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The most-recent owner/chefs will be relocating to SF, Nob Hill very soon which they explained made a lot of sense as 80% of their clientele came from SF to experience Michelin Star-worthy cuisine in Marin.
I hope they can retain the elegant, romantic charm of the original space... which is destined to become Cabo-Wabo-fied in the hands of Sammy Hagar and Tyler Florence.
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What is the best restaurant in the SF Bay Area that you have never heard of? I think I've found it… Read more »
My husband took me here for my 30th Birthday celebration this past Thursday & I must admit that's it is my new favorite restaurant. I don't know why we've never stumbled upon it before. Good thing for Open Table. We'll be spreading the word to all of our friends. We loved the food and the overall ambiance of the restaurant with the long brick walkway and brick lined walls. Our waiter & sommelier completed the dining experience. Although they have an extensive wine list, we strongly recommend the grand wine pairing.
My husband had the Chef's Tasting Menu:
Tuna Tartare
Pan Seared Artisan Foie Gras
Marin Vegetable
Fish (imported from Japan)
Duck Breast
I had the 4 course so that we could try other items on the menu that looked extremely appetizing:
Dungeness Crab Croquette
Pan Seared Artisan Foie Gras
Slow-Cooked 48 hour Kurobuta Pork Belly (*our favorite dish)
Angus Beef Filet Mignon with Sauce Bordelaise
Our total came out to under 400 which is a steal compared to other restaurants such as Gary Danko, MIchael Mina & French Laundry. We'd rank El Paseo as #1 in our books.We'll be back very soon.
French Who?
While French Laundry is certainly an experience in itself, El Paseo ranks right up there in my Top 5 best restaurants that I've ever been to. This hidden gem is food at its absolute finest.
If you are looking for an intimate, first class meal, look no further than Mill Valley. Although finding a close parking spot may be a bit of a task. You won't find a valet or even a parking lot. But what you will find is a superior dining experience.
The waiter helped me choose a Riesling from the wine list and I liked it so much, I went out the next day and purchased a bottle.
To start the meal, we were served with a shooter of pea soup. I was skeptical. I won't ruin it for you, lets just say it was amazing.
I had no idea what to expect when I ordered the Marin salad that included fava beans, beets, candied nuts......no lettuce in this salad......true perfection.
As my second appetizer, I had the crab croquette. Need I say more?
To save room for dessert, I only ordered one entree which was the mushroom risotto....and I'd order it again, no doubt.
Finished with the chocolate cake with chocolate sorbet.......not too sweet.....fantastic finish.
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El Paseo has closed!
Tyler Florence and Sammy Hagar plan to open a restaurant in the same location mid-December, but no more yummy French food!
NOOO! The Best Restaurant In The World has succumbed to the food individualist-drowning, Rachael Ray-watching, conglomerate mega monopoly-creating forces! To re-open to serve something called 'American rootsy' and 'rustic'. Is there no god? One can only hope that the staff and chef make the move to Nob Hill intact with their stellar wine cellar, so that I can appropriately drown my sorrow.
The first time we ate here, I turned to the husband and said -- we need to move within walking… Read more »
Congratulations for the Michelin star for Chef Keiko.
We wish you the best of luck in the city.
I saw the news on Marin IJ.
They are not closing but moving to new location with same chef and crew…
Read more »
Nooooo!! Very sad! There are very, very few restaurants as wonderful and pleasant to eat at.
I guess change is inevitable.
Outstanding food and creative presentation in intimate setting. However, just a little too fancy and stuffy for a fun night out with friends.
The most romantic restaurant in Marin, but the food has suffered under the current management. After ordering, we were asked if we
had any food allergies by the waitress. No, we said, but probably
should have indicated that deep fried fat was right up there at the top
of the list. Anyway, my main course was the 48 hour cooked pork
which was presented as two neatly cut blobs of wobbling jellolike
mounds. It was pretty tasty, but upon close inspection, was really
nothing more that deep fried fat with a small amount of meat in it.
It parked itself in my stomach like a large boulder. OK, I know that
French food can be a bit on the rich side, but this dish was over the
top, particularly coming on the heels of the dungeness crab cake
which was on the greasy side and left its oily souvenier on my
plate. I miss the old el Paseo restaurant; its character is still there,
but the chef needs a continuing education course and should ditch the deep fry treatment. The bread was very good, though!
My g/f and I were taken here by a rich acquaintance (there is no way we would have been able to afford the sheer class of this restaurant-- approx. $140 per person with the sommelier's choice wine pairing) and then later informed (by the owner, Seigo-san) that the likes of Matsuzaka and Ichiro regularly dine here on their trips to Oakland, SF, and LA...
This is a Japanese-style French restaurant (French Kaiseiki or whatever you want to call it)... and it is quite simply an exquisite dining experience. We had the 3-course meal (two appetizers and one entree) along with a wine pairing (the sommelier gets to choose which wines go with each course). The food was other-worldly and delicately prepared with a subtle taste that was perfectly matched by the sommelier's wine choices.
I had the Foie-Gras, as well as the Tuna with wasabi caviar for appetizers, and the hokkaido scallops for my main course. The tuna, especially, was very good. My g/f had the duck as her main course, which left a bit to be desired, but was nonetheless above average. Our sponsors had some other stuff which also looked very good, but I was too awestruck by the decor and the classiness of the place to really notice what was going on at other regions of the table.
Anyway we ended up enjoying a fine meal and nice conversation with various staff members for over 5 hours, savouring each bite and sip of wine and contemplating the price of each swallow.
My g/f would like to mention that she liked the mint selection served out of a handmade antique wooden case at the end of the meal, the relatively clean restrooms, and the short 20-minute drive to Mill Valley from SF.
Thank you to our patrons for allowing us to have a true fine-dining experience usually only enjoyed by people with non-familial suffixes after their surname.
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There are very few restaurants of this caliber in the bay area. The place is very reminiscent of a previous Daniel Patterson venue called Elizabeth Daniel. We had the Chef's Tasting menu and everything was simply on a different scale from which I normally judge. There was wonderful use of local produce and very clear treatment to the freshness and expressed value for the essence of each element on the plate. It was visually stunning and it's an education for the palette as well as true delight to all the senses.
This is a hidden gem, as other reviewers have said. It is literally hidden, occupying three or four little spaces along a brick-lined path within a sort of 19th-century Italian arcade. It is figuratively hidden because you have not discovered it yet. You should. And if you can't afford a full 21st-century American dinner here, you can still appreciate the colonial-style service and their knowledge of wine while nibbling on appetizers. My friend and I left having had some wine, delicious filled squash blossoms, charcuterie and risotto for less than half of what other reviewers say it costs to eat here.
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One of the better french restaurant in the bay area. I tried many and they do stick out.
We had the four course meal and I brought my own bottle of wine. Meal was well balanced in terms of flavoring.
Service was really good and took care of our every need.
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I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard this place was a French/Japanese restaurant but the food was amazing. Every dish and soup we had was delicious. I had the octopus mixed salad, avocado with chicken and crab soup, lobster seafood dish, and the rack of lamb.
The service was great, they were very attentive. The place is very small, just big enough for 2-4 person groups. Very nice ambiance, relaxing and enjoyable.
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My wife and I went last night (Sunday) for our anniversary, and did the 4-course prix fixe menu, with the "Grand" wine pairing. All in (incl. tax and tip), was $365. For a typical dinner, that's a lot, but it depends on what you compare it to. I was at the French Laundry a few weeks ago, and had a similarly fabulous meal, but that ran about $700 per couple - nearly twice the price. You can do El Paseo for much less (e.g., 3-course menu, without the wine pairing). Either way, for a special occasion, I would put my money on El Paseo. This may have the most cozy and romantic atmospheres of any restaurant in the Bay Area, and the food is truly unique -- a modern fusion of French and Japanese styles. The wait staff are friendly and helpful - not stuffy -- and they know their wine and food pairings. Go for a romantic, special dinner.
French cuisine with some delightful Japanese touches. Delicious. Somewhat limited menu, but all the food I have sampled has been expertly prepared. Lovely, but quiet atmosphere. Excellent service. Expensive but not outrageous.
Great place for an anniversary dinner, but also good for a nice Saturday night out anytime of the year. One of the very best restaurants in Marin, and rivals some of the best in San Francisco (albeit with a more limited menu).
Unknowingly we stepped into this restaurant, allured by the charming architecture and inviting stone passages leading to the front door. When we walked in we were greeted and seated in a room with a fire place, a few tables with other couples who were celebrating birthdays and anniversaries as well. We were given menus, which are set and change on a nightly basis. Very cool. However, the food we received was not worth the $$$$$ we spent. On a positive note, the wine pairings were superb and the service was personable and knowledgeable about the food/wine. Unfortunately, we left wishing we'd kept on walking down the street rather than let our curiosity get the best of us. A warning to the wise, only go here if you are into spending a LOT of money. Otherwise there are many other restaurants in Marin that have better food at much more reasonable prices.
It is correct for the gazillions dollar signs that this place have. It is very expensive- a splurge!!. So, I only recommend coming here for special occasions unless you are on of those rich Mariners. Anyway, the place is very romantic, so save it for your anniversary. The food is good, but hmm... I can live without it, especially of I am not of one of those rich people. So, Yeah, came here once for my anniversary.. had a good time and good food, and spent good chunk of my money. Will I return? possibly... Anytime soon? maybe not! So, that is why I only give 3 stars. I can't say I'm a fan... Can't afford it!
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Yelp Team Asia Review Part 2. For part 1, please see Dan V's review...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Old-school style restaurant with modern twists is how I'd characterize El Paseo. "flirts with classic and contemporary culinary trends" is Dan V's way of putting it. If I were trying to take it further, I'd say that it's a good classical French restaurant in Japan...but happens to be in Mill Valley. And while at first blush that might sound like a trainwreck, the result is a unique and wholly exciting place to enjoy a meal.
The setting and service definitely have an old-school French vibe to it. Servers are dressed in vests and aprons and move and fuss about like you might imagine the grandes dames de la cuisine of another era. In more recent terms, think Gary Danko without the camp. Everyone was friendly, helpful, professional and more than accommodating. And all seemed to have confidence that they were taking part in something special.
The preparations too are deeply rooted in classical french cuisine...glazed veggies, careful saucing, individual terrines for the soup and so on. However, the food isn't some sort of time-capsule as it readily employs modern ideals. The egg that Dan describes combines both the old-school japanese dish of an onsen tamago (hot spring egg), with the modern preparation favored by Juan Arzak (who many consider a father of modern Spanish cuisine). The seared foie and ahi tartare courses sound like throwaways by description alone...but hold interesting elements that keep them from being culinary cliches. The kakuni really does take the best of both old-school japan and modern refinement. Best of all, the chef is not a slave to technique, but has a strong sense of flavor and the balance to harness it.
All is not roses though in Mill Valley as is to be expected with such a challenging venture. Our first amuse, a salmon creme gougere, was a failed first shot across the bow. As the first bite you eat, it sets the tone for what is to come, and plays an essential role in the meal. In this case however, I fear that the dish was prepared too far in advance and the choux pastry had picked up some off flavors. There can certainly be some improvement in how they expedite as well. We were informed that the kitchen was a little behind due to a confluence of orders...something that happens to kitchens all the time and is certainly forgivable, but in this case seemed a little puzzling with empty tables around us. In any case, the owner was acutely aware of what's going on, and I'm sure that they'll continue the process of refinement. There is no rest for the ambitious.
All in all, El Paseo has a great vision, and brings some unique cross-cultural elements to the table, and best of all they do it with elegance. If you've ever watched Hiroyuki Sakai on Iron Chef and gotten excited...this might be your only opportunity to experience something similar in the US. The Japanese and the French have a uniquely symbiotic culinary relationship, and it's one worth experiencing. Yes there are other restaurants that operate in both cuisines, but El Paseo is something very different.
It's obvious that Chef Takahashi and her husband want to take us to someplace special, the question then is...will we be open enough to let them?
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I took my girlfriend here right after I proposed. The food that we had was absolutely amazing! It honestly felt more like eating a work of art than anything else. The wine pairings were probably the best that I have had in any restaurant (we had the regular wine pairing, not the superior). I highly recommend the tuna tartare, the pan seared foie gras with espresso sauce, and the filet mignon (the sauce was amazing). My girlfriend loved the chocolate cake and I thought the handmade ice cream was fantastic, especially the earl grey. Aside from the food, my girlfriend and I felt the intimate atmosphere and service were superior to Chez Panisse, Fleur de Lys, and the Ritz SF.
Thanks to Yelpers Dan V. and A.J. (aka Yelp Team Asia Review) for their reviews as there is no way I would've known about this place.
El Paseo in Mill Valley is a hidden gem and the dining ambiance feels like an intimate cottage. The bf and my parents enjoyed a cozy dinner for 4 last nite. Each of us ordered the 4-course menu and our favorites were the tuna tartare, chinois soup with avocado, crab and chicken, tai snapper, kurobota pork belly and the filet mignon. EXCELLENT!
For dessert, try any of the home made sorbets or ice creams -- you have a choice of 3 scoops and each scoop is a generous portion of intense flavor. I liked the chocolate sorbet, mint ice cream, and pear sorbet the most.
Our server was excellent. She was so attentive and professional (not that we would expect anything less from this place) and the sommelier recommended a wonderful bottle of zinfandel: Tobin James 2005 reserve from Paso Robles.
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This is just an amazing place! The food is the best in class and I even think it is not that expensive if you go for the tasting menu. You get 5 courses for 78USD. What you get is best in class, high quality food and I don't think that they can make a lot of money. Not sure that I have eaten at better places in the last years.
Enjoy!
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My gf and I came to El Paseo for 2008's Christmas Eve dinner.
Upon arrival, the hostess immediately took care of our coats and umbrella.
We were given sitting in the back-ish room, where there were already 5 other filled tables.
Overall, the pre-fix menu for this night was great, we loved all the courses. And despite the fact that we didn't select wine pairing, the wine recommended was great as well.
The reason that I didn't give full 5 stars is the service. It took a long time for our drink order to arrive, we had to ask for bread, and waited a while for our orders to be taken as well.
One highlight of the night was that the master chef, Keiko Takahashi, came out and greeted the dinners and introduced herself.
My girlfriend and I thought that was really special.
OH MY GOD!!! Amazing!!
I started with the crab cake and Foie gras. Presentation was beautiful. Service was astounding. The two entrees, Pork belly and scallops were both delicious. the Hopjes was a nice touch.
Overall, amazing. I will definitely return.
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Read INES T's comments..
"For dinner, he had the filet mignon and I had the 48 hour pork belly. I was eager to have the pork belly and was expecting a tender, juicy piece of meat, but instead received two pieces of dry meat- the only thing that wasn't dry was the huge hunk of FAT on top of each piece. This meat was NOT cooked for 48 hours. It was quite a disappointment. My fiance's filet mignon was nothing to rave about either. (-2 stars)
Desert was yummy, the apple tart and the sorbets are handmade by the chef. The Pear sorbet was to die for. (+1 star)
Our total bill including tip was $250-- I don't think I would come back. It was just too expensive for what we got. If you go, I would skip the wine pairing $35 per person - for 3 glasses of wine. It was just too expensive for 1/3 full glasses of wine when you could have easily gotten an excellent bottle of wine for less than that."
First of all - El Paseo? What is that? Spanish influenced dishes? No, it's French sort of Japanese fusion. Whatever it is, it's not Spanish but it's good. Real good.
Had a great evening with the in-laws. Hubby chose the tasting menu (six-courses) and the rest of us chose the 4-course menu. We all ordered our dinner with a wine pairing and we were off for a 3 hour plus evening.
The wine pairings were awesome and we had some wine that is making our list of wines to get by the case now.
Each dish was excellent. Loved the pea soup (amuse bouche), then had the fig and bleu cheese salad. That was excellent with the wine that it was paired with. Next was risotto. A little different from what I have had but very hearty and earthy with delicious mushrooms. It wasn't as sticky and heavy as risottos I have had. I was glad since I had two more courses coming, not including dessert.
Third was the seafood - scallops. Done so well. They were wonderfully delicate and cooked just right. Finally the fillet mignon - that meat melted in my mouth and I ate ever bit.
I chose the profiteroles for my dessert and this was the best out of the three desserts we ordered. Loved having the after dinner mint guy come to our table with his box of mints. We thought it was a cigar box, but oh no, it was filled with mints! Get the rose mint, it was a treat.
Atmosphere is cozy. I think this added to the enjoyment of the whole meal. I felt extremely comfortable and it wasn't stuffy at all.
Service was interesting. The waitstaff was disjointed and they didn't seem to be communicating. Our main waitress was low key and down to earth which made me even more comfortable, but I definitely noticed some miscommunication with the staff. It didn't detract from the experience though, it just made the evening interesting. Like I said, it made everything feel more casual.
I loved it here. I want to come here for all my special occasions. I felt so comfortable, good food, and just walking to the restaurant is a journey.
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Went here to celebrate a birthday. The funny thing was it seemed like everyone else eating there was also celebrating a birthday. The overall atmosphere of El Paseo is nice. The restaurant is housed in a brick building. The service was excellent. In fact, you might say a little to good. Everytime I took a sip of water, it was being refilled within the next 10 seconds.
The food was great. It had plenty of flavor. The most memorable dish that I had was the roast pork butt. I literally melted in my mouth. The rest of the dishes were just as great.
The only down side is that it took a while for them to bring out dishes, not that we noticed because of the lively banter occurring at the table. But the total time for dinner was almost 3 hours.
It was a great experience, can't wait to go to back.
First time I ate here and I must say the restaurant is lovely and very elegant. It was my 3 year anniversary with my boyfriend and he picked the place. The area where the restaurant is located is a very quiet neighborhood. Peaceful, yet scenic. Long drive there from the bay, but was definitely worth the time and effort! We ordered the 4 course meal to try more variety. The food was off the hook! Personally, my favorite would have to be the duck meat, which was very soft and for once not oily at all! Most duck meat are oily at other restaurants, especially Chinese ones, but the duck meat here was very delicious, soft, tender, and literally the meat like melts in your mouth. Along with the 4 course meal, there were many compliments of the Chef's work served to everyone there. Towards the end of our meal, the Chef came out and introduced herself to all the guests and thanked everyone for coming. Now that's what I call good service. The Chef and the staff were very kind. I have plans of going back again in the future most definitely.
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El Paseo is FANTASTIC. This restaurant far surpasses most of the other fine dining options in the area. The space is absolutely charming, the staff couldn't have been more attentive, and the food....well, it was perfection.
It's a special occasion experience, but one that won't let you down.
Highlights - Seared Foie Gras - the espresso sauce is one of the most stunning sauces you will ever taste. Yellowtail tartare with poached egg. The taste combination is clever and exquisite. Pork bell - cannot miss. Filet - best filet I've had anywhere in the world.
This is a new Bay Area #1 choice.
Please note that I'm awarding El Paseo five stars for their WINE BAR across from the main restaurant. This little gem is one of the best kept secrets in Marin. First off, the ambience of this small room is perfect. There's always classical music on, the decor is simple and understated, the bar is beautiful, and it's probably the best lighting for drinking wine that I've experienced. The Schott tintanium (lead free) glasses look so good under the light at the bar that I would up buying a half a dozen -- but not from them of course.
OK, and now about the wine. This is the ONLY place in Mill Valley where you can walk in the door and find an exceptional glass of wine every single time. They have a remarkable cellar and list. It's not cheap -- nothing at El Paseo is -- but it's a get-what-you-pay-for world, and this is no exception. I've been more than pleasantly surprised here by their selections from Italy, France, Germany and elsewhere. They really know their list, too, so you can count on the person behind the bar to make a killer recommendation. Ah, if only more restaurants had this kind of wine knowledge... the world would be a better place.
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This restaurant puzzled me when I went - the waiter assumed what sounded like a faux French accent and annoyed with a "what would the Monsieur like?" Hopefully that's all changed in the two years since, and to be fair, the fare was overall decent. Sorry to be high maintenance - but with the name - was it Spanish? French? Californian? Cute interior though.
Ambience like this isn't often done: rustic cottage & high end French decor. Owners don't want to bother, patrons don't want to make the time to apprecite it, designer miss and it either ends up guady or looking worn before it's time. But when done right, "Wow" factor kicks in. And the fact it's in Mill Valley kind of makes it a even more special. Akin to the Sent Sovi of Saratoga.
Our waiter was sweet and personable along with being completely Michelin approved. I keep thinking back to the avacado ice cream that was part of my 1st app, the foie gras that was in this bitter espresso reduction. The meat: encrusted lamb, the French vs of cocaine. After four course of this I started to see the point of nice stationary vs text messages. And I would suggest you take someone here to show that you wanted to do something special that you wanted to make the effort to appreciate them.
* I went post management change so I would say any kinkds they had have just made them stronger.
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If possible, it's even better than before! I was big fans of Gunther and Marc, and I certainly miss some of their classic dishes (filet mignon w/green peppercorn sauce, mmm) but the new chef is superb! Her slight variations on the dishes are excellent and well thought out. Each dish prepared perfectly.
The food is outstanding and the service is impeccable. It's a pleasure to see Rell still there. Don't be scared of the price fixed menu, there are plenty of selections and they are very flexible with what you order. The wine list seems greatly unchanged and is still very deep.
It's a great romantic spot and special occasion destination...but once a year just isn't enough. I think this is the best restaurant in Marin.
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A very romantic place, nice and cozy. Me and my friend are fans of french cuisine so we tried this place since it's 5th place for the best french restaurant in the bay area. We ordered the Chef's Special prefix menu with the grand wine selection. The pairing of the wine was excellent and the service was great. The tuna tartar was fantastic and the lamb as well. The flavors were very simple but exquisite. I also loved the foie gras with espresso demiglaze. We were so full when we left. The only things I didn't like were that we already had our 2nd course before they brought us the bread and the desserts are not really memorable. Other than that, it's OUTSTANDING!
TAKING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE....
First perspective: I have been employed as a waiter at El Paseo for 15 years and am presently functioning as maitre'd.
Second (and probably most important) perspective: Several of the reviews here that criticize the restaurant, especially for serving veal, were written before the new ownership / change of chef had occurred (June 1, 2006)
Third perspective: It is rare that any new restaurant, with a new staff, new menu, new manager, and new operating system, is able to flawlessly serve all customers in the first several months of operation. There are bound to be some mistakes.
Fourth perspective: Before it changed hands, El Paseo had been under the same ownership for 36 years. And some persons are resistant to change. They can't help making comparisons, can't allow themselves to embrace something different and new in an old, tried, and true space.
Given those observations, I'd like to say that, having been on the staff here for 15 years, I see the changes here as very positive, as have nearly all of the old El Paseo customers who have dined here since it's new incarnation. And I'm not being disloyal to the former owners, who, incidentally, are now regular patrons of the restaurant, who entertain friends here frequently. Mind you, I was always confident serving the food of former Chef Claude Bougard. But I have to say that I am truly impressed with the food prepared by Chef Keiko Takahashi. I invite all old patrons to return if they haven't tried the "New El Paseo", I wish that those who have been disappointed would give us a second chance, and that those unfamiliar with the restaurant would treat themselves to a truly fine dining experience in one of the most beautiful and romantic restaurants in the bay area.
Respectfully,
Signed: Rell.... maitre'd
Update 01/13/08
This was just released by El Paseo's new owner, Seigo Takei:
I am happy and proud to announce that this year
El Paseo's executive chef, Keiko Takahashi, has
been invited to participate in the first annual
Pebble Beach Food and Wine event. It's being
hailed as "The culinary event of a lifetime!".
The 2008 Annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine
will be held at 3 luxurious resorts in Pebble Beach,
from March 27 to March 30,
This premier event is expected to be three times as
large as last year's Food and Wine Masters event in
which Keiko participated, becoming the only chef
from Marin County to ever be rewarded with an
invitation in the 21 year history of the Food and
Wine Masters event.
Only the world's top chefs, names such as Thomas
Keller, Gary Danko, and Alain Passard, have been
invited to participate in this incredible event which
will be attended by several thousand gourmets. More
details about The Pebble Beach Food and Wine event
can be found at http://www.pebblebeach...
on the web.
Of course it would be wonderful to see you in Pebble
Beach at the event (a beautiful drive of about 2 hours
from Mill Valley). If not, you can still enjoy Keiko's
latest creations right here at El Paseo!!
Seigo Takei
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Update on 8/4/2006:
I just remember that they serve their wine in quality lead-free stemware by Schott. These things run $60-$80 per stem.
Update on 7/1/2006:
With the new kitchen team and owners as of June 1, this venerable establishment has gone through significant changes.
One may lament the trusted and risk-averse menu of the previous ownership, but the level of service and food to which the new team has brought is spectacular.
Though some of the items on the menu are left-overs from the old one, but the menu, overall smaller, is now written with more focus and thought. Instead of a la carte dining, you now have an option of a 3-course menu (not including dessert) for $45 to a 5-course tasting menu for $85 which is the best value as it includes dessert as well. At least the price range has not gone skywards.
Instead of going through the thick wine list which could be intimidating for those who may not be familiar with the differences between the 1982 Bordeaux and 1983, or the difference between Chateau Montrose and Chateau Cos des Tournel, would be delighted by the thoughtful wine programme, availalbe by the small glass (3 oz) so that a couple would not be a danger to the society afterwards. You also have an option of asking for a flight of wine to go with each of the courses, and on our last visit, they were pouring the spectacular 1976 Chateau d'Yquem to go with the seared foie gras with puree'ed artichoke hearts. Of course, if care to contemplate the subtle differences between different makers of Montrachet, you can still ask for "The Book."
The food is absolutely top-notch. Head and shoulder above such trusty establishments like Farallon, Boulevard, and even Taillevent. I cannot compare with places like Gary Danko and French Laundry because I haven't been there. The tuna tartare with caviar was stunning, and as was the aforementioned seared foie gras. The latter was served with their own espresso-based sauce which, along with the 1976 Chateau d'Yquem, it was like the Beethoven piano trio performed by the best piano trio.
I have high hopes for them, and it will take some time for the menu and the clientele to settle down a bit. However, I have little doubt that this restaurant will be one of the destination restaurants to which people travel great distances. It's nice for me that it's just a few minutes' drive from my house.
Update on 5/20/2006:
The restaurant, after 37 years in business, was sold to a restaurant group in Japan. Now the kitchen is being run by Keiko from Japan, who has notably improved the already excellent quality of the food.
The ownership will officially transfer on June 1, with a new menu and a wine list, from the group's vault in Napa. It is expected that the overall quality of the food and wine will step up a notch. It is just my hope that the price won't soar too much.
I'm crossing my fingers.
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This is an institutions for those who truly appreciate the culinary art.
In a romantic brick-facade setting, it serves some of the finest regional French cuisine in the Bay Area.
Of particular importance is its extensive wine list which contains tremendous bargains for vintage wines. Where else could you find a bottle of 1976 Lanson for less than $100? (Sorry, I opened their last bottle.)
Great to come for a bottle of wine with a friend and an appetizer, too. Beautiful lobster bisque.
People thought this was:
From the wide array of reviews here, it looks like this place has gone through some major changes in the last year. My BF and I went tonight for my birthday and absolutely loved it. We would recommend it to all our friends - that's if you're looking for a fancy, refined restaurant with exceptional food and service!
WHAT TO ORDER:
We went with the 3-course meal for $45, and every course was phenomenal! The pear salad and beef carpaccio were both fresh and unique, and the mushroom risotto (SEVEN types of mushroom) was excellent. My BF got the foie gras and said it was amaaaaaaaaaaazing (I'm not much of a foie gras eater...). Our main courses were the duck confit (superb) and lobster (SO good!)
THE MOOD:
Most of the crowd was older and much more well-dressed than we (we'd prepared to go on a hike today), and the service was really nice - I think there were 4 "regulars" attending to us, all in suits. The restaurant space is kind of rustic yet elegant, real logs and fine art. I did feel a little young, but I didn't mind since the food was so good!
WINE: Apparently, people in Mill Valley are really into wine! :) I'm not really a wine drinker, but our waiter recommended a white burgundy, and it was really nice. If you're into wine, you should really check out this place - they have over 350 different types.
PRICE: SO worth it. $45 pp never tasted so fine.
EXTRAS: The waiter comes out with a BOX full of assorted fancy mints at the end of the meal. It's awesome!
People thought this was:
In a nook with Carmel-like charm (think 1930's Snow White cottage).
My husband's eyebrows were raised when the waiter rushed to our table to pull out my chair for me when I returned from the ladies' room. He also pulled back a curtain for me so I could enter the room.
I'm not surprised that the management is Japanese---the food had that kind of attention to detail and materials. However, as with a previous Yelper, I took issue with the oversalting. Too bad, because the turkey medallion was cooked to juicy perfection.
We'll probably return for more casual supper at the bar--they have a good wine list, and the stew sounded interesting. We'll update later, when we return.
People thought this was:
The service was extremely pretentious, the food was "ok" and the addition quite high for the
lousy experience I had. I would not recommend it to anybody.
If I had to pick two French restaurants I would say Chapeau
and French Laundry.
People thought this was:
This is a wonderful spot for a romantic dinner or any special occasion.
I was in the neighborhood and stopped by for a glass of their house red wine and their Yummy Cheese board.
Cheese Board $15
Comte
Smoked Rambol
Sky Hill Smoked Pepper Crust Chevre
Cambozola
This is the perfect setting for any romantic moment, or to rekindle the fire.
Service is excellent. A error free night.
Tiburon, CA
Category: Seafood
Mill Valley, CA
Category: Italian
Mill Valley, CA
Category: American (New)
Ross, CA
Category: French
Kentfield, CA
Category: Seafood
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