Rigolo Exterior on California Street
Pascal Rigo has brought his French magic to San Francisco's Laurel Village in the form of his new cafe, Rigolo. The cafe, located at 3465 California Street, takes over the space previously occupied by Eppler's Bakery. Rigolo now joins Rigo's portfolio of San Francisco boulangeries, restaurants and cafes, which include: Boulange de Polk, Boulange de Cole, Chez Nous, Cortez Restaurant & Bar, Galette, Le Petit Robert and La Table O & Co.
"Rigolo" is a French term used to describe something as "a little funny." Consistent with that theme, Rigolo brings a casual and fun dining option to California Street. Currently open for breakfast and lunch (dinner will become an option in October), the cafe offers Rigo's celebrated breads and pastries. In addtion, a full menu of hearty café cuisine is also available. Finally, Rigolo also offers a full range of organic coffee and espresso drinks, as well as a selection of European beer and wine.
A primary feature of Rigolo's menu is its baker's pizzas, made fresh to order with Bay Bread's own organic flour. Rigolo offers three types of crusts including country style, whole grain and rye, combined with a range of fresh topping options such as prosciutto, spinach, tomato and baked eggs. Rigolo customers can also indulge in Rigo's classic French nibbles such as croque monsieurs and niçoise salads. All menu items are prepared using simple, fresh ingredients and European pressed olive oils.
"We are taking what we know how to do best – organic, flour-based products, and using these as the foundation for Rigolo's excellent cafe menu," says Pascal Rigo, founder of Bay Bread and a partner of Rigolo with Douglas Mathieux. "We are excited to bring good, fresh food to the Laurel Village community," said Pascal.
Mathieux, who grew up in France, was formerly a sales executive with Apple Computer who is now pursuing his passion. When he moved to San Francisco a number of year ago, he discovered Bay Bread Boulangerie which, he says, "Was the first time I encountered exactly the quality of baked goods that I would eat as a child in France." Since then, Mathieux has developed both a friendship and, now, a business partnership with Rigo.
Overseeing Rigolo's menu and kitchen is up-and-coming chef Jeff Gambardella. Hailing most recently from San Francisco's Postrio and Restaurant Lulu, Gambardella brings solid experience in working with pasta, pizza and pastries.
Rigolo is a kid-friendly atmosphere offering both a children's menu and a kid's play area in the back of the café.
Rigolo Interior
The cafe, designed by Berkeley-based Terry & Terry Architecture, features an interior that combines warm and cool elements to create an authentic French café atmosphere with a modern aesthetic. The 2,000-square foot cafe boasts hardwood wall panels, custom wooden counters, pietra grigia stone, and stained concrete floors. Existing wood trusses are highlighted by a 30-foot skylight, while authentic 1950s French bistro tables accompanied by Parisian café chaises grace the center space. Large windows overlook an outdoor seating area that accommodates three tables.
We were honored to be customer #1 at Rigolo when we popped in to buy a bottle of olive oil and a fresh baguette, the day before the café officially opened.
This morning, we subsequently came in for a light breakfast and found Rigolo to be a great addition to the neighborhood. Given the long line at the counter, we are not surprised others have discovered the "magic." While Jennifer enjoyed a latte, quiche and fresh fruit, I made a point to order a "chausson aux pommes" (apple turnover) and not a "chanson aux pommes" (song to the apples), which got me into some trouble when I was a college student in France -- but that's another story.
Rigolo adds something that was missing in Laurel Heights: a casual and fun venue for light, delicious café fare. We look forward to becoming regular customers. We also plan to stop by again when the cafe inagurates its dinner menu in October.
For hours and prices on some of their breakfast and lunch items, go to:
SF.RuggedElegance.com/Rigolo
Congratulations Pascal, Douglas and Chef Jeff Gambardella.
Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and flavorful French living!
-Tim
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