Mother and Pop (and Son) restaurant Chapeau! brings a style of Paris to San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO — Since 1996, Chef Philippe Gardelle and his spouse Ellen have been bringing the heat and taste of a Parisian bistro to San Franciscos Interior Richmond neighborhood.

“Actually, once I’m right here, that is extra my residence than my actual residence,” Ellen stated. “I meet strangers on daily basis. Generally we (turn into) buddies.”

The menu is a love letter to conventional French delicacies, that includes classics like escargots, coq au vin, cassoulet, French onion soup and creme brule. However behind the comforting flavors lies an consideration to element that elevates each dish.

“We attempt to convey the identical care into the meals that you’d discover in locations which may think about themselves extra upscale and fancy,” stated Andrew Gardelle, chef de delicacies, and Ellen and Philippe’s son.

From the beginning, it was a household effort.

“We began with no cash, and so we could not rent a supervisor,” stated Philippe. “We had a chef and a dishwasher to begin and that is it.”

Whereas Philippe was again of home, Ellen took care of the company within the entrance of home. And in all places and in between was Andrew.

“A number of recollections of simply being picked up from college and coming straight to the restaurant,” he stated.

For Philippe, three many years of success got here not from measuring Chapeau! towards San Francisco’s vaunted and aggressive restaurant scene.

“The competitors is your self yesterday,” Philippe stated. “Stick with it, and will probably be positive.”

At the moment, the Gardelles proceed to steadiness custom and innovation.

“He is bringing newer dishes, however maintaining the classics too,” Ellen stated of Andrew, who expanded his culinary expertise at totally different eating places earlier than returning to Chapeau! six years in the past.

“Its vital to at all times be bringing some change,” Andrew stated. “However to additionally keep the identification this restaurant was constructed off of.”

For the Gardelles, hospitality is as important because the meals.

“Be sure individuals additionally get taken care of. Make them chortle. Make them benefit from the expertise of Chapeau,” Ellen stated. “We’re very proud that we will all be right here. We could be a part of all people’s lives and meals.”

Chapeau! is situated at 126 Clement Avenue in San Francisco, California. Be taught extra right here.