Chapeau! - once is enough

I had high expectations about this place since so many people have raved about it, but unfortunately, our dinner experience was less than impressive. I know Michael Bauer eats at a restaurant three times before he writes a review, and my hat goes off to him since in instances like this, I have absolutely no desire to return a second or third time. They pack so many people into such tight quarters, I don't understand how it can be enjoyable.

My husband dropped me off while he looked for parking, and despite being seated promptly between a couple of two-tops within a short handshake distance from me, all of the waitstaff proceeded to ignore me. There I sat, for nearly 10 minutes, without anyone acknowledging my presence. No one offered me a glass of water or a menu while I waited. It wasn't until my husband walked in and joined me that I suddenly became visible.

Then, when we did order, the server had to shout in order for my husband to hear him across our tiny table. The din was so loud that the server bellowed deafeningly over my right shoulder. Later, I asked the server to switch to my other side and I plugged my good ear while he talked. I kid you not. And, as another server cleared a dirty plate from a neighboring table and turned around, he clipped my husband in the head!

The food was good, but was lost amidst the hot, noisy, claustrophobic bustle.

I know they recently took over Clementine, one of our favorite spots on Clement Street, but I've been wary to return, for fear that they have doubled the seating to replicate the Chapeau! experience.

La Terrasse - French fare in the Presidio

One of our favorite places to go for Sunday brunch is La Terrasse, a French eatery nestled in the historic Presidio. They have a lovely patio with umbrellas and heat lamps with a scenic view of the Bay. La Terrasse offers simple, satisfying, consistently good food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Our three year old daughter enjoys coming here after her swimming classes nearby because the greet her with a big, warm welcome, often give her a coloring book with crayons and sometimes turn their bar TV to the cartoon channel. She loves their wood fired mozzarella pizza, sans basil, as well as their French toast smothered in maple syrup.

At lunch and dinner, this place makes delicious classics including rainbow trout almondine over spinach, nicoise salad with grilled ahi tuna, and mussels in garlic/butter/white wine Pernod sauce.

They make interesting cocktails like the Golden Gate ($10) which has champagne, cointreau, brandy and orange and lemon juices.

Some of their best dishes:

Smoked Salmon Benedict ($14). This is my favorite kind of eggs benedict here although the crab and California (bacon/tomato/avocado) are good, too. The salmon is plentiful and topped with tobiko caviar. Underneath sits a large poached egg sauteed spinach, the perfect amount of Hollandaise sauce and a soft brioche.

French Toast ($12). The crunchy, chewy bread makes this dish so unique. I'm not even a big fan of French toast in general, but this one is absolutely addicting. The batter consists of Brandy, sugar, milk, and vanilla. It's sweet but not too sweet, and leaves you wanting more, even if your brain tells you you're full.

Huevos Rancheros (I don't recall the price). They added several Mexican style brunch items a few months ago. This tasty one has two eggs prepared your way with black beans, salsa, diced potatoes, cheese and two flour tortillas (I substitute corn tortillas).

Cheeseburger ($15),$13 without cheese. A big beef patty on a hearty bun with onions, tomatoes, lettuce and your choice of gruyere or roquefort cheese. It comes with french fries which can be substituted for a small green salad.

Monday morsels: Gnomes, frog legs, Sweet 16 and more!

Today, "Flavors of San Francisco" kicks off Small Business Week at City Hall, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Great networking along with nibbles from restaurants like Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, Chez Papa Resto, Meze's Taste of Greece, and Nectar Wine Lounge. Registration required.

Suppenküche is celebrating its Sweet 16! In honor of this occasion, they are hosting Gnome Gnight, a costume ball on Thursday, May 21st, from 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. Dress up like a gnome and enjoy beer and food specials, music and dancing.

There were several exciting openings in the past few days, including Flour + Water where they are turning out fresh pastas and pizzas; farmerbrown's sibling little skillet, bringing you comfort food like chicken and waffles; and Chez Spencer's new French take-away truck, Spencer on the Go, where you can get fancy snacks like frog legs and curry, escargot puffs and truffle boeuf bourbuignon terrine. Looking forward to checking them all out.

Have a lovely week, people!

Local reopenings and specials you won't want to miss

The choices are endless in this gastronomic paradise we call the Bay Area. It's always so hard to decide where to eat next. Well, here is more food for thought that may help you pare down your "must-try" list throughout the weekend and into early next week.

This Friday, Mustards Grill reopens after clean up from the fire that closed it down in February and reportedy caused nearly $100,000 in damages. If the wine country is too far to travel, try the newly redone Grand Cafe. With executive chef Mauro Pando at the helm now, they have a new Brasserie menu featuring items from their wood-burning oven and a slew of dishes from land and sea.

On Saturday, May 2nd, Picán is hosting A Taste of the Kentucky Derby starting at 1:30 p.m. Bourbon and Burgoo-a-plenty, for sure.

Sundays are kids' night at Luella. Children under 10 can enjoy items off of the little luella menu like Shirley Temples ($1.50), mac and cheese ($4), chicken pot pie ($6), Margherita pizza ($5) and ice cream sundaes ($4).

Globe hosts Sunday Dinner from 6:00 p.m. until midnight showcasing fresh, local products from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market each week.

At Luna Park on Sunday through Thursday nights, there are "Blue Plate Specials," literally served on a blue tray. Ranging in price from $10 - $12, you can get comfort food that changes weekly but includes items like meatloaf, chicken fried steak, beef stew and vegan cassoulet. And, buy $5 drink specials like signature mojitos or sangria in...you guessed it...blue glassware. By the way, if you become a "fan" of theirs on Facebook or follow them on Twitter, you'll find out about cool promotions like their recent mustache night, wear your favorite hat night or password night where you can get special deals on food and drinks.

In keeping with the blue color scheme, I wanted to tell you about The Blue Plate Restaurant which is celebrating its 10th anniversary throughout the month of May with a three-course dinner for $25. You bet they're serving their famous meatloaf, and if you're a vegetarian, don't worry, they have an option for you. The meal will also come with a seasonal salad and dessert, and will be served during their early seating from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If it's super popular, they may offer this special throughout the rest of the evening. They have new hours starting Sunday and will be open for dinner seven days a week. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For Cinco de Mayo, pop into Tres Agaves for beer and drink specials, live mariachi and a DJ all night. They open at 10:00 a.m.! Mamacita is adding special items to their menu just for the occasion and will have a traditional style mariachi band. They will be open from 3:00 p.m. until whenever the fiesta is over. If you're in the Peninsula, Hola! in Burlingame and Belmont will have drink specials, music, giveaways and their website says the Cuervo and Corona girls will be there. Doña Tomás in Oakland will offer their regular menu and stay open later than usual to accommodate revelers.

Tell me about your favorite dining adventures at . I'd love to hear from you! Happy eating!