Chaya Brasserie is well maintained, modern, and hip with a location on the Embarcadero that can’t be beat. The Asian infused décor is trendy but not overdone. We enjoyed hearing live jazz this particular evening, which helped create a wonderful atmosphere. My guests and I sat for no more than 3 minutes before we were greeted politely by our server for the evening. He was professionally attired, smiled, and asked how we were doing. After our brief exchange, he asked if we cared to start off with any drinks, a glass of wine perhaps. My guest noted she was finishing off a glass of red from the bar. Our server hadn't noticed the wine glass out of the corner of his eye, but then asked if either my other guest or I would care for something in addition. I told him we'd like water to start. One guest asked for ginger ale. He left to place the drink order and give us time with the menus.

Meanwhile a busser brought us glasses of iced water. We studied both the regular food menu as well as the enticing options on the sushi menu. When the server returned with my guest's soda, he asked if we had any questions on the menu. I needed clarification on an item that came with the lamb. He described it as a mixture of potato and English peas with a lamb bouillabaisse baked in a small ramekin, saying it was very tasty. We went ahead and ordered this entrée.