Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
107
2
UNION SQUARE/THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT
VERY EXPENSIVE
Fleur de Lys
FRENCH Ironically, the first entry in a chapter called “Family-
Friendly Dining” doesn't really fit that description. I t is the one of two ex ceptions I've
listed for a night when you have a babysitter and want a fabulous meal. It's clear from the
moment you walk in the door and see the r egal, intimate dining r oom, tented in 900
yards of richly-patterned r ed and gold fabric, that F leur de Lys is the epitome of ultra-
luxurious dining. I n keeping with the warm, inviting decor , the impeccable ser vice is
comfortably unpretentious.
As for the aw e-inspiring food, the man behind the master y is awar d-winning chef
Hubert Keller, a native of the Alsace region of France now recognized as one of the best
chefs in the world (and he has ser ved as a judge on TV's
Top Chef
). Keller's kitchen is
firmly rooted in classic F rench cooking, but includes some playful touches inspir ed by
his new countr y, such as tr uffle-infused popcorn and an amazing mini foie gras ham-
burger. Choose from a menu of three, four, or five courses and expect to be blown away
by such offerings as sear ed Moroccan spiced sea scallops with pomegranate
jus,
cauli-
flower flan, and O setra caviar or v eal
tournedos
scented with foamy lobster bisque and
veal essence. A v egetarian tasting menu, with options such as tr uffled white bean soup
with green garlic fondue and wild mushr ooms, is also available. The desserts and cheese
selection are obscenely delicious, and the wine list includes sev eral hundred selections.
(Although I've noted this isn't a place for kids, I did once spot two pr e-teen boys dining
with their parents; they were well behaved and seemed to enjoy the experience.)
777 Sutter St. (btw. Jones and Taylor sts).
&
415/673-7779.
www.fleurdelyssf.com. Reservations essen-
tial. 3- course menu $72, 4- course $82, 5- course $95, v egetarian $72. M on-Thurs 6-9:30pm; F ri 5:30-
10pm; Sat 5-10:00. Closed Sun. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Muni: No. 2-Clement, no. 3-Jackson, no. 4-Sutter, or
no. 27-Bryant to Jones St.
5
EXPENSIVE
Grand Cafe
FRENCH The restaurant certainly lives up to its name in terms of decor
and style: from the soaring ceilings, massiv e columns, and wall-siz ed murals that depict
turn-of-the-20th-century Paris to the fine food, this brasserie is abuzz with energy and
activity. Located next to the H otel M onaco and close to the theaters ar ound U nion
Square, tourists and locals gravitate to the stunning dining r oom for California-inspired
French dishes prepared in an open kitchen with a theatrical flair. Typically French appe-
tizers include foie gras or escargot, while entrees may include a seafood stew bouillabaisse,
or boeuf bourguignon. The Grand Cafe's coveted banana cr eam pie continues to grace
the menu, even as chefs come and go.
While the food is tasty, it's not always as majestic as the room that houses it. For a taste
of grandeur without the grand prices, check out the adjacent, more casual Petite Cafe for
grilled dishes such as hangar steak or salmon, steamed shellfish, pizzas from a wood-fired
oven, salads, sandwiches, and desser ts. Even in the main r oom, children may or der off
the Petite Cafe menu.
501 Geary St. (at Taylor St.).
&
415/292-0101.
www.grandcafe-sf.com. Highchairs, boosters. Reservations
recommended. M ain courses $12-$22 lunch, $19-$32 dinner ; Petite Cafe $8-$17. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Breakfast Mon-Fri 7-10:30am, Sat-Sun brunch 8am-2:30pm; lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm; dinner Mon-
Thurs 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm, Sun 5-10pm. Petite Cafe, Sun-Thurs 11:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-
midnight. Muni: Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car to Union Sq., and then walk 2 blocks west.
