Chapeau!

Hats Off to a San Francisco Treat

While recently in San Francisco, one of my favorite cities, performing at The Plush Room, I also enjoyed a wonderful visit with my friends Chris Morano, a music biz pal and James Jarrett, a fabulous abstract artist. They recommended we dine at their favorite French restaurant. Of course I didn't put up much of a fight.

Then we all had the great pleasure of experiencing a great evening at Chapeau! At 1408 Clement St. The fine French eatery is a delightful surprise in the mostly residential neighborhood. It is a tiny space with maybe about 10 or 12 tables, very reminiscent of local favorite spots in Paris.

The walls are painted a delicate yellow and the atmosphere is one of relaxed elegance. The proprietor, Philippe Gardelle, is at the door to greet customers. His heavy French accent only adds to the charm of his effervescent personality.

Our party of 5 started out with Kir Royal for everyone before choosing our wine for dinner from the very impressive wine list. (Gardelle also owns an excellent wine store called Hats Off! at 5701 Geary Blvd.)

For starters, we sampled: Lobster Bisque, vanilla dust. It was heaven! Delicate flavor with a rich creamy texture. The French Onion Soup, a classic favorite. And we also had the Seasonal Greens with Roquefort, Candied Walnuts, Asian Pear-Vinaigrette, and the Seared Foie Gras. All were incredible!

For our main courses we tried: Alaskan Halibut, Petit Poulet (a delicate roasted hen with Japanese sweet potato mash and asparagus), Roasted Duck Breast with pecan risotto, Pork Loin in mushroom jus, and my favorite Sautéed Sweetbreads in a Madeira-Morel mushroom reduction. Outrageous!

As chatty as our group can be, when the entrees arrived, our conversation was on hold except for a lot of oohhing and aahhing! Needless to say that we enjoyed a couple of marvelous bottles of wine during all this.

Then came dessert. As I often mention, I am not a sweet lover so I rely on the fine judgment of my dining partners. But one dessert, I even tasted and loved, the Banana Tarte. My friends were busy making yummy noises over the Crème Brulee, and an exotic treat called Chocolate Cake with Cherry Eruption. I hate to tell you the comments that were made about its name alone!

After we finished our after dinner drinks we all floated home is some kind of altered state of ecstasy.