Left Bank Larkspur Brasserie

Larkspur has the most charming downtown of all of the small towns in Marin County, with many historic buildings lining Magnolia Avenue. On the north end of town you’ll see “Blue Rock Inn” painted on the side of one of these old buildings and a “Left Bank” sign below it. Which is it?

Left Bank Brasserie’s owners didn’t paint over “Blue Rock Inn,” despite the confusion it creates among new diners looking for Left Bank, out of respect for the building’s history as Marin County’s first hotel. It was built in 1895 of stone quarried from nearby Mt. Tamalpais and redwood that may have also come off the mountain. Left Bank didn’t take ownership of the building until 99 years later, when it opened in 1994.

The residents of the apartments (formerly hotel rooms) above the restaurant had better like the aromas of French food. You don’t need to know French to order at Left Bank—all menu items are described in English—but expect to be immersed in all things French. Like Parisian brasseries on the Left Bank of the Seine, which inspired the restaurant’s name, you can indulge in a leisurely meal in the dining room, dominated by a stone fireplace and cheerful French advertising posters, or enjoy a casual meal or drink at the covered street-side tables. The outdoor tables are in high demand during Sunday Brunch and on summer evenings.

Left Bank’s fresh, seasonal food is excellent and the portions are generous. The Tarte aux Champignons (several different mushrooms, carmelized onions, swiss cheese and truffle oil on flatbread) is the size of a dinner plate and it’s only on the appetizer menu—at a modest $10.25. The Poulet Roti (roasted chicken), Truite Grenobloise (roasted trout) and Steak Frites (skirt steak) are among the more popular entrees—all substantial, but served with sauces that aren’t too heavy, and moderately priced. There are many classic French dishes across the menu, too, like escargots, fondue, pate, duck a l’orange and crème brulee. Lunch/dinner entrees are $9.25-$22.50; Sunday Brunch entrees are $8.75-$11.75.

If you don’t live near Larkspur, Left Bank restaurants have since opened in downtown Menlo Park and San Jose’s Santana Row, which offer slightly different menus but similar ambiance.

HelloMetro Tip: Happy Hour is served weekdays at the century-old mahogany bar and outdoor tables from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing, with $5 wines and cocktails (try the Cucumber Collins or Liaison specialty cocktails).

- by Bob Cooper, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Bob Cooper

Bob Cooper is a full-time freelance writer (www.bob-cooper.com) who writes about travel, outdoor sports and health. He is a monthly contributor to Runner's World and has written recent articles for other national magazines such as Continental, Ladies' Home Journal and Inc.