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...mood, under a tin ceiling and original Absinthe posters, I
knew this was the right place when my dining partner gave me a kiss on the cheek.
The ripple of music by famous female chanteuses set the mood of a French Brasserie
(ala the Belle Epoque era). This scene is the perfect setting for Chef Ross Browne
and his team, Eddie Arriaga and Michael Lemaire, the sous chefs, and pastry
chef Claire Legas to seduce you to indulge yourself. And we did. The enticement
of small portions of wine (2 ounces) encouraged us to indulge our curiosities to
pair with the huge selection of appetizers. It worked so well that we floated out
on a cloud. Later I found out that the people in the mural are owner Billy Russell-Shapiro
and his wife and friends...Very chic. Very S F.
For the classic of all classic revivals, the story of Clementine's is
a classic! This is the story of a French Bistro in a location that has always been
French, dating back 30+ years. Previously it was the home of the famous French Chef
Alan Rondelli, the restaurant name as well. Alan owned it for 5 years before
moving on to manifest his dream of manufacturing his own sauces. The previous 25
years of this location was known as St. Tropez. If the walls could talk!
Laurent Legendre and Didier Labbe`, the current owners, have inherited a
history and legacy. They have kept the menu modestly priced, in the French Bistro
tradition, with a wine list to match. They share my love of Rhone style wines, keeping
the price per bottle in the range of $20 – 30! That's a real trick in today's
escalating prices. The menu features the traditional French Bistro selections. Of
special note is the escargot, beef carpaccio, duck, quail, and the dessert
menu. So who is watching their diets? Not here! "La Pause Café", as
their dessert and beverage menu is known, features unique offerings like "Colonel
de Clementine", Carmelized French Toast and Lemon Tarte. They even have French
music nights here – just to make you Francophiles feel at home!
So, my fellow foodies, where do you think is the Best New Restaurant in
the nation, according to the James Beard Foundation? Yes, we are fortunate
to be blessed with the award winning Gary Danko Restaurant, but try
and get a reservation. The accolades for our fellow food professionals in our region
continues on and on. Judy Rodgers of Zuni Café earned
the Best Chef in California honors; Larry Stone Wine Director of Rubicon,
The Outstanding Wine Service Award; Kermit Lynch, of Kermit Lynch
Wine Merchants in Berkeley, the Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional;
Swan Oyster Depot in S F was named a Regional Classic. Joey Altman,
host of Bay Café on Bay TV, won best local television cooking
show. Bay Area author Beth Hensperger won for Best Baking and Dessert
Book, (Chronicle Books)
Gary Danko above and Gary Danko Restaurant left, James Beard
Foundation's Best New Restaurant in the nation
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Gary Danko above and Gary Danko Restaurant left, James Beard
Foundation's Best New Restaurant in the nation
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The new scene for restaurants? Downtown Napa. The new 80,00 sq ft, 13 acre site of the American Center for Wine Food and the Arts, thanks to the leadership
of the Mondavi family, is creating a renaissance for downtown Napa. The old Hatt building (circa 1884) will soon be a combination 65 room upscale hotel
called the Napa River Inn, with adjoining restaurant, café, pub, Epicurean
food markets, boutique shops, full service spa, and a regular weekend farmers and
art and crafts market! The old Opera House (circa 1880) will be renovated
and known as the Margrit Biever Mondavi Opera House Theatre. Also soon to
be open will be the restaurant Tuscany, developed by Dave Cash and Dave
Leuschner. Tuscany will occupy an 1885 vintage brick building at the
corner of First and Main streets. The chef is Aram Chakerian, whom Michael
Bauer of the S F Chronicle claimed as making the "Best Tiramisu". Go
Napa! Go Restaurateurs! Go Foodies!
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