Perhaps the day after Christmas is not the best day to celebrate with an out-for-a-snack- and-beverage afternoon. But we had good reason and cause to do just that. Importantly, Roberto had a hankering for oysters and so did I… The plan was hatched. So, we headed out to an interesting venue called Left Bank Brasserie.
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There are actually three Left Bank Brasserie locations in the Bay area of San Francisco: Larkspur (less than 10 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge), Santana Row (Just a few minutes south of San Jose Mineta airport), and Menlo Park. We selected the one located in Menlo Park.
Inspiration: Chef Roland Passot’s Vision
From the Left Bank Menlo Park website: “Inspired by the birthplace of the original Parisian brasseries along the Left Bank of the Seine River in Paris and part of a group of authentic Parisian-style brasseries by Chef Roland Passot. First opened in 1994, Left Bank Brasserie has three locations in bustling residential neighborhoods…”
Setting the Scene: Friday in Menlo Park
An unassuming location greeted us in downtown Menlo Park. Waking through the front door, I was a bit surprised by the lack of patrons. After all, it was afternoon on a Friday during what I assumed to be legitimate cocktail hour… The host led us to one of only two or three other tables seated, in a place that could hold perhaps sixty or more diners. Oh, well.
On The Menu: Classic French Sophistication
We first ordered a cocktail and perused the menu as we were sipping our beverages. Entrees like Ahi Tuna Tartare, Moules Frites (Steamed Mussels), Niçoise Salad, Beef Bourguignon (of course!), Duck Confit, and many more traditional French classics, all graced the menu. Lauren and I have had the good fortune of dining at a number of French restaurants and have sampled all of those delicious items mentioned above.
The Raw Bar Experience
But although I was very tempted… we were on a mission: here today for the fresh oysters! They would provide the appetizer for tonight’s dinner that we would later prepare at home. We waited awhile for the oysters to be delivered… but, having much experience myself with shucking oysters, I knew that time was a necessary expectation. When they arrived at our table, I assumed they were the Washington State variety, as they were on the small side. That made me think they were the Olympia, Washington oyster, historically abundant in Puget Sound. But they were of excellent, clean and unique taste and quality, with a notable buttery flavor.
Happy Hour Value and Memories of the Past
We were lucky to be there (at Left Bank) during Happy Hour, as the oysters were “only” $12 for a half dozen – normally they would have been twice that price! We ordered a dozen and a half. Many, many years ago, I was fortunate to have been in Daytona Beach, Florida at an oyster bar (I’m sorry I cannot remember the name) that offered an oyster happy hour. Oysters were ten cents each during that time! They were the Apalachicola variety., some of the very best I had ever enjoyed, and I ate way too many! But I digress. Those days are long gone and everything today is far more expensive now than it was “back in the day”. The value at Left Bank was still a very welcome find.
A Technical Critique: The Art of the Shuck
Most importantly, the oysters at Left Bank were very good and very fresh. The only real ding I will assess is that whoever shucked our oysters needs a bit more practice in the art of shucking. He – or she – only separated one of the two adductor muscles of the oyster from the shell. Leaving one Adductor Muscle attached will make it difficult to fully open the oyster and remove it from the shell. Damage to the rest of the oyster will usually result, often making proper presentation difficult and loss of the tasty Oyster Liquor inside almost a certainty. Ours on that day were lacking that excellent Oyster liquor…
The Final Verdict on Left Bank
In any case, our pre-dinner appetizers were very good. Service was also good, although plating and presentation could have been better. For those seeking a quiet, authentic atmosphere in Menlo Park, it’s a solid choice. We all enjoyed Left Bank of Menlo Park! They earn a solid 3.0 Zin rating.
Your Table is waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Left Bank Brasserie is located at 635 Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park, California.
–See how Left Bank stacked up in my Year in Review: 2025. Did it make the Top 10?–
Lauren’s Links
- Professional Oyster Shucking Knife Set – Includes 3.5″ Stainless Steel Oyster Shucker with Non-Slip Handle & Bent Tip, Kitchen Cutting Gloves
- The Oyster Companion: A Field Guide by Patrick McMurray (Author)
- The Joy of Oysters: A Complete Guide to Sourcing, Shucking, Grilling, Broiling, and Frying by Nils Bernstein (Author)
- Cast Iron Oyster Grill Pan (Amazon)
