What’s a Siren or Scoundrel to do when they’re itching for the South of France but also need to pay the rent? Head up to Sausalito and experience the Riviera’s kissing cousin in all its dreamy aquamarine glory. If you really want to set the scene, go straight to Le Garage for a French Bistro dining experience that will leave you asking, “Cannes who?”

Sitting right along the waterfront with big white sailboats and shiny yachts glittering and bobbing lazily in the afternoon sun, you can relax with a glass of French rose and dust off those phrases you haven’t used since high school: “Ah oui, Monsieur, je vais tres bien, merci beaucoup. Umm…that’s all that I remember.”

Le Garage is a true fine dining experience made refreshingly accessible and delicious. The French owners wanted to bring some of their local comfort foods to the traditional bistro menu. So alongside their exquisitely executed staples like Steak Frites and Salade Nicoise, you’ll also find Country Pork Chops and Crispy Panisse—french fries made from chickpeas.

The highlight of our meal by far was the P.E.I. Mussels. Siren Sarah kept putting her fork down, rolling her eyes back in ecstasy and exclaiming to anyone who would listen, “These are the BEST mussels I have ever had in my LIFE!” Then she’d get real quiet and just shake her head in disbelief. Le Garage delivered some mussels shock-and-awe to our resident foodie that she still can’t stop talking about. Light and delicious with no hint of “fishiness” and a lemony garlic wine sauce you could drink on its own, I’d have to agree with Sarah–best mussels ever. Better, even, than the South of France.

Le Garage is open Monday~Sunday. Check the website for exact seating times and rotating seasonal menus. http://www.legaragebistrosausalito.com

Words by Christina Huntington // Photography by Sarah Prikryl

© 2015 Sirens and Scoundrels