THE PRICE HIKE

Atelier Crenn, the San Francisco abode of Michelin-starred chef and poet Dominique Crenn, will cut its entry level price point next week to $95, a sizable $20 drop from $115. The longer 16-course tasting will remain at $160.

“We have have always intended to do our best to make this type of cuisine available to all of those that want to enjoy it and we are now in a place that we can do that,” wrote Chef Crenn in an email last night, adding, “We hope that the new price point will be inviting to all of those that want to come and dine with us.“ 

When asked about whether the PRICE DROP would entail any menu changes, here’s how Crenn responded: ”Our intention is not to make the course offering less by any means, rather make it more available.  With regard to different ingredients, our ingredients are always changing and with the onset of Spring we are excited to have even more ingredients with which to work.“ 

Chef Crenn pointed out that she was “sipping a nice cup of tea,” as she answered my questions. Here’s a look at what Crenn’s $115 offering looks like in its final week: 

Recall that Atelier Crenn had previously instituted some of the country’s largest PRICE HIKES since its opening in 2011, bumping its tasting menu price from $95 to $160 (the course count was lengthened as well). The shorter menu was initially priced at $75 before moving up to $115. 

So it’s your call, People of Earth: Is Atelier Crenn a BUY HOLD OR SELL?