The masterminds behind Aqua introduce Cafe de la Presse, a charming alternative to Union Square's uninspired eateries. Nuzzled between San Francisco's French Quarter and downtown's bustling shopping scene, Cafe de la Presse offers a French dining experience so authentic you'll feel as if you've been transported to a Parisian bistro on the Boulevard Saint-Germain. On the way to our table we browsed haute, hard-to-find Euro fashion magazines from their extensive newsstand, before being led downstairs into warm, mahogany accented surroundings. For an appetizer, we suggest sampling savories such as their sauteed Escargots or the Creme de Lentilles, a lentil soup with smoked duck breast. Whether you're in the mood for traditional French fare such as the Boeuf Bourguignon dripping in a luscious red wine sauce, or something a bit more colorful, like the crispy galettes (chic little French pizzas), Lotte a la Marseillaise-monkfish in saffron sauce with fennel and olives - there is a menu full of scrumptious choices. After a long day at the office (or at the shops), stop by Cafe de la Presse to recharge and refresh with a Pernod cocktail and one of chef Laurent Manrique's always on-point creations.