Salvadorian Empanada, a corn meal pastry filled with a smoky blend of beans and toasted pecans. The appetizer is garnished with pickled vegetables that burst with a complementary tang. The empanada is small, but a good size for sharing since each meal also includes whole grain bread and a flavorful mushroom spread.

Service at Millennium is impeccable, so just as you are finishing the last bites of your appetizer or salad, the entree arrives. The current menu features the Estofado Beggar's Purse, a phyllo pastry filled with almond-baked tofu, mushroom's and root vegetables. The purse is presented with tender greens and a creamy corn pudding, reminiscent of country grits.

For dessert, I had the Warm Chocolate Orange Dream Cake, which sounds too rich but isn't. The cake was moist and light, accompanied by orange sorbet and sitting in a swirl of chocolate and blood-orange sauces. Rather than feeling weighted down after such a full meal, I felt satisfied and ready for an evening at the theater. I've also had Paulo's Cannoli, which is a real treat for those craving pastry instead of cake.

Millennium is an upscale restaurant, but the prices are reasonable for a gourmet meal in San Francisco. A meal for two, including appetizer, desserts and wine came to $90 including tip -- not a bad deal for a special night out.

Millennium's menu changes regularly, due to both changes in produce availability and to keep the menu fresh and exciting. Millennium serves dinner daily from 5 to 9:30 p.m., and visitors would do well to make reservations in advance, which can be done online or over the phone. For more information, you may visit the restaurant web site.

Millennium Restaurant 246 McAllister St | San Francisco CA | (415) 487-9800