Tyler Florence Adds Another to His Roster: El Paseo, Mill Valley

Tyler Florence has created another hit here in the Bay Area! Ty-Flo   (as many of his fans and followers affectionately call him) partnered   up with another famous Marin resident; Sammy Hagar, to re-create and bring El Paseo back to a thriving life in Mill Valley. The original restaurant located in the heart of Mill Valley at 17 Throckmorton was established in 1947. Until it’s closure to be re-vamped in 2009, El Paseo was traditional French and, then more recently, an Asian interpretation of French cuisine.

What has emerged from this transformation is a shining beauty; filled with dreamy ambiance, great food and a diverse wine-list with many favorites. The brick, ranch-style cluster of buildings that make up El Paseo House of Chops, harbor a feeling of comfort, style and warmth; just what Mill Valley needed.

After dinning at both of Tyler’s other Bay Area creations; Wayfare Tavern and Rotisserie & Wine, I’m confidant that El Paseo is not just a repeat but, it is something different and special in it’s own ways.

Upon arriving we were led to our table, situated in a dinning room with large windows, opened to the outdoor patio seating area—perfect for warm weather evenings. During our dinner, we enjoyed the following from chef de cuisine Preston Clark’s menu:

Rolls with a pesto-butter (served in a small cast-iron pan, very cute!)
Caesar Salad (the olive oil MADE this salad—will re-order on future visits)
Shrimp Cocktail (very pretty presentation)
Halibut (extremely fresh and tender, just the way it should be)
Truffle Butter Filet (cooked to perfection and paired with a poached onion)
Steamed Broccoli (with a cheesy goodness drizzled all over)
Chocolate Souffle (with a dollop of crème fraiche- SUPER tasty!)
Doughnut Holes (with lemon curd and blueberries- AWESOME!)

To accompany the food we self-selected the following wines, all very well-priced:
Ramey Chardonnay
Banshee Pinot  Noir
Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon

Service was excellent. The bussers and servers are all very attentive and the manager/host was checking on tables throughout the evening as well; just what we would have expected and more.

Nice work T-Flo and Mr. Hagar, we’ll be back!