Photos by Rink
The Grand Opening of Catch French Bistro in the Castro took place on the evening of Saturday, September 21, 2024. For longtime devotees of Catch under the present and prior ownership, the event offered a rare chance to see former owner Sanjay Gujral together with present owner Mina Habil. Both men clearly admire each other. They praised each other throughout the evening and Habil has kept many of Catch’s favorite dishes on the menu.
Members of the San Francisco Bay Times team attended and were pleased to learn that Gujral is doing well. (He had announced his retirement earlier this year after 22 years at Catch.) He admired some of the new decor at the restaurant, such as the bright umbrellas on the ceiling evoking the French film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Renowned interior designer Bonnie McGregor, who frequents the restaurant, was inspired to help with its redesign and was present at the Grand Opening.
Special guests at the event included Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, and Cleve Jones. The restaurant’s location, 2362 Market Street, is steeped in LGBTQ+ history. Significantly, it was where The NAMES Project and AIDS Memorial Quilt began in June 1987. During the year prior, 1986, Jones created what was to become the Quilt’s first panel in memory of his friend Marvin Feldman. The fateful meeting in 1987, described in this issue of the San Francisco Bay Times by Quilt Production Coordinator and Panel Maker Gert McMullin, was when The NAMES Project was formally organized.
Jones still values the location, not only for its historical significance but also for being an important restaurant in the neighborhood. While he and Mayor Breed had multiple events that evening, they both ordered from the menu and enjoyed a few favorite dishes.
In addition to keeping many of the classic Catch entrées and the restaurant’s famous Brioche and French Pudding (bread pudding with raisins and bourbon whiskey sauce), Habil has kept musician Dr. Dee Spencer. As she has for years, she holds court with her distinctive bright red piano on Fridays and weekends at the restaurant. She served as accompanist during the Grand Opening, with emcee and performer Donna Sachet singing for guests. Glasses of free champagne were offered before Sachet led a toast.
After the end of the official program, former X-Factor finalist and entertainer Jason Brock performed a surprise set. Brock only recently has returned to San Francisco after a lengthy stay in Japan. By the end of the evening, Brock had guests singing along with him.
Catch is now offering a Happy Hour from 3–5 pm and a specially priced three-course meal. Additional special events are in the works. For updates, to check out the menu, and to make reservations, visit http://www.catchfrenchbistro.com
Published on October 3, 2024
Recent Comments