Our Gamine

The past few months have been a swirl of wedding planning, feet-icing, and generally keeping busy.  To put the world on hold for an evening, John and I planned a night at our favorite romantic bistro.  When I first visited John in SF, it was called Chez Maman, but today it's Gamine, finally owned and operated by the friendly Frenchman who always chats us up en Français.  We didn't arrive until after 9pm and as reservations aren't accepted, the tiny space was full for another 45 minutes.  Absolutely not put off, we claimed a couple chairs outside, a glass of Burgundy and some warm bread.

Once our table was ready, we didn't need to review the menu in order to make our selections.  At this point I've probably tasted everything on the menu and there are some gems.  However, given the length of time since my last visit, I couldn't wait to indulge in my favorites.  There is nothing better than a restaurant specializing in timing.  Each dish arrived perfectly timed to our progress through the previous bit, our conversation, held hands and sips of wine.  After dinner, the owner brought us a congratulatory chocolate mousse, light as air.  He seemed to like hearing that our courtship began at their restaurant, right about the time it opened!  The place really does evoke romance in my mind and what fun to have a special spot we can always return to for a special night.