Chez Spencer ce soir

Since I have now been to Chez Spencer 3 times, it is about time I put down some finely chosen words about this legendary city joint. This round was a dinner with the boys. Hidden from the street next to neighbouring and better known Nihon, Chez Spencer lures you in through its herb and flower garden into the high ceilinged inner sanctum. Laurent and Erin opened the restaurant in 2002 and named it after their son. Since the doors opened they have delighted diners with well crafted French fare and exceptional, mostly French service.

For starters go for the Green Asparagus and / or the Scallops and heart of palm salad. I prefer "and" as opposed to "or", the scallops are too good to miss. Main course in my book needs to be the Fillet Mignon. Other popular dishes are the Risotto and the Rack of Lamb. You think you will be able to walk away without dessert but its really not recommended or possible. Go chocolate or profiteroles. Chez Spencer will leave you very satisfied time and time again. Don't over indulge, use as a special occasion night out and make sure you spread the word - Chez Spencer is an SF classic.

Le Garage delivers first funky brunch spot over the bridge

Last week on a flight to LA I had the pleasure of sitting next to a very pleasant French chap who also shared a passion for quality dining in SF. One of our fears of moving over the bridge was that we would leave the funky city restaurant scene behind and be stuck with "the local Italian, Indian" etc. To our pleasant surprise we have discovered that there are more and more fun spots in Marin to check out for us married folk. Renault shared one of his favourites in Sausalito, Le Garage and being a dedicated food hound, we paid it a visit today with some in towners.

Finding Le Garage may be the only negative I can find to mention about the restaurant. Just be determined and keep heading towards the water and eventually you will see signs. From the outside is it is nothing special but once inside you are immediately taken by the atmosphere. Great music, bold colours, 50's retro bars stools and views of the marina in what was clearly a converted Garage. Greeted by the owner, we were shown to a comfortable booth where we perused the short but creative brunch menu. Classics like Eggs Benedict were matched with more interesting fare, like Oeuf a la coque, Frisee au Lardons and a quiche Lorraine. The service was excellent, the food perfect. This is definitely on the recommend list for brunch with friends and I can imagine that the scene will be even more appealing in the summer months, dinner menu also looks tasty. Bonne chance!