Cuisine:

• French
• Californian
• Others
• Contemporary

JiRaffe Description:
With the feel of a neighborhood bistro, JiRaffe offers a bright, airy space with two walls of windows, dark wood furnishings, several antique mirrors and wonderful paintings of 1800's French inspiration. Both main floor and loft seating available.
Thanks to the dedication of chef-owner Raphael Lunetta, JiRaffe has established itself as a serious dining destination without any unnecessary pretensions. Lunetta, a meticulous artisan, shops at local farmers' markets and picks the best he can find---often at a price, of course. Specials incorporate the ingredients he has discovered that very day, and his menu evolves seamlessly with the seasons. We see in his cuisine a strong foundation in classical French technique, but he also incorporates a diversity of influences---from Asia to South America---all the while respecting the seasonality of local ingredients. Signature dishes include a caramelized pork chop with wild rice, smoked bacon, apple chutney and a cider sauce; New Zealand rack of lamb with a curried vegetable moussaka, jasmine rice and thyme-scented lamb jus; and the terrific crispy-skinned salmon with parsnip purée and sweet balsamic nage. Among the favored appetizers, the roasted beet salad is still going strong, as well as the slow-roasted organic tomato tart with balsamic onion confit and mozzarella with a garlic emulsion. We find that the wine list is well-conceived but lacking in value. Service is swift, efficient and friendly. The two-level restaurant, with generous windows and white linen-clad tables, has the comfortable feel of a modern-day bistro.


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