Good Enough for This Frenchman
Friday, September 11, 2009
What can I say ? I am French, and I am most critical of American's that profess to serve French Food. I was very depressed to have been sent on business to San Jose. Hoping that I may partake of the exquisite food of
in San Francisco. It was not meant to be. I asked the
concierge of my hotel if there was any decent food within walking distance, and he recommended Emile's Restaurant. It was a brisk walk through a colorful neighborhood. When I arrived, I was greeted with great flourish by the Maitre'D and escorted to a quiet candlelit table. What can I say? I have not seen a dining room as beautiful and elegant in quite some time. It has a patina of another time. Perhaps Paris or Zurich in the 50's. When I was a child my Papa would take me to the finest restaurants throughout Europe and Emile's is of that class. It was a pleasure to just sit and sip my wine and allow wonderful memories to flow over me.
For my starter, I had the Prawns over a Lobster Cake. I could have easily made a feast of the garlic sauce and Fresh French Banquette. Upon the Maitre'D's advice I had their house Mimosa salad. Butter leaves dressed beautifully with coarse chopped egg on top. Elegant in its simplicity. For my entree, I chose the Duck. Typically, American's fall flat when preparing Duck. It is always either too dry, or overly sauced or worse,..both. These little duck breasts were prepared perfectly. The Grand Marnier Sauce was carefully drizzled over not sloshed on. The vegetables were like candy. The Mashed Sweet Potatoes were as smooth as silk. For dessert, i chose the Apple Tarte. One could not have expected better in any Parisian shop. The tarte came with a dollop of Fresh Pistachio Ice Cream. It was meal memories are made of. I was so saddened that I couldn't share it with my friends.
Pros: Memories of Old Paris
Cons: Well.....It is not in Paris!