Marc Rasic, a Chronicle rising star chef who has worked at some of the top places in France, brings his expertise to this new Pacific Heights restaurant that used to house the popular Tortola. With a gold and green color scheme, elegant swoops of fabric on the walls and windows, Tiffany-style chandeliers and racy animal print chairs, the room has much more panache than the moderate prices seem to indicate. Note: The back room, known as La Table du Chef, is run like a separate restaurant, with an interior that isn't as pretty and higher prices.
Cuisine: French Specialities: Braised oxtail on frisee salad; grilled calamari with oranges and black olives; braised beef cheeks; braised chicken with seasonal vegetables; canneles de Bordeaux for dessert. Seats: 60 Prices: $14-$19.50 Parking: Valet $8 Vitals: 3640 Sacramento (between Locust and Spruce), San Francisco; (415) 345-8600. Lunch and dinner daily. Beer and wine. Reservations and credit cards accepted.
