Tasty..er...I mean Professional!

Atmosphere: Upscale California Wine Bar

Clientele: Older (30’s+)

Spirits: Full bar, fine selection of beer and wine

Staff: Just look at the picture

I know you must be thinking…a full bar and a cute bartender, is that what it takes to get a perfect score on the Barfly? Well, no, but it doesn’t hurt.

Located at 8050 Bodega Avenue in Sebastopol, the French Garden is almost unbearably charming. The bar is separate from the dining area and there is ample outdoor seating in a lovely patio setting although it can get a bit loud depending on traffic. There is a fair amount of bar seating, a smattering of tables and on the nights when there is live music, they set up in front of the fireplace, a spot where I fully intend to spend at least a couple of  nights sipping Irish coffee come winter weather.

There’s now a single menu for both the bar and restaurant. The prices have gone up but not unreasonably. For example, the steak sandwich, which is divine, was an extremely justifiable $10 and is now still a good value at $12. Over all the menu is an eclectic mix; with offerings like lobster spring rolls, chicken curry and the gourmet pizzas. All of the food is delicious.

I’ve eaten here several times and I’ve always had excellent service. The waitstaff has been courteous and prompt, and have taken the time to learn their menu and wine list. My happy hour visit to the bar was no different. I met a friend for a light meal and some drinks. We ordered the lobster spring rolls to start and I appreciated that Jeff, our hunky bartender, warned us that it was a small plate. He recommended the calamari, which was also very good but more suitable for two. This is a sign of a professional – not just making a statement but offering a suggestion as well.

The full bar was a nice change after visiting so many brewhouses and pubs in the last two weeks. The French Garden has Absolut vanilla vodka (did you hear that Blue Heron? I hope you are listening) which made me happy. Not as happy as Stoli Vanil but happier than say, Smirnoff. My friend and I also split a steak sandwich and you’d be surprised how many times I’ve split plates with friends and had to request an extra plate, but not here. Jeff was on it. We had also enjoyed several drinks – glasses of wine for my friend and Cape Cods for me – and while we wanted another, we decided against it until Jeff tempted us with a half glass of wine and a half cocktail! A half cocktail! In the cutest little glass I’ve ever seen. It was then that Jeff tied with St. Brian as my all-time favorite bartender. Or maybe it was when he told me he gives foot massages…

They also have happy hour from 5-7PM with drink specials ($3 pints and $4 well).

So it was a perfect experience – great ambiance, delicious food at reasonable prices and a very professional, charming bartender who actually knows his craft. Well done, French Garden!

Pros:

Parking

Charmingly upscale without pretension or outrageous prices

Good food

Happy hour

The bartender

Cons:

A little loud when sitting outside