Lunch with a French Twist. Dad and I stopped by the Left Bank in Larkspur for lunch today and perhaps because of the holiday, it was completely full even at 1:15 p.m. When it was our turn to be greeted in line, a table opened up for us near the fireplace. Dad recalled that we had enjoyed Thanksgiving here a couple of different years, even noting where we sat in the restaurant. I love small victories with his memory!

We enjoyed some "Calamars Frits" as an appetizer. It was a huge portion, better shared by more than two. Would go great with casual drinks at the "American Bar". I looked around for the dipping sauce, there was no little side bowl... but I soon discovered that the sauce was an aioili with a French Dijon twist, lightly circled underneath the calamari. There was also some shoestring fried onions on top for a different combination.

I tried the "Sole Cote d'Azur" which was sole on sautéed spinach, capers, tomatoes, olives niçoises. It was light and delightful.

Dad wanted to go with something tried and true - "'Ze' Hamburger" with 'natural' beef. He enjoyed the burger, and liked the unique way of serving the fries. The Left Bank has been consistently good on our visits, and we have very fond memories of Thanksgivings here.