When Philippe Gardelle left La Folie six years ago to open the Richmond District's Bistro Chapeau! on a shoestring, a successful restaurant venture in the area was far from a sure thing. Today, with critically acclaimed and popular eateries popping up all along the Geary Boulevard artery, the Richmond is quickly becoming a culinary destination, but back in 1995 this was not the case.

In order to succeed in what otherwise might seem to be an impossible location, Philippe relied on what he knew best: wine. Chapeau! is one of only 6 Bay Area restaurants to have been honored with Wine Spectator's "award of excellence", and one glance at its list shows why. This massive tome encompasses nearly 300 bottles ranging from $23 to $280 dollars, all California, Oregon, and French producers.

- Excerpt from Bistro Chapeau! A Foodie Haven in the Richmond by Luke Raimondo