SAN FRANCISCO—A local and Michelin triple-starred restaurant is now serving meals on Apple iPads.
For $220 diners can eat caviar, cold-water lobster, venison, and “A Dog in Search of Gold” at Quince located in San Francisco’s Financial District.
“A Dog in Search of Gold” is chef Michael Tusk’s newest addition to the restaurant’s menu and consists of crispy white truffle croquettes served on top of an iPad.
“Living in San Francisco for over 20 years, I have witnessed the tech boom and I wanted to combine a little bit of gastronomy with technology and a little bit of education. The idea was simply about taking the guest on a voyage to being out truffle hunting and then having a moment when the truffle is dug from the ground,” said chef Michael Tusk.
The food does not directly touch the iPad, but rather sits atop the device while the screen runs video of a dog hunting for truffles in a forest, Tusk said.
Dogs are often used to find the subterranean fungus.
The iPads and the screens are sterilized after every use, Tusk noted.
The iPads are decorated with moss and other vegetation, and morsels are scattered throughout the platters. Overall, this earthly decor makes the electronic platter seem organic and telluric.
Quince has more than 20 iPads in stock for the dish. The devices slip into a custom-made box designed by Tusk and San Francisco woodworker Luke Bartels.
The iPads are not intended to attract younger diners, but is a way to create an environment that is fun, collaborative, and whimsical at the beginning of a meal, Tusk said.
“If you dine out at restaurants around the world, the days of eating on a certain style of plate are over with,” Tusk said. “Plus, during a meal at Quince you will have plates … from Spain, France and as far away as Kyoto. Throwing in a local touch was very appealing to me.” Tusk said.
Quince received its third Michelin star earlier this year.
