I'm not sure how many times we've been there, but given that I don't usually give restaurants a second chance seeing that we're in San Francisco, gastronomical paradise and hence no real need for every repeating restaurants, the fact that we've been there several times means a lot. Also saying a lot is the fact that we've been there enough and know exactly what we want to order to the point that I've stopped taking photos of each dish (my little ritual as D sits and frowns longingly at the food he is not allowed to eat) because they all started looking the same.
For instance, the second time we had les moules:
vs. the third time we had les moules:
Our second burger, with brie:
And then we wised up and realised that the burgers were so phenomenal that they were best without any of the cheesy, bacony, avocadoy, etc. additions. These burgers deserve to be eaten plain and unhindered because they burst with meaty flavour just the way they are. Sis and I took one bite of the plain burger, our eyes bugged, and we pronounced it the best burger we had ever eaten in our lives. That is quite something. The patty is so flavorful and the veggies are seasoned beautifully and the ciabata is crisp and the aioli ... aiiyeee I can't even describe it.
Here's the croque madame that D really loves. When we first got it, I thought to myself, oh cute little side to the awesome burger we're going to have. But it was mindblowingly good even though it looks rather innocuous, just like the burger. I think the power is in its creamy bechamel sauce.
We also tried a roasted brie with roasted garlic and dish. Garlic and onion are so puzzling to be because they're so vile raw (I generally refuse to eat anything that has touched a raw onion or raw garlic) but they are just So Good cooked. Especially when it's a whole head of garlic, roasted to soft, sweet perfection, spreadable like butter.
On crostini, of course.
One of the best things about Chez Maman is that it's a teensy little unassuming restaurant that's actually very affordable. No airs, really like being at Mum's kitchen, well, assuming Mum is French. The restaurant itself seats about ... 8 people at the bar, which is right in front of the entire kitchen set up where you try to spy on the magic that goes into your amazing mussels or watch your amazing little patty get grilled up. Maybe 4 more at a small table squished in the corner. And 4 more outside when the weather permits. We've given up about twice or thrice due to ridiculously long waits, no reservations allowed.
Even Dad and Mum have been here twice. Sis also has though she didn't go with us that time. Aiyoh, so cute. It was cold outside but we were basking under the outdoor heater.
This little restaurant has a big place in my heart. It has yet to fail us despite my expectations being sky high every time we go there!