[CLOSED]
Fringale, which means "the urge to eat," pioneered the South of Market culinary renaissance as one of the first true French bistros in San Francisco. Opened by chef Gerald Hirigoyen and J.B. Lorda in September 1991, it has remained a favorite dining spot for food lovers, socialites, politicians, artists, journalists, and out-of-town celebrities.
When J.B. decided to retire, he felt that having one of the staff members become the new owner would be a great way to ensure that the Fringale offering of excellent service and delicious food would continue. In July of 2005, the responsibility of owning and continuing Fringale's reputation went to Jean-Marie Legendre, one of the original employees of the restaurant.
From his hometown of Mortagne au Perche in the Normandie region of France, a sixteen year old Jean-Marie moved to Paris and began his career in the food business selling produce in the open market while earning his degree at the Université of Marne La Valle. Upon graduation, he worked in the cheese business for six years before coming to the United States in 1987. He immediately plunged into the restaurant world with various front of house roles at La Petite Auberge in San Rafael and J.C. Lair's Chambord Brasserie before being asked to join the team at Fringale.
The restaurant's sponged eggshell colored walls, blonde wooden chairs, sand and earth toned banquettes, and verdigris bartop create a dining environment that is sophisticated, intimate, and inviting. Fringale is a place where guests can drop in for a glass of wine and snack at the bar or enjoy a tantalizing meal prepared by one of the finest French kitchens in San Francisco.
In addition to a full bar, Fringale's wine list offers a fine selection of California wines along with wine selections from smaller French producers that Jean-Marie enjoys discovering and sharing with his guests.
