You're looking at what may be the best thing that Coco500 has to offer.
My friend S. and I dropped in for lunch the other day after a foiled attempt to grab a bite at Zuppa (suddenly closed for lunch -- but didn't they just open for lunch?) We were both loyal fans of Bizou and, despite mixed reviews, have been dying to try its newly reincarnated form.
The truth? The interior's blue walls and warm wooden tables are an improvement over Bizou's more intimate atmosphere, but service was lazy and amateurish.Even at 2 pm on a weekday when the restaurant was nearly empty, we waited a few minutes longer than necessary to be greeted and sat; our server forgot an iced tea -- the only drink order -- until reminded; and the entrées came out so close on the heels of the appetizer, it reminded me of a younger sister following her older, more popular one to the mall.
The food was a mix of the sumptuous and the so-so. Loretta Keller's infamous tempura-fried green beans, crisp in a lemony dipping sauce, got us off to a good start. Pizza with sweet corn, Italian bacon, zippy poblano peppers and ricotta salata had a crisp crust and an intriguing blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors but wasn't something I'd go back for. The housemade spaghetti with lamb and ricotta meatballs was flavorful, but cold.
Desserts saved the day. Marbled "brownies" were really lush, mini-chocolate cakes with insides just this side of gooey, and we fought over the vacherin, a ring of meringue topped with a ball of coffee ice cream, slivered almonds and a deep, rich chocolate sauce.
Still, we couldn't help but sigh, "Oh Bizou, Bizou, wherefore art thou Bizou?" at meal's end.
Coco500, San Francisco, 500 Brannon, 415.543.2222
Yum, those mini chocolate cakes look so dense and rich and delicious. I'd say it's worth sitting through a less-than-ideal meal if it means enjoying one of those at the end of it! :)
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Beth - The Zen Foodist | October 07, 2005 at 02:03 PM
It is definitely top of my list for dessert and drinks at the bar...You, too, Beth!
Posted by: Catherine | October 07, 2005 at 03:52 PM
Yup. This seals the deal. The service flaws are going to drive that place into the ground. Why Loretta is NOT paying more attention is beyond me.
I'm so glad that the vacherin made the cut... it's such a perfect and yummy dessert.
Posted by: Fatemeh | October 10, 2005 at 01:42 PM
Fatemah -- it's such a shame, too. But it's never too late to change things. I would be willing to go back if I hear better things about the service.
Posted by: Catherine | October 10, 2005 at 04:41 PM
Totally agree. I'm still really considering sitting at the bar as an option.
Because that flatbread... ooooh, that flatbread.
Posted by: Fatemeh | October 11, 2005 at 04:12 PM
See, now, I didn't order the flatbread. I knew I should, but I just didn't. Damn!
Posted by: Catherine | October 11, 2005 at 04:22 PM