For those of you who won’t be going to Paris in the near future, it is possible to enjoy a very Paris atmosphere by just going over to Belden Place, a narrow alley running between Bush and Pine and Kearny and Montgomery.

Surprise! You'll find a typical Paris scene with tables overflowing from the cafés onto the street. The clientele is a mixture of all age groups and budgets, from the suited financial district tycoons to the poets and artists who just like to come by and hang out.

My favorite restaurant is called Plouf (the sound a flying fish makes as it flops back in the water). Their menu offers mussels prepared in at least a dozen different ways and come to the table steaming in black iron caldrons.

Add a plate of French fries, a glass of Côte du Rhone red and settle down for a delicious treat.

Reservations in the evening are a must: 415-986-6491.

For more info visit their website.

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