Whenever I get to eat cheesecake in the middle of the afternoon, I am one happy gal. And so a couple weeks ago, when I was invited by Andrew Freeman & Company to try the Market Lunch menu at Gaspar Brasserie, I naturally had to oblige.
Gaspar, the two-story restaurant tucked in FiDi, takes all the elements of French food and combines them with California flair. Their Market Lunch reflects the latest ingredients found at the farmer’s market that week, and so the menu could change as much as the seasons do.
No French meal is complete without cheese, and the cheese plate at Gaspar is one of my favorite ones I’ve eaten to date. Each cheese had its own character and went so well with the accompaniments, be them apples, walnuts, or buttery crostini. I could have eaten the whole platter and been satisfied with that as my meal!
Highlights: The appetizer of Avocado Mousse with beets, grapefruit, and pumpkin seed crumble reflected spring as its finest – beets are beating up the farmers’ markets right now (hah!), and the citrus is a hint from the winter season being carried over. The crumble was a surprising and delicious addition that added texture to the smoothness of the mousse.
Unlike most entrees I ate when in France, the dishes at Gaspar are healthy portions, which make it an awesome deal for a business or sit-down lunch. I tried to finish the tuna but I knew that we had dessert coming, so of course I had to save my appetite for that.
Along with the crunchy-sweet brownie cookie, I was lucky enough to try an assortment of chocolate petit fours (the chocolate cake was amazing), and my MO of desserts – cheesecake. Gaspar’s version is more flan-like, with a Grand Marnier sauce paired with it that added an orange burst.
I’d always walked by Gaspar on my way to work and I’m stoked that I had the opportunity to try it first hand. I can’t wait to come back and try some of their other lunch offerings – I’m pretty sure I spied some steamed mussels on the menu that are calling my name. If you visit, be sure to hashtag #MarketLunch and support local!
Gaspar Brasserie
185 Sutter Street
415.576.8800
Market Lunch served M-F 11:30 – 3pm
GIRL – those desserts though. Seriously, can I get in on this cheesecake business with you? Looks like you had an awesome time – hope you’re having equally awesome week!
Yessss I need a partner in crime for cheesecake anytime and always!