15 minute read
Flavor French
Thoroughly French
Fast Food Francais serves up American fare with Parisian flair.
IF YOU HAVE yet to visit Fast Food Francais (F3 for those in the know), the third restaurant by Oliver and Susannah Souvestre of Le Garage fame, we suggest heading over ASAP. Far from your typical burger joint, F3 serves up Frenchified renditions of your favorite American fare — think pommes dauphines (decadently rich tater tots), Brussels sprout chips, and patties crafted from duck confit. Behind the cuisine is chef Ray Kacenjar (rhymes with passenger), raised in Ohio, who spent many hours fishing on Lake Erie and assisting his grandfather in the kitchen of the family restaurant. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., he continued to learn the restaurant ropes at Swamp Fox in Charleston, S.C., where he developed an appreciation for market-fresh ingredients. That approach obviously fits right in in the Bay Area. “F3 redefines fast food, making it something more inventive, delicious and elegant,” says Kacenjar, a Zuni Cafe alumnus. “At the same time, we are making French food more approachable. It’s the perfect platform.” If you don’t feel like going out tonight, you’re in luck, as we succeeded in getting our hands on one of the restaurant’s most indulgent treats — a burger finished with béarnaise. eatf3.com CALIN VAN PARIS
Ray Kacenjar RECIPE
BOS Burger
SERVES 4
Ingredients
½ cup white wine 1 shallot, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon water 3 egg yolks 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 8 ounces butter 4 five-ounce beef patties, ½ inch thick Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste 4 slices Saint-Nectaire cheese 8 pieces wild boar bacon 4 crusty hamburger rolls (ciabatta if possible) Aioli or mayonnaise 4 Boston lettuce leaves
To Prepare
For Béarnaise Sauce: 1 In saucepot, cook wine and shallot pieces on medium-high heat, until they become amber in color. 2 Strain through a fine sieve into a 2-quart mixing bowl. 3 Fill saucepot with water and return to medium high heat; bring to simmer. 4 Add water, egg yolks and apple cider vinegar to wine reduction in the mixing bowl. 5 Place mixing bowl over simmering water and whisk to combine. 6 Slowly pour melted butter into mixture while whisking. 7 Continue to cook sauce over simmering water until mixture thickens; do not cook for too long or eggs will scramble. 8 Remove bowl of sauce from water bath and store in a warm place. For Patties: 1 Start charcoal or gas grill prior to use so it is sufficiently hot for grilling. 2 Oil grill surface lightly; the oil should smoke slightly. 3 Season patties with salt and pepper, place on grill and grill for 60 seconds. 4 Carefully lift and turn burgers 90 degrees and grill for another 60 seconds. 5 Flip burgers; cook for 60 seconds. 6 Turn 90 degrees again and add the cheese and wild boar bacon (1 slice and 2 pieces, respectively, for each burger). 7 Cook for 60 seconds more; the cheese will melt while the burgers finish. Assembly: 1 Remove patties from heat, place on a warm plate and let rest for 2 minutes. 2 Toast rolls over coals or grill and spread with aioli or mayonnaise. 3 Place burgers on rolls and top with 2 ounces béarnaise sauce each. 4 Finish with lettuce leaves and enjoy.
POGGIO Italian A classic trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. Executive chef Benjamin Balesteri creates delicious Northern Italian fare using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com
SAYLOR’S RESTAURANT AND
BAR Mexican Marin’s first tequila bar offers more than 100 varieties. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with a margarita, grilled snapper tacos or an avocado stuffed with Dungeness crab salad. Happy hour M-F from 4 to 7 p.m. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylorsrestaurant andbar.com
SEAFOOD PEDDLER
Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. East and West Coast fish are flown in daily, and the recipes are adjusted to accommodate the freshest options. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.com SUSHI RAN Japanese Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com SPINNAKER Seafood Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautifully plated presentations. Set right on the water with sweeping views of San Francisco, this romantic spot is great for an evening occasion. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500, thespinnaker.com
TASTE OF THE
HIMALAYAS Himalayan Born in the foothills of the Himalayas, siblings Pemba, Dawa and Pasang serve up favorites from Nepal, Tibet and India. The restaurant focuses on blending different cultures and cuisines: spices from India, spirituality from Tibet, hospitality from Nepal and the freshness of ingredients from California. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.331.1335, himalayaca.com THE TRIDENT Seafood Set in a turn-of-thecentury building constructed in 1898 for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoe-in for date night. Executive chef James Montejano — known for supporting local farmers, fishermen and organic food producers — prepares dishes like Sugar Spice Grilled Loch Duart Salmon and Trident Cioppino. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, thetridentsausalito.com
WELLINGTON’S
California British transplant Jeremy John and his wife, Jill, have created an expansive (2,400-square-foot) wine bar with a homey feel. 300 Turney St, 415.331.9463, wellingtonswine.com
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CAPRICE California Book the private party room for large groups, or just relax in this romantic dinner spot. Take advantage of the restaurant’s well-priced three-course dinners for less than $25, and don’t miss Prime Rib Mondays. 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com
DON ANTONIO
TRATTORIA Italian Located in Tiburon’s historic Ark Row, this trattoria offers authentic Italian cuisine in a quaint setting. The menu includes traditional courses with selections such as chicken piccata, organic roasted rack of lamb and housemade pesto. 114 Main St, 415.435.0400, donantoniotrattoria.com
GUAYMAS Mexican Situated right next to the Tiburon ferry terminal on the waterfront, the touchit-you’re-so-close city views and outdoor seating make it a great place to bring visitors on a warm summer night. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. M-F. 5 Main St, 415.435.6300, guaymasrestaurant.com MILANO Italian Located in the Cove Shopping Center, this familyowned neighborhood spot is known for its pasta and friendly service. 1 Blackfield Dr, 415.388.9100, tiburonmilano.com
NEW MORNING CAFE
American Sit outside or indoors at this casual cafe. On a sunny morning, tables will be filled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive breakfast menu; lunch served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315
SALT & PEPPER
American This sunfilled, one-room restaurant, featuring hardwood floors and blue-checkered tablecloths, is a local favorite. Popular items include scallops, ribeye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594
SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE
American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Enjoy transfat-free calamari, fresh fish, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com
SERVINO RISTORANTE
Italian Executive Chef Massimo Covello comes to the kitchen via Frantoio and Piazza D’Angelo; here, he cooks up an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas and seasonal specialties. A member of Marin Organic and one of Marin’s first eateries to become certified as a green business, Servino uses fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com
TIBURON TAVERN
California The atmosphere here is truly enchanting, with two outdoor patios, two indoor fireplaces and candlelit tables at dinner. No item is more than $25, including
the steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour is 4 to 6:30 p.m. M–F. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, tiburontavern.com
WEST MARIN
THE LUNCH BOX
American Spending the day on the coast? Stop by this modern day mom and pop deli for some beach bites. In addition to deli offerings, Lunch Box offers a full Mexican menu on Thursday and Friday evenings, with recipes from the chef’s hometown of Colima (Stinson). 15 Calle del Mar, Ste 2, 415.868.8884, lunchboxmarin.com
NICK’S COVE American Large windows provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. The 130seat eatery’s menu consists of fresh local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby West Marin farms (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com
OSTERIA STELLINA
California Whether it’s to cap off a ay of hiking or celebrate a romantic anniversary, Osteria Stellina suits any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired and features local, organic ingredients. If you’re looking for something unusual try the goat shoulder, a favorite of tourists and locals alike (Point Reyes). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com
PARKSIDE CAFE
American Perfect for a sit down, alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach. Choose from an array of organic, locally grown produce, artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com
PINE CONE DINER
American You can find this ultimate neighborhood diner just off he main road. Vintage china and homemade curtains complement the eclectic but homey menu featuring local fare. A favorite for locals as well as tourists (Point Reyes Station). 60 Fourth St, 415.663.1536, pineconediner.com
RANCHO NICASIO
American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from Dungeness crab cakes to the Garlic and Rosemary Lamb Medallions dish, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week. Be sure to stop by for happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. M–F. 1 Old Rancheria (Nicasio) Rd, 415.662.2219, ranchonicasio.com
SAND DOLLAR
American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was floated to Stinson that same year. Enjoy live music along with barbecued local oysters and New England clam chowder. The sunny deck is great in the afternoon (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinson beachrestaurant.com
SIR & STAR AT THE
OLEMA California The historic inn has reopened as a roadhouse-style restaurant featuring rustic decor and a delicious yet affordable menu. Try
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the housemade bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stuffed quail, or take the plunge and sample the entire menu. (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.1034, sirandstar.com
STATION HOUSE CAFE
American Fresh local homegrown foods are showcased on the chef’s menu. Stop in on weekends for live music and enticing wine and beer lists (Point Reyes Station). 11180 State Rte One, 415.663.1515, stationhousecafe.com
SURFERS GRILL
American The view doesn’t get better than this — nor does the Surf Salad. Built right on Stinson Beach, this casual lunch spot offers up fresh, organic salads alongside corn dogs, burgers and fries (Stinson). Stinson Beach Park, Hwy 1, 415.868.1777, surfersgrill.com
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• BUCKEYE
ROADHOUSE
American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and the Chili-Lime “Brick” Chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-food-style menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The warm, dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com
SAN FRANCISCO
AQ RESTAURANT &
BAR California AQ takes seasonal to a new level, not only adapting the menu but also transforming the decor of the entire venue to match the weather outside. This summer the warmly lit space parallels the dishes made with fresh veggies, nuts and fish. 1085 Mission St, 415.341.9000, aq-sf.com BENU Asian/French Plan an evening at Benu for a formal and sophisticated meal. The breathtaking compositions are offered on a tasting menu that gives you the full experience of this restaurant’s unique Asian fusion cuisine. 22 Hawthorne St, 415.685.4860, benusf.com BOULI BAR American/ Mediterranean Head to Boulettes Larder’s new bar and dining room for the savory flavors of spicy lamb, feta and mint or the bittersweetness of salad topped with barberries, bulgur and pomegranate, all in a setting of handsome wood tables and an open kitchen. 1 Ferry Building, 415.399.1155, bouletteslarder.com
BOXING ROOM Cajun The Southern comfort of Louisiana, updated to fit the polished elegance of the city. Indulge in authentic Cajunstyle eats and fresh California seafood. 399 Grove St, 415.430.6590, boxingroom.com BUN MEE Vietnamese The Southern comfort A fun and casual lunch spot that puts a flavorful twist on classic Vietnamese. Sit back in this playful space with a salad, bowl or sandwich and enjoy the stylish San Francisco vibes. 2015 Fillmore St, 415.800.7696, bunmee.com
CAPO’S CHICAGO
Italian If you’re craving classic Chicago-style Italian and a venue to match, the endless pizza choices and flavorful pasta and meat selections here will more than satisfy your appetite and take you back in time to the mobster days of the 1920s. 641 Vallejo St, 415.986.8998, sfcapos.com HAKKASAN Chinese The sleek, streamlined design is in sync with the delicate composition of the dishes, making this a grand S.F. destination. The rich-flavored slowbraised beef and the hot-and-sour soup are essentials. 1 Kearny St, 415.829.8148, hakkasan.com
KIN KHAO Thai Fullflavored Thai: From spicy curries to crab sen chan (a fresh seafood pad thai) to off-the-wall cocktails designed by Bon Vivants, this new San Francisco eatery is sure to impress. 55 Cyril Magnin St, 415.362.7456, kinkhao.com
MICHAEL MINA
Japanese/French Michael Mina has clearly mastered the fine line between award-winning art and Alaskan halibut. Each brilliantly crafted dish gives diners a delicate blend of flavors that add up to a distinctive, luxurious dining experience. 252 California St, 415.397.9222, michaelmina.net
NOPA California The easy California menu shows off oasted chicken and pork chops, with a bouquet of appetizers to set the mood. Although this S.F. destination is busy almost every night (a good sign), the wait at the legendary bar is half the fun. 560 Divisadero St, 415.864.8643, nopasf.com
RICE, PAPER,
SCISSORS Vietnamese Don’t be fooled by the casual setting in this Vietnamese pop-up cafe — the grilled steak bahn mi is five-star-worthy. Take a seat on one of the bright red stools on Mission Street and stay warm with a pot of jasmine tea. 1710 Mission St, 415.878.6657, ricepaperscissors.com RICH TABLE California A bright, relaxed environment, fresh ingredients grown only feet from the kitchen, creative and quirky cocktails and California wine. 199 Gough St, 415.355.9085, richtablesf.com ROKA AKOR Japanese With a grand open grill as the centerpiece of the space, this is a destination for anyone who appreciates charcoal-fired red meat or mint-adorned plates of fresh sashimi. The sultry subterranean Roka Bar is perfect for a before- or after-dinner drink. 801 Montgomery St, 415.362.8887, rokaakor.com
STATE BIRD
PROVISIONS American With an overwhelming variety of choices, from seafood to spicy kimchi to pancakes, not to mention a full range of poultry, this uncommon dim sum–style setup features a little bit of everything. 1529 Fillmore St, 415.795.1272, statebirdsf.com TOWN HALL American The exposed brick and warm, unconventional lighting turn Town Hall’s large space into an intimate yet elegant environment. With a more-than-adequate wine list and savory American classics like pork tenderloin with honey grits, a visit here should be on everyone’s list. 342 Howard St, 415.908.3900, townhallsf.com VERBENA California This lofted-ceilinged, dimly lit space has a relaxing atmosphere that is only furthered by the artistic manipulation of local veggies and rich meat and poultry dishes. Pair with a cold beer or a fine French wine. 2323 Polk St, 415.441.2323, verbena restaurant.com
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