When you’re asked for cash under the table, it’s usually for an illegal endeavor.
Leave the schwag to the kids and spend your green on a memorable dining experience, courtesy of Melissa Axelrod.
A caterer and personal chef by day, Axelrod (Delfina and Ottimista alum) takes over Velo Rouge Cafe every Thursday to host four-course, prix fixe dinners. With two seatings (6:15 and 8 p.m.), up to 24 guests fill communal tables to enjoy a menu inspired by the farmers market.
For $45, you can enjoy delicacies like watermelon, pancetta, and feta salad; tomato soup with grilled cheese; seared albacore tuna with shelling beans; and Gravenstein apple tart with cinnamon ice cream.
Sip from the cafe’s selection of beer and wine or BYOB for a small corkage fee.
It won’t set you back more than a dime bag.
Available Thursday evenings at Velo Rouge Cafe, 798 Arguello Boulevard, at McAllister Street (415-752-7799 or velorougecafe.com). For more information, go to melissaclaire.com/kitchen.