Le Gare/Old school eateries

Okay, I'm gonna start things off here. One of the oldest of the old school places in Santa Rosa that I've always wanted to write about is Le Gare. I've never been. I have to wonder what the secret to a restaurant staying in business for 30 years really is.

So stay tuned for that one.

Mmmmmmmmmmmm

I haven't been in about a year (since I now live outside CA) but I always go when I come back to town. Try the sweetbreads if they still have them.

I've never been to La Gare, but now that I know they have sweetbreads, I'll have to try it!! Love those little glands of goodness.

I go to LaGare just about every trip I make back to Santa Rosa. (At least 3 times a year) I was there Friday night....there were some problems I hadn't experienced since about a decade or more ago when they had a crowd from, what was then, Thursday Night Market.
The service was mediocre. My water glass was empty more times than I could count. Since we were in a corner booth, conveniently next to a water pitcher, I ended up filling my own glass until the pitcher ran dry.
My favorite dessert, the chocolate mousse was bland at best. It tasted like they left at least half the chocolate out. I was very disappointed.
However, my broiled chicken was WONDERFUL as usual. I may return just for the chicken, expect mediocre service and then find some place else to have dessert to end the evening.

I've eaten here many times over the past 10 years - they are pretty consistant with the food, and in my opinion the food is "okay" I'd eat there again, but would not expect greatness.

I used to eat there quite often and do now about once a year and it's always a special treat. Their Hearts of Palm salad is very good with their house dressing. Their crab cakes appetizer can be ordered as a dinner and it always hits the spot. Best French Onion soup around.

I have eaten at La Gares many many time and it has incredible food. I reccommend the crab cakes, they are to die for!

LaGare is one of our favor restaurants in SR. We have been eating there for over 30 years. It's a great restaurant for special occasions, but it is also a good restaurant for just going out to dinner. Jackie, her brother Roger (Chef), and her mother, Gladys, are the perfect hosts, and Mark, one of their waiters, has been working there for over 20 years. Their dinners are always good, and come with soup and salad. I have so many favorites -Beef Wellington, London Broil for 2 served on a plank, Sole, Pawns, crab cakes, Salmon, Veal. They have a large menu, and for a special treat, try their Cherries Jubilee. It is fixed at your table. If you haven't been there, you should try it. I can't remember ever having a bad meal there or poor service.

I have had many meals at La Gare over the years and rarely have had anything but a great meal. They know what people are mostly looking for in a great local dinner along with solid consistency and that I believe is the secret of their longevity. You will find no "trendy fads" here such as obsession with "presentation" or tiny portions with a "drop" of exotic sauce. What you will find is very good French dining with an eye for the traditional and satisfying.