08/10/07

Very Pricy, but we liked it.

by csjme

This was our first visit to both Mill Valley, and the El Paseo. My German wife had a French mother who was an excellent cook, and the meal brought back memories to her. I am a big eater, and feared those tiny servings would leave me unsatisfied. However, there were enough different items that I did leave fairly full. This dinner was a gift from the kids, on our 40th anniversary. We had a private room, and service was very good, except that they kept rationing out one small chunk of that really excellent bread at a time. We each ordered different items on the 4-course dinner, and shared tastes, and waited for the frequent "That's my Mother's ----- !" explanation from the wife. I cannot compare with other similar restaurants, because we do not frequent such places. However, If someone were to spring for the spread, I would not hesitate to return.

• Pros: attractive, unusual, easy parking, did I mention great food?
• Cons: Very Pricy, too small of servings on most items. they ration that excellent bread.

09/24/06

Under new managment with a new chef

by rumitunes

I was very disappointed. After living in France for years I am always looking for anything close here in CA. There are a few better French meals to be had in SF now.

The new chef has gone with a prix fix menu that is not the best representation of classical French food. It is now far too California Nouvelle in its style and selection. The risotto was dry and the mushroom soup was bland and frothy from an overzealous amount of time in the food processor. Other courses were simply Ok. Also the wait staff was clumsy and lacking any French polish and knowledge to carry off the ambiance. The gateau classic chocolate was too dense and void of flavor.

The absolute biggest disappointment was the absence of French champagne on the wine by the glass menu. How is it that a restaurant that has scored so highly on the wine spectator list does NOT have classic French champagne to offer with its courses? Seems the new management has some things to reconsider in order to keep and enjoy the excellent reputation built by the previous owners.

05/23/06

The best meal I've had (outside France).

by annadolan

I had the escargot appetizer and the roast duck with onion & honey marmalade. It was amazing! The sauces are fantastic and very flavorful & French (how else can I describe it?). The service is great and the restaurant itself reminded me a bit of places I ate in France. Good desserts, too. I want to go there every night. I am fully addicted. I wish I actually lived in Mill Valley.

• Pros: Best food on earth, great service, very sweet decor
• Cons: very expensive, addictive