The perfect 007 martini.

In 2007 the members of the Commanders Club again took on the weighty task of verifying the source of the best 007 martini on San Francisco's Nob Hill.  It had been five years since they first set out on this mission.  Much had changed but the criteria remained as stated by Fleming in Casino Royale:  "Very large, very cold, very strong and very well made."

Among the changes in terrain since our 2002 report:   Beau Coup has closed and remains dark as of this writing.  The former site of our dear Vanessi's flipped a couple of times and is now the Californian -- which we will assess on our next martini mission. Charles Nob Hill changed to C&L, a sophisticated steakhouse, but then went dark.  Two of the best known establishments, the Laurel Court at the Fairmont and Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins, had taken on updated styles in both decor and staffing and were somewhat improved over their dismal performances in 2002.  The Big 4 at the Huntington remained a close 2nd place.

But if you're skimming this mission report to get to the actionable data, here it is:  To get the best 007 martini on Nob Hill you will continue to set coordinates for the understated and underhyped Lobby Bar at the Stanford Court Hotel.  Their outstanding barmanship, solid trendless decor and excellent tableside service by Donna make for a Bond moment.  We congratulate them once again.

Brian Cooley
Chief of Staff