San Francisco - September 15, 2008

Kitchen Confidential

Melissa Claire’s Kitchen

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.