Subscribe to RSSWe love to venture into the neighborhoods of San Francisco to soak up the local atmosphere and of course taste the cuisine. Garcon! is located on the corner of Valencia and 22nd Streets so the area draws from the multi-cultures that make San Francisco so interesting and vibrant. The restaurant’s décor is Old World French Bistro with a centrally located bar, well spaced tables, comfortable banquette, French Poster Art and mirrored walls. There are windows on two sides looking out to the street which gives the interior an open feeling and there is also outdoor sidewalk dining when weather permits.
French Poster Art
We ordered a bottle of Perrier Sparkling Water and some wines by the glass and settled in to look at the menu. We started with large and luscious Oysters on the Half Shell from Nootka Sound in British Columbia which came with a tasty mignonette sauce. Next, we enjoyed one of their Artisan Cheeses which was a rich and creamy Blue Rogue “Crater Lake Blue” fourme d’ambert. We knew that we had to try the French Onion Soup made with Gruyere, a little Cajun spice and croutons. It was divine! The Beet Salad with endive, watercress goat cheese fondue, crispy shallots and sherry vinaigrette was refreshing and one of our favorites. We also loved the Grilled Scallops with braised lentils du puy, cauliflower-garlic puree, candied bacon and red wine syrup. The Caramelized Veal Sweetbreads with grilled mushrooms, pomme puree, capers and lemon brown butter is a must.
Oysters
The entrees were both delicious. The Shellfish Bouillabaisse, with mussels, clams, scallops, shrimp , cod, fregola pasta, basil and paprika aioli and the 38 North Sonoma Duck Breast with orange and ginger braised endive, Black Trumpet mushrooms, parsnips and duck jus were both hearty portions. The wines we enjoyed from Beverage Manager Brian Felley’s International Wine List included the 2008 Shipwreck Cellars, Carneros Chardonnay, 2009 Domaine-Jean-Jacques Auchere Sancerre, and the 2009 Melville, Verne Estate Santa Barbara Pinot Noir.
North Sonoma Duck Breast
The Almond Semolina Cake with pear compote, honet crème fraiche and toasted almonds and the Espresso Pot de Crème made with milk chocolate, espresso and kahlua cream desserts were both well worth the calories. An espresso and a 1945 Rivesaltes Cuvee Amedee after dinner drink were an excellent finish to a very satisfying dinner.
Executive Chef Arthur Wall
We chatted with the Executive Chef Arthur Wall who is a native of New Orleans and graduated from The California Culinary Academy. He told us how pleased he is to be able to create French Bistro classics with California interpretations using seasonal, fresh, locally sourced and organic ingredients. His passion for his food really shines through. Garcon! is our kind of restaurant. It has great cuisine, excellent service and a really fun atmosphere. They also offer a three Course Prix Fixe Menu for $32.00.
By Carol & Joe Davis, Dining Detectives
Garcon! Restaurant
1101 Valencia St (at 22nd)
San Francisco, CA. 94110
415-401-8959
