San Francisco - November 11, 2008

The French Connection

Gitane Restaurant Opens

Stevie Nicks has nothing on you. Leather and lace (been there). Mysterious vagabonds in the night (done those, er, that).

Face your freedom again at Gitane restaurant, opening today on Claude Lane.

French for “gypsy,” the Cafe Claude sibling ups the ante on worldly glamour in a sultry, Buenos Aires-meets-Istanbul nightclub setting: towering sepia curtains, midcentury light fixtures, Goya-esque artwork, and red textured walls.

Sip Spanish sherries and artisan cocktails by mixologist Dominic Venegas (Cantina, Bourbon & Branch). Order from the Mediterranean menu — pizza with chorizo, bacon bonbons (prunes stuffed with goat cheese wrapped in bacon), and shredded crab croquetas with chili peppers. Punctuate the savory with beignets dipped in chocolate sauce.

The bar stays open ’til 1 a.m.

Then you can go your own way.

Gitane, 6 Claude Lane, at Sutter Street (415-788-6686 or gitanerestaurant.com).