If you are ever in San Francisco, I highly recommend the french bistro Chapeau! (1408 Clement St @ 15th Ave. 415-750-9787). Toan took me there when I arrived last Friday. He said the food and service was great, prices reasonable, atmosphere - eh (judging the atmosphere in a very NYer sort of way). He was spot on. The restaurant is in a square retail space, tables tight and close together. The table spacing did not bother me but the lack of any particular ambiance or table arrangement did. However, you forget about the ambiance when your amuse bouche arrives!
There is a worthwhile and very reasonably priced tasting menu for $34. Toan ordered califlower soup which had the flavor of the vegetable brought forth. Most chefs drown a vegetable's flavor in onion, garlic or some other flavorful addition. Philippe let the califlower's natural flavor be the star of the show. I had a tasting of a single pan fried scallop on top of a large, flat parpardelle which sat upon a swath of butternut squash. The squash was a flavorful, a hidden surprise that my fork discovered when I broke through the pasta.
My vodka flavored lime sherbert was an interesting, yet unusual taste to cleanse my palate.
The fish was delish. All the flavors very subtle.
Finally, dessert! Praline pie! I don't like pralines but I like them Philippe-style! Light, subtle, not too sugary, yummy!
The price can't be beat for the quality of food and service. Philippe even bothered to run out to the sidewalk after we left to catch me and give me a kiss on both cheeks, French style.
I highly recommend!
