Luis C.'s Profile

Another addition to the 6th street corridor for those who are intrepid enough to visit this gritty area. In truth, after +15 years several factors including more frequent street cleaning and random police patrols have shifted most crime north to the TL area, so you don't need to be a tough guy/gal to come here. The days of daytime violence and robberies with Uzi submachine guns are long gone (I'm not kidding).

New owners of eateries that pop in this area seem to bring alot of feelings and emotions. First we got "Seduction..." from the Split Pea soup place down the block, and now we get "Passion..." from this new French cafe.

The decor inside is lovely, a great place to enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner. Service is very friendly and the food I sampled so far was wonderful (my favorite item was the salmon quiche). Prices are moderate (most under $10, daily special was $13.75), it's traditional French cuisine (ie. quiche, tartine, onion soup, etc.) similar to what you'd find at Cafe Claude, although for now the menu is very short. One of the nicest features is the upstairs roof top deck/ dining area (stairs are located behind the bar).

When I came in the credit card system was not working yet, but they can still manually process your card. The staff did fine for a first day, I hope that they can keep up with orders when it becomes busy. They are still developing the menu as well as the hours, I was told that tonight they close at 7pm or 8pm but longer hours are planned. So expect to see menu changes as this place evolves.

In my opinion, it's a welcome addition to this area. Being able to sit down to enjoy a peaceful meal in this area is fantastic. Way better than the overpriced $8 hot dogs at Showdogs on Market street.

I can imagine that the theater crowd will LOVE having this new dining option. My rating is 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

I came here a few weeks ago for lunch. http://s3-media1.... That's when I saw Kare-Ken across the street during construction, which I recently reviewed too.

The interior dining space is narrow, but feels comfy and pleasant. http://s3-media3.... Place your orders at the counter, then wait for your takeout, or find a seat to dine-in. And they'll bring the food to your table when ready. http://s3-media3.... The big menu board http://s3-media4.... can be a bit overwhelming. It's easier to lookup items by categories: appetizers, salads, pies, wraps, plates, and desserts.

Basically the regular meat choices are kebabs (meat cubes) and shawarma - that's meat sliced from a rotating rod (chicken, lamb & beef, or a combo of both). Served in a wrap similar to a burrito, or a plate with rice and salad.

Don't forget to check the daily specials (changes weekly) handwritten on a white erase board on the right side wall, next to the counter.

I got the roasted chicken special ($6.99) for takeout. The meat was very moist and the crispy skin with spices was delicious (better than Goood Frikin Chicken), don't know if it was brined. Portions are generous, I got enough for 2 people. My takeout hot food container had half a chicken (freshly reheated on the grill). And a container with rice, bulgur wheat, salads, plus a bag with bread slices and 2 dipping sauces: yogurt and garlic. http://s3-media4.... The staff was very attentive and helpful during my visit, seems like they wanted to make sure they get repeat business from happy customers.

I noticed a few plates (whole fried bream fish, etc.) not listed in the menu, at the bottom of the display case with salads, dolmas, hummus, etc. http://s3-media1.... Don't know their prices.

As soon as I saw the handmade phyllo desserts (top trays), I had to buy some. Good baklava - 3 types: pistachio, walnuts, ($1.75 each) and rolled fingers filled with ground cashews ($1.25 each). http://s3-media1.... I haven't tried the pies or the lahmayun yet (bottom trays).

The kunafe/kunafa dessert (toasted noodle-like layer with mild cheese inside) - on the menu says $7, but the staff explained that price was for a mini tray. They had smaller ones for $3.50 each, so I bought one. http://s3-media2.... This was one of the best versions I've tried in the city.

All the desserts are meant to be consumed immediately, otherwise they get soggy (from syrup of bottom layer). If so, place on aluminum foil and reheat in a toaster. Be careful not to burn it.

Hours: daily 11:30am - 1am (Thu-Sat until 2am).