Cherylynn N.
Yelp
4.5 STARS
You know the rich rich that you vicariously live through because you aren't ballin' or have a sugar daddy or OF money?
I remember my friend posting their tab for Baumé (Palo Alto)....$1,400+ for two (before shrinkflation). And, half of it was for wine because wine pairing was apparently required and they can't even drink wine. So, basically they dropped $700 pp for the food BEFORE tip.
Oh you know, just a casual weekday dinner for them.
WILD.
Well, the Owner-Chef Bruno Chamel of now defuct Baumé has opened an affordable French bistro in the city with most entrees in the $30s. And, wines by the glass at $13 max.
Now we're talking...a STEAL from a chef who in the past was awarded two Michelin stars eight years in a row!
Soft opening is Le Parc Bistrobar in the Galleria Park Hotel (formerly Gaspar Brasserie). Currently open for dinner only with lunch service to come. Starting July 15th, they'll have happy hour from 3 pm - 5 pm.
Rezzies available on Toast but walk-ins are accepted (large space).
M E N U
French Bistro Cuisine using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Full bar. Corkage fee: $45.
6% SF mandate.
F O O D
* Tartare de Saumon: Salmon crudo, lemon, taro ($21) // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/jjf93j93
Salmon poke nachos with cucumbers, a dollop of citrusy foam, and crunchy taro chips (a little too thick tho). The salmon was hella fresh and buttery... such an unexpected app coming from a French bistro.
* Pot Pie D'Escargot: Escargots, garlic, parsley, brick ($19) // 3 stars: https://tinyurl.com/r5uh48ek
Tender snails simmered in a brothy sauce and topped with [brick] cracker. It was fine but too salty and I would have preferred the puff pastry crown (noted on online menu).
* Queues de Boeuf au Vin Rouge: Braised oxtail, red wine, carrots, pomme puree ($35) // 5 stars: https://tinyurl.com/bddnzz4w
A rustic dish, the braised oxtails were meltingly tender in a flavorful red-wine sauce with soft carrots and crisp bokchoy. Served over deliciously rich, creamy potato puree. Simple, hearty, and satisfying.
* Bavette de Bouef Grillé: 8 oz. Grilled Flap Steak w/ béarnaise sauce ($38) // 5 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/mr2fawdw
--Requested medium rare
Perfectly red and tender with a good sear from the grill. As flap steak can be chewy, I was pleasantly surprised at how it nearly melted in our mouths. The silky smooth béarnaise with a kiss of tang made it even more bomb. They ran out of the obligatory side of frites tho. =(
* Oeufs à la Neige: Floating island, anglaise sauce, caramel ($12) // 4 Stars: https://tinyurl.com/43wyhdjy
A classic French dessert - fluffy clouds of poached meringue floating over a vanilla-y sauce. Enjoyed the almonds for texture. You're basically eating air so it's almost calorie free! J/k!
S E R V I C E
Refined, very kind, and approachable staff. It was nice to see owner-chef's wife greeting guests at the hostess stand.
Prompt food service for 5 pm dinner rezzies (in/out in an hour).
A M B I A N C E
Sexy date night vibes with vintage fixtures and dark burgundy leather banquettes (similar to their predecessor). Two-level resto with two bars that can accommodate over 100 people.
P A R K I N G
Hotel valet: $27 for 90 minutes + $6 for every 30 minutes thereafter. Garage next door is $7 every 30 minutes.
Overall, I know a lot of people have been avoiding going to Union Square (*raises hand*)...but if you never had a chance to taste Chef Bruno's food, now you can without breaking your wallet!