Left Bank Larspur Celebrates 20

It all began in Larkspur 20 years ago with the original Left Bank.  It has grown to be a family of three restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area headed up by Propriétaire and CEO Ed Levine and Chief Culinary Officer Roland Passot.

From September 18 through 27 the celebration will showcase on the dinner menu classic from-the-past items: La Quenelle Lyonnaise with scallop and salmon mousse and a saffron cream sauce; La Tarte Lyonnaise (in the style of Chef Passot’s hometown), a leek and onion tart with applewood smoked bacon; La Bouillabaisse, a fragrant seafood stew from Marseille served with rouille croutons; and Coq au Vin, chicken stewed with red wine, pearl onions, lardons and mushrooms.

Many alumni who have taken a turn at the Left Bank are now names in the industry. A press release notes, "On the occasion of this milestone anniversary, Levine and Passot note with great pride the number of culinary luminaries who have able to propel their careers thought their association over the years with Left Bank. These include Richard Reddington, Proprietor, Redd and Reddwood; Shelly Lindgren co-founder, A-16 and SPQR; Todd Kniess, Bistro Liaison; Ralph Hershom, formerly Beverage Director with La Cirque and now at Ralph’s Wine and Spirits in Rye, NY; Erik Romme, Executive Chef Menlo Grill at the Stanford Park Hotel; Erik Oberholtzer, founder Tender Greens; Sean Canavan, Regional Chef Tender Greens; Michel Tersiguel, owner and Executive Chef of Tersiguel’s in Ellicott City, Maryland; Jim Vandercook, CEO of Eddie V’s; and Mario Vega, Managing Partner, Eddie V’s Restaurants, Inc. Levine adds, "I vividly remember the day in 1994 when the New York Times' Bryan Miller heralded the restaurant and then Focus Magazine ranked us the top North Bay new dining spot, ahead of French Laundry. Later that same year we were featured in Gourmet Magazine.""

Currently Chef de Cuisine Fabrice Marcon is responsible for the menu, with emphasis on seasonal, often locally sourced organic ingredients.  

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursdan from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday brunch at 11 a.m.

Left Bank Larkspur
507 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA 94939
(415) 927-3331
www.leftbank.com/home_larkspur

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Bio- a little French twist in Sausalito

Bio started in San Francisco, and now its Sausalito location is not only open, but beckons with French hospitality.  The window denotes that its menu has an emphasis on crepes, and it is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Enjoy watching a French television channel while waiting for your order.  Bio is owned and run by Sylvie Krawec, who will greet you, seat you and do all the tasks, including cooking to bring you a meal which is local, organic, and with many gluten free options.

Sylvie is originally from Madagascar, although it's been 25 years since she's been there.  There has been a chalkboard sign outside touting the "Best Coffee from Madagascar" (usually $2, special price $1).  And it is really smooth, rich and delicious.

I think this is the only place in Marin to serve galettes, a buckwheat crepe that is gluten-free. The restaurant is also potato-free according to Sylvie.  The Galette with vegetable of the day ($14) has a choice of filling featuring chicken, jambon de Paris, duck confit or smoked salmon.  I chose the jambon de Paris.

I cut open the galette to find the filling also included a white cheese. The dish was accompanied by the vegetable of the day, a mix of finely sliced summer squash and red peppers which was sauteed in a little olive oil and herbs.

I also tried the "Natural Organic Berry Purée" ($4) which was made of organic strawberries the morning I visited.

I enjoyed the food, beautiful decor, and not to mention the French TV so much I had to return for a second visit the next day.  I changed it up by ordering a Bio  Croque-Monsieur ($8) with vegetable of the day. That day's vegetable was a ratatouille freaturing very finely sliced vegetables. Summer squash, zucchini, onions and I think eggplant that made a nice addition to the sandwich.  The surprise was that the sandwich base is a gluten-free thick slice of brioche, topped with ham, cheese and Béchamel sauce.

Bio is relaxing, inviting and the food is good too.

Bio

2633 Bridgeway

Sausalito, CA 94965

(415) 324-7080

www.biologiquesf.com

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Vive la revolution!

Bastille Day cometh!  Whether you are French or not  have fun celebrating the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille. On the day, July 14, Left Bank Brasserie in Larkspur will be celebrating in style with staff dressed in Moulin Rouge garb, as well as decorations in same theme, plus live music, and caricature artist Jon Casey will be available to sketch guests from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Live music will be provided by Orgue de Barbarie musician Michel Michelis who will play from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Besides the regular menu, celebratory al la carte menu specials will be served.  Selected menu items include smoked pistachio sausage wrapped in brioche dough with lamb’s lettuce salad and truffle sauce; herb rubbed Provençal roasted rack of pork with porcini sauce, green beans and baked potatoes; and Provençal fish stew with branzino, local snapper, mussels, clams and prawns served with garlic toasts and spicy aioli.

Left Bank Brasserie Larkspur 

507 Magnolia Avenue

Larkspur, CA 

(415) 927-3331 

www.LeftBank.com

Previously reviewed:

November 9, 2009

January 15, 2007

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So cheerful!

Cafe Z in Greenbrae was just as bright and cheerful as my last visit. I was just in the mood for something simple. I toyed with the idea of crepes once I'd spotted them on the menu, and then I saw some other simple things.

So I ordered a cup of French Onion Soup. It was warm and I loved that there were plenty of onions, however the stock was just a little thin for my taste, and compared to my memories of other French Onion Soups. The accompanying roll had a crust that was more chewy than crunchy.

The Grilled Cheese Sandwich wasn't completely described on the menu, so I was surprised to see that it was panini style. I was delighted to see that it had sliced tomatoes in it. It also has fontina, bleu, mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses in generous portion. If you are a cheese lover, you'll be in heaven with this one. It was a little rich for me, but I can still be appreciative.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 1
Noncritical: 6
Last inspected: 12/9/2009

Previously reviewed:
December 18, 2006

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Nouveau Tarte

It was a warm and beautiful day in Larkspur, and the perfect parking spot appeared! So I found myself visiting an old favorite, the Left Bank at the Blue Rock.

The interior is still warm and inviting, and I was sitting next to the fireplace with a good view of most everything. The waiter was quite friendly and brought me an iced tea while another brought some fresh French bread!

I went a little crazy for caramelized onion and cheese, first ordering this flavorful French Onion soup. The stock was great and it had lots of soft and simmered onions.

I ordered a Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Tarte which was also topped with melty cheese. I have to say this was not your mother's french tarte! I had imagined a petite, well - tarte! This was more like a French flatbread pizza and took up an entire dinner plate! I took some home and had it again for dinner with some vegetable soup. It was tasty, just unexpected, and I realized my faux pas in ordering two dishes with onions and cheese as main ingredients.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 1

Last inspected: 7/3/2008

Previously reviewed:

January 15, 2007

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French Food in Marin

Looks like I have only two more restaurants to review that are primarily French! If I've missed something, please leave me a comment. A votre santé!

French restaurants I've visited -

Corte Madera
Champagne French Bakery Cafe

Greenbrae
Cafe Z Epicerie

Larkspur
Left Bank

Mill Valley
Champagne French Bakery Cafe
La Boulange

Ross
Marche aux Fleurs

San Anselmo
Bistro 330

San Rafael
Le Chalet Basque Restaurant

Sausalito
Le Garage

Still on my list -

Mill Valley
El Paseo Restaurant

Novato
La Boulange

Although I wouldn't call most of these restaurants 'French', they do serve a very French food - Crepes! Some only serve crepes at brunch, so check the menus before choosing where to go.

Corte Madera
Champagne French Bakery Cafe

Greenbrae
Cafe Z Epicerie

Lagunitas
Valley Grove Cafe

Mill Valley
Champagne French Bakery Cafe
Piazza d'Angelo
Rain Tree Cafe

Novato
Hamilton Cafe
Mary's Place

San Anselmo
Easy Street Cafe

San Rafael
Crepevine
International House of Pancakes
Joe's Cafe

Sausalito
Il Piccolo Cafe Specialita Italiane
Murry Circle

Country Basque French experience

We've had some gloriously sunny days this week, so much so that I have hope that my green tomatoes will eventually turn red. On one of those beautiful days, I meandered towards China Camp on North San Pedro Road in San Rafael to visit Le Chalet Basque. Being off the beaten path gives this place extra charm as it is very quiet for sitting outside under the awning in the front of the restaurant.

The stock of the French Onion Soup Gratinee is definitely not vegetarian, but ooh la la what a wonderful flavor the chef creates with this simple French classic. I would drive out here again just to have it.

The meal's main dish was the Steamed Clams in Garlic Broth with Linguine. You must like garlic to enjoy this dish, as it was in generous portion. And it was wonderful. The linguine was wrapped in a lovely clam/garlic/parsley flavor. And was glad I didn't have to go to any meetings after lunch! It was a very enjoyable, leisurely lunch which I expect to repeat again.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 3/19/2009

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Great way to start the day

It is said that a good breakfast is an essential part of your nutritional day, but some start you off even better than others if you account for the atmospheric component. Dad and I started the day out right a few days ago at La Boulange in Mill Valley's Strawberry Village.

I got my day started with a Breakfast Pizza. It was as delicious as it is beautiful. Perfectly cooked scrambled eggs over a crisp pastry crust with spears of bright green asparagus, spritely red cherry tomatoes, with some cheese and some pert chive clippings adorning the top as garnish.

Dad tried the Mushroom Fritatta. It was a petite but substantial round creation of egg and mushroom topped with a creamy tomato sauce which Dad liked. He kept saying it was too much salad, but that was a compliment to La Boulange as it had a generous heap of the freshest lightly dressed mixed greens on the side with a fresh, fragrant slice of bread. I tasted a bit of the salad, and it was perfect. This would make a great light lunch too. We enjoyed our breakfast and it set us up for a wonderful day! I've heard an branch has opened in Novato at Hamilton, so we'll have to try that one too.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 2

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 9/29/2008

Previously reviewed:
October 6, 2007
September 15, 2007

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New Bistro coming to Tiburon

In Tiburon today for lunch and noticed that a sign has gone up in the old Sweden House window: Coming Soon... Bistro 35 (Patisserie). A window to keep an eye on!

So sad about three greats passing in the last couple days, Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson.

French Restaurants in Marin

There have been some comings and goings in the French restaurant scene since the last summary. Here's the updated list. If I've missed a lovely French restaurant popping up somewhere in Marin, please let me know!

French restaurants I've visited -

Corte Madera
Champagne French Bakery Cafe

Greenbrae
Cafe Z Epicerie

Larkspur
Left Bank

Mill Valley
Champagne French Bakery Cafe
La Boulange

Novato
Chez Pierre

Ross
Marche aux Fleurs

San Anselmo
Bistro 330

Sausalito
Le Garage

Still on my list -

Mill Valley
El Paseo Restaurant

San Rafael
Le Chalet Basque Restaurant

photo credit: iStock Photo

No signage and hidden away

It takes effort to find Le Garage in Sausalito. But a lot of people are making that effort. I took one of the last two tables open for lunch the other day. Despite the economy people flock to excellence.

And the Mussels du Mistral were the temptation of the day. It was made with aioli, shallots, saffron and white wine. It was a HUGE bowl. I've never been given such a large serving outside of France or Belgium. And the last time I tasted mussels so delicious was in Brussels some years ago. I found strings of real saffron in the broth which was perfect for soaking some bread in for eking out every last bit of flavor.

Just in case you can't find Schoonmaker Point, were Le Garage is located.

And the view from the outside seating area was very relaxing. I felt I was on vacation though only a few blocks from my normal workplace.

Last reviewed:
May 3, 2008

Did Lemony Snicket write the script for my day?

Yesterday was a strange one. But more on that later. In sync with the evening, unfortunately my pre-cinema experience at Champagne in Mill Valley was not stellar. I've had a number of fine experiences here, but it was a bit off last night. Upon leaving, I noticed that the closing hour was 7 p.m., but they advertised breakfast, lunch & dinner. We arrived around 6:30 and it looked a bit ragged with crumbs and empty pastry shelves at first greeting. However since we weren't there for pastry, but a quick bite, it wasn't too noticed.

Dad ordered one of their newish features, a flatbread. L'Italien Flatbread to be exact. It was rather smaller than the photo made it seem, and too cooked around the edges. It was tough to chew for Dad who thought it was going to be a bit thinner and crisper. Not recommendable.

I tried a cup of French Onion soup, and was suprised that the broth was flavorless and watery, except that it definitely tasted BURNED. There were even burned bits of something floating around. The bread had no life either. And it took about 25 minutes to deliver this up! There was only one other person in the restaurant who was already served when we arrived. The person serving was quite charming, but at the point we were served it was really too late to have a change and be on time for the movie. Not a happy turn of events, but we'll come back again to see if it is a trend or an anomaly.

Yes, Lemony seemed to have written a series of unfortunate events for our evening with a little dark humor. I thought it a fine idea to have a quick dinner then movie since CineArts theaters have a Monday all day Senior discount for $5.50 and Dad loves the movies. We'd already seen "The Visitor", and were surprised to see that "Fool's Gold" that we intended to see (not rated highly but it looked light and full of adventure) had never played there, and was not playing despite The SF Chronicle listing. The darker "Then She Found Me" was playing, so we saw it. That one hit a little too close to home, and as the universe would have it, the antagonist in that particular time in my life called my cell and left a message while we were watching the movie!

Previously reviewed:
March 22, 2007
July 20, 2005

Eating pieces of art

Ever had a restaurant experience so perfect that you didn't want to go back and risk breaking the spell? This was my relationship to The Caprice. It wasn't so much the restaurant as the memorable romantic evening (although the restaurant was perfection that evening too). However, it was time to enjoy it again and make some new memories, so I enjoyed the evening, half reminiscing and mostly enjoying the excellent food and view.

First off was amuse Bouche one, creamy strawberry, peanut butter and foie gras, I wondered at this, but it was surprisingly refreshing.

Amuse Bouche two consisted of scallop sashimi with cracked lava salt and lemon oil (I think). Ooh, this was even better than the first.

And then arrived the first course I ordered, Shellfish 'chowder'. First carefully placed in the square bowl was the Lobster salad and consomme vello with some foam mounds and some purple basil flowers resting gently on top. Then from a silver pot the waitress poured the soup of fennel and creme fraiche gently around the artfully arranged ingredients. Not only pretty, but interesting and delicious!

Next is Amuse Bouche three, a refreshing basil lime sorbet pallet cleanser.

The second course arrives as Day Boat Scallops with foie gras, fiddlehead ferns, morels, pea leaves, and green garlic pea puree. Not only artful, but all was tasting perfect.

The dessert I chose was a "Rubarb and Strawberry" which consisted of a warm compote of those with Sicilian pistachio streusel, vanilla creme brulee, and 25 yr. balsamic. It was topped with a couple rings of a puff pastry. It was quite good and displayed dramatically in a bowl with large wings.

The Caprice is located past the traffic circle by the water and past the Tiburon Railroad-Ferry Depot Museum just a bit. There is parking across the street in a public lot.

Elephant rock is just before it, past the blue fencing. The proprietor told me that kids love to fish from it.

Since the glass obscures the view from the camera, I took a couple shots to show the kind of view there is from the restaurant. I noticed a lot of sailboat activity, and a ferry from Angel Island pass by during dinner.

This kind of scenery along with the washing of the waves underneath the dining room paired very well with the relaxing classical music playing during dinner. This is a beautiful place for a special evening.

Complete with butterflies

I'd overlooked this place for sometime, it just looked like a small bakery with a narrow footprint. Then I passed around the back of Debbie Does Dessert one evening, and saw what a lovely deck it opened out to the wooded path by the creek.

So Dad and I chose to have brunch there one recent weekend morning, just after it opened at 9. We had our choice of seats, and took a corner place at the back of the deck. It was so sunny and charming with bright yellow sunflowers gracing the tablecloths.

Dad tried the Crépe Compléte, a buckwheat crepe with eggs, ham and gruyere cheese, with country potatoes on the side. He loved it and asked when we would visit France, or this place again.

The woman who seemed to be the point person for everything effusively suggested Raul’s Heavenly Ratatouille Omelet, which is a very fluffy 3 egg omelet filled with Provencal vegetable ragout and gruyere. It was also served with French country potatoes and toast. The bread for the toast was made on premises and grilled. It certainly was a 'heavenly' combination! Towards the end of our breakfast, as if on cue, a lovely pale yellow butterfly with black markings fluttered and flitted around our table and throughout the deck, flying off into the sunlight when it had made its rounds. I'll have to come back some evening for the tapas!

French inspiration

I've always liked Mimi's Cafe. Erika introduced it to me in the Long Beach area, and I didn't realize it was a chain at the time. I found there is one in Dublin too, and it is also delicious. So when I find that I'm anywhere near at a mealtime, well, I stop by!

Practically upon seating, a bread basket appeared. And was I ready for it! After going from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles, then across California on Hwy 46, through the beautiful (wine country) and surreal (Lost Hills oil fields), I finally crossed 101, and headed north to Visalia, picking up my Prius. I just wanted to get close to home, so didn't stop for lunch or snack - but finally stopping for dinner here in Livermore.

I started with the French Onion soup - lovely broth.

I was tempted by a seasonal special, a grilled salmon nicoise salad. It consisted of mixed greens, egg, feta cheese and diced tomatoes all tossed in balsamic vinaigrette and topped with a grilled petite salmon fillet, marinated artichokes and red bliss potatoes. Substantial, yet light, I would definitely order this again. I enjoyed the trip, but was happy to be back home.