3870 17th Street (at Pond)
San Francisco
(415) 621-3870
A Catalyst for the Castro's Culinary Conundrum
By A.G Royale
Melissa Perello's culinary catalyst Frances his hit the Castro district in San Francisco with an explosion of perfectly prepared, fresh, seasonal dishes that left me wanting more, more, and more. The small upscale but not stuffy dining room is warm, with a slick upbeat urban feel. While the decor is slick, there is a quaint neighborhood vibe that is inviting and comfortable. Clearly this is a restaurant I could get cozy in.
Currently, Frances is hosting quite a wait list; booking almost three months in advance. I suggest mycastro.com readers make a reservation now. Trust me it is worth the wait. Or, if you are feeling dicey come in early (around 5pm) and try your luck for a spot at the counter. Frances is currently reserving this section for walk-ins. I have to admit, I am not one for a 5pm dinner but with food of this caliber, a Michelin Star under their belt already, and friendly, knowledgeable service I wouldn't mind taking a chance on an early dinner.
I have so many favorites here. But, I keep fondly recalling the divine delight that is their Apple wood Smoked Bacon Beignets. They are served deep-fried with a beautiful bacon flavor with a delicious crème fraiche dipping sauce. These bites are nothing short of perfection. Castro District San Francisco visitors and residents have to come in, if at the least just to try them.
Like most restaurants of this type the menu is always evolving with a refined offering for everyone in the Castro. I really enjoyed the Bavette steak, aka flank steak ($25), it was cooked to a perfectly pink medium-rare and served with a deliciously nutty toasted farro ragout.
To round out the meal and finish on a high note we dove right in for dessert. The rustic lumberjack cake ($7) was stuffed with chunks of apples and sweet dates and served with a scoop of Humphrey Slocombe's maple walnut ice cream -- I was in heaven, right here in the Castro District San Francisco.
To sum it all up Frances is changing the face of the culinary culture here in the Castro San Francisco. Perello has avoided the fuss of fine dining and delivered high quality food with service that is knowledge and friendly, with a quaint, warm neighborhood feel. Book now to get your taste buds tantalized with excellent food that is fresh, refined, and perfectly prepared. I know I will be back again very soon.
Melissa Perello's culinary catalyst Frances his hit the Castro district in San Francisco with an explosion of perfectly prepared, fresh, seasonal dishes that left me wanting more, more, and more. The small upscale but not stuffy dining room is warm, with a slick upbeat urban feel. While the decor is slick, there is a quaint neighborhood vibe that is inviting and comfortable. Clearly this is a restaurant I could get cozy in.
I have so many favorites here. But, I keep fondly recalling the divine delight that is their Apple wood Smoked Bacon Beignets. They are served deep-fried with a beautiful bacon flavor with a delicious crème fraiche dipping sauce. These bites are nothing short of perfection. Castro District San Francisco visitors and residents have to come in, if at the least just to try them.
Like most restaurants of this type the menu is always evolving with a refined offering for everyone in the Castro. I really enjoyed the Bavette steak, aka flank steak ($25), it was cooked to a perfectly pink medium-rare and served with a deliciously nutty toasted farro ragout.
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