Chez Papa Resto

1401 18th St

(between Connecticut St & Missouri St)
San Francisco, CA 94107

Occasion: Fanny's Birthday Dinner!

Mushroom Ravioli

It definitely sounded better than it tasted. Honestly, I didn't think there was anything too special about it. I think the birthday girl really wanted to try it.

Mussels
This dish did me right. You can't really go wrong with mussels, of course unless you over or under season it. Fortunately, at chez papa, it did not fail me. I loved the combinations of herbs used. Portion was fair and the broth was enjoyable. We ended up dipping some of our complimetnary breads into the broth, which is what I usually do with mussels. I loved the mussel juice.

Roasted Bone Marrow

with Garlic Croutons, Fleur de Sel, Parsley and Shallot Salad

I've had bone marrow in vietnamese food, but i've never had it prepared at a French restaurant. It's definitely not something I'd eat on a regular basis, nor would it be something I'd want to order if I saw it on the menu. If it were not the suggestion of someone, I don't think I'd think twice to order it. Don't get me wrong, I love trying new things, but whatever it is has to sound good too. I'm glad there were 6 others to try it with me because I don't think I could have finished it all to myself. It had the texture of chicken fat and did not taste all that extraordinary. Nothing besides the presentation of it wowed me. I could have totally done without this dish, it didn't even fill my stomach. But I guess people order it for the taste, which I felt it was lacking in flavor. What do I know though? I'm not an expert at what bone marrows should taste like.

Snake River Kobe Beef Tartare

with Dijon Mustard, Capers, Shallots, Garlic, Toast Points

Delicious! I always like to order some type of tartare as an appetizer. I did some research before dinner and saw on yelp that this appetizer was a very popular choice. It was good! Full of flavor and went perfect with the bread they had. One of my favorites of the night! I would definitely recommend giving this appetizer a try, that is...if you like raw meat.

Sauteed Alaskan Black Cod

with Chanterelles, Melted Leeks, Black Truffle Emulsion
I like black cod, doesn't matter how it's cooked, i love it. This dish was delicious. Meat was tender and dip it in the truffle emulsion=yummy in my tummy! My favorite of the three fish dishes I tried.

Sauteed Mediterranean Sea Bass

with Fennel Two Ways, Orange Gastrique, Black Olive-Tangerine Vinaigrette

It tasted very fishy. If you're not a fan of fishiness, then I wouldn't recommend getting it. Overall, it wasn't bad,but I just wasn't up for it.

Grilled Arctic Char

with Napa Cabbage, Cauliflower, Caper Berries, Sherry Beurre Blanc

I thought the skin was just a tad bit overcooked, giving a bit of a burnt taste, but overall this was my favorite. I just didn't like the veggies it came with. Cauliflower, yuck. Brussel sprouts, egh. Fish= yay! Liked it...a LOT! =]

Liberty Farms Duck Breast

with Sunchokes, Swiss Chard, Kumquats, Sherry-Port Glaze

I'm not a fan of duck, maybe because I've only had it prepared in Chinese cuisine., which is usually 70% fat and 30% meat. But to my surprise, I tried a piece of it and I actually thought it was very delicious. The meat was lean and cooked to the perfect temperature leaving the meat very tender. Flavor was delicious. If I had duck prepared like this all the time, I might actually start liking it.