SAN FRANCISCO — Since 1996, Chef Philippe Gardelle and his wife Ellen have been bringing the warmth and flavor of a Parisian bistro to San Franciscos Inner Richmond neighborhood.
“Honestly, when I’m here, this is more my home than my real home,” Ellen said. “I meet strangers every day. Sometimes we (become) friends.”
The menu is a love letter to traditional French cuisine, featuring classics like escargots, coq au vin, cassoulet, French onion soup and creme brule. But behind the comforting flavors lies an attention to detail that elevates every dish.
“We try to bring the same care into the food that you would find in places that might consider themselves more upscale and fancy,” said Andrew Gardelle, chef de cuisine, and Ellen and Philippe’s son.
From the start, it was a family effort.
“We started with no money, and so we couldn’t hire a manager,” said Philippe. “We had a chef and a dishwasher to start and that’s it.”
While Philippe was back of house, Ellen took care of the guests in the front of house. And everywhere and in between was Andrew.
“A lot of memories of just being picked up from school and coming straight to the restaurant,” he said.
For Philippe, three decades of success came not from measuring Chapeau! against San Francisco’s vaunted and competitive restaurant scene.
“The competition is yourself yesterday,” Philippe said. “Keep it up, and it will be fine.”
Today, the Gardelles continue to balance tradition and innovation.
“He’s bringing newer dishes, but keeping the classics too,” Ellen said of Andrew, who expanded his culinary skills at different restaurants before returning to Chapeau! six years ago.
“Its important to always be bringing some change,” Andrew said. “But to also maintain the identity this restaurant was built off of.”
For the Gardelles, hospitality is as essential as the food.
“Make sure people also get taken care of. Make them laugh. Make them enjoy the experience of Chapeau,” Ellen said. “We are very proud that we can all be here. We can be part of everybody’s lives and meals.”
Chapeau! is located at 126 Clement Street in San Francisco, California. Learn more here.
Dining and Cooking