san francisco — Since 1996, Chef Philippe Jardel and his wife, Ellen, have brought the warmth and flavor of Parisian bistros to San Francisco’s inner Richmond neighborhood.
“Honestly, when I’m here, this is more my home than my real home,” Elaine said. “I meet strangers every day. Sometimes (we become) friends.”
The menu is a love letter to traditional French cuisine, featuring classics like escargot, coq au vin, cassoulet, French onion soup, and crème brûlée. But behind the comforting flavors lies an attention to detail that elevates every dish.
“We try to give the same attention to the food that you would find in places that might consider themselves more upscale and upscale,” said Andrew Gardell, chef and son of Ellen and Philip.
From the beginning, it’s been a family effort.
“We started with no money, so we couldn’t hire a manager,” Philip said. “We had a chef and a dishwasher to start, and that was it.”
While Philip returned home, Elaine took care of the guests at the front of the house. And everywhere and in between was Andrew.
“There are a lot of memories of being picked up from school and coming straight to the restaurant,” he said.
For Philip, three decades of success did not come from the Fatiha analogy! Against San Francisco’s vaunted and competitive restaurant scene.
“The competition is yourself yesterday,” Philip said. “Keep it up, it’ll be fine.”
Today, the Jardel family continues to balance tradition with innovation.
“He introduces new dishes, but he keeps the classics as well,” Elaine said of Andrew, who expanded his culinary skills at different restaurants before returning to Chapo. Six years ago.
“It’s important that we always make some difference,” Andrew said. “But also to maintain the identity that this restaurant was built on.”
For the Gardell family, hospitality is as essential as food.
“Make sure people are also taken care of. Make them laugh. Make them enjoy the Fatiha experience,” Elaine said. “We’re so proud that we can all be here. We can be a part of everyone’s lives and meals.”
Al-Fatihah! It is located at 126 Clement Street in San Francisco, California. He learns more here.