It was a dark and stormy night ~ a fun opportunity came up to dine at Chez Poulet (stomping grounds…read moreof Radio Valencia) and I immediately signed up for the adventure.
From 24th Street Mission BART Station, head south on Mission and hang a left at Cesar Chavez. While on the south side of the street, keep your eyes peeled for a large red door, part way between Mission & Van Ness Streets.
Walking in, you'll see DJ's in the Radio Valencia booth, busily broadcasting. http://radiovalencia.fm/about/
You'll also encounter a small coat rack, a few parked bikes, and a person checking guests in. He asked about food restrictions ~ I think this is geared for folks who pre-arranged. Since I was a last minute stand in and hadn't indicated beforehand, he suggested that I skip the meat (I've been trying to be more vegetarian these days, although the last few have been the contrary).
$10 or $20 bottles of red offered at check in ~ we were lucky to purchase the last bottle. I recommend getting there on the early side if you'd like to indulge in wine.
Walking into the main dining area, I came across easy on the eyes ambiance ~ long communal tables, dark, candle glow, high loft ceiling, low stage, brick wall, small disco ball. Attire ranged from date-night dressy to casual.
Our pre-fixe dinner included (description from the site):
Course 1: Potato and leek soup with bacon lardons & crostini
Course 2: Mango salad with mixed organic greens & a vinaigrette
Course 3: Seared polenta with ricotta cheese (homemade), chives & apricot jam
Course 4: 'Roast beast: cooked slow and low... apple cider braised pork shoulder with apple/cabbage slaw dressed with cider vinegar'
Course 5: chocolate cupcake with 'goth' motif in honor of David J. I'm all for (plastic) spider rings, cockroaches and centipedes.
Three bands performed between courses moving the evening along. David J (of Bauhaus fame) was the 'headliner', taking me back to the '80's with 'St. James Infirmary'.
Highlights of CP included Courses 4 & 5, the 50-seat communal atmosphere and live entertainment. John, the MC, did a great job keeping the evening upbeat and flowing.
Chez Poulet hosts special events. My online search yielded a few crumbs as to how to keep a pulse on CP happenings. If you want to partake, my recommendation is to set up a Google Alert, or check on BrownPaperTickets.com. The friend that invited me was there because her friend invited her. This friend couldn't make it , hence I came upon Chez Poulet on this dark and stormy night. Woo hoo!