San Francisco - December 05, 2005

French Twist

Garcon Restaurant Opens

If you’re not careful, dinner in the Mission can look something like this:

Monday: veggie burrito
Tuesday: chicken tacos
Wednesday: cheese quesadilla
Thursday: repeat

Grâce à Dieu for Garçon, a new French bistro in the heartland of all taquerias. Opened by the folks who brought us Cafe Bastille, Garçon is a groovy spot offering the best parts of France (food délicieux, beaucoup de vin, and that irresistible accent).

The space is intimate without being crowded. Low lighting, cream walls, and a chocolate-colored ceiling give it a cozy warmth while large windows and mirrors open it up. The full bar and lengthy wine list get things going, and the menu has all the bistro classics you’d expect.

Start with French onion soup, goat cheese terrine, or a charcuterie plate. The oven-baked mussels are made with chef Franck Ouvrard’s (formerly of Le Charm) grandmother’s recipe. Meanwhile, entrees include a signature duck confit with red wine and truffle oil sauce, lobster ravioli, and filet mignon that’s nothing short of formidable.

After all, a girl can’t live on burritos alone.

Garçon, 1101 Valencia Street, at 22nd Street (415-401-8959 or garconsf.com).