Parisians are known to be snobby about art,fashion, and especially their food. Two year ago, I traveled to Paris and immersed myself into grand dior of life. To celebrate my birthday this year, I dined at a French bistro in Noe valley.
Food.
With dark mahogany walls and tables, created an elegant atmosphere. Bypassing their extended wine bar, I sit at the at a white table cloth table. With dim lights, the bistro is reminiscent of the romantic spots I dined at in Paris. Bistro food is meant to be the creation of simple ingredients but prepared with exceptional sauce and seasoning. With out hesitation, I order seared foie gras. The nutty taste with a rich butter texture melts in your mouth. Escargo, French snails, drench in a garlic infused olive oil is a great starter. Served with a sweet light cream the mussel appetizer with shredded carrots is a great comfort dish. Don’t let good things go to waste. Dip the French bread into the garlic oil. Looking at the Dine About Town menu, we order two classic bistro selections: rack of lamb and steak. Being part of the meal, the endive salad displays the natural sweet and bitter taste of endive with a light vinaigrette seasoning. The steak and fries uses simple ingredient but is cooked with finesse. Cooked medium rate, the seared steak had a slightly crispy crust while the meat is blushing dark read. A mound of caramelized onions add crunch. Seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper, the fries are crispy with a semi soft middle. Cut a small piece steak, dab into the drippings of the steak sauce, and toss it a stick for fries. The combination of all these ingredients creates a pungent and savory team of flavors. With the slightest hint of a gamey taste, the rack of lamb pairs well with sweet crunchy French beans.
With a party of five, we select the three desserts and two cheese platters. With the slightest touch of the spoon, the caramelized crust of the crème Brule shatters. With just the right level of sweetness, the egg custard mixture lingers through all the zones in the mouth with its pillowy texture. The chocolate soufflé is all about temperature. With a room temperature crust, the piping hot chocolate sauce explodes like lava from a volcano. The cheese platters range from creamy cheese to hard cheeses. The artisan bread pairs well with the cheese. With a crispy crust and a chewy inside, a slight slather of butter and a piece of cheese makes a great pairing. Bistro LeZinc is a great neighborhood restaurant with attentive service and memorable food.
Bill:
Dine About Town 3 Course meal: $30
Appetizer ~ $15
For five people, we spent tax and tip $45
Food Consultant.
Bistro LeZinc provides a great ambiance that resembles Paris. When opening restaurants, remember to check with your city planning departing and learn the zones, regulations, and restrictions. When I was a marketing manager, I discovered that a multi-chain restaurant can not be built in the historic district in the Mission district. Also, get to know the neighbors including joining the local merchant association. Word of mouth advertising is your best ally. So be attentive to service, sponsor local sporting events, and get feedback from the neighbors. Certain neighborhoods in San Francisco value different things. Whether its grass feed beef or organic vegetables, make sure your restaurant offers value and distinction to your neighborhood.
Info:
Bistro LeZinc
4063 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
p: 415.647.9400
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