One of the last times we went to the Bubble Lounge, we saw two hot women sitting on a certain former mayor's lap. Maybe it was the va-va-voom sexy red cushy sofas and seats, combined with the brick interiors, dim lighting and pulsing DJ beats? Or that a high proportion of women seem to show tasteful cleavage when working or chillin' at the Bubble Lounge? Simply put, folks seem to have a good time there. Be it symptom, cause, or a bit of both, this at times lusty yet fun behavior must have something to do with all that bubbly flowing.

Bubbly lovers may find their own reasons to get all warm and cuddly these days. There's a new champagne in town, and guess where it's offered? The Bubble Lounge is the only spot to carry Champagne Gardet in the whole state. Why should we care? Take the history and taste. Hailing from the Premier Cru areas of France (duh) and macerated rather than aged in the traditional barrel way, Champagne Gardet comes from a champagne family with centuries of experience, and is smooth, fruity, and elegant. When a wine receives ninety points or more from the well heralded Wine Spectator, it's usually a great idea to take notice.

While it's true that champagne can often be one of the easiest adult beverages to match with foods, it takes a certain "skill set" to sip glass after glass without feeling sleepy or woozy. Experienced drinkers (us!) tend to turn to salty, savory, textured food to stay fortified. If a recent tasting is any indication, the Bubble Lounge's recently revamped French fusion menu, composed by Chef Brian Konopka may do the trick.

Chef Konopka's last name means "little sandwich" in Polish, and may explain some of the menu items. Chef Little Sandwich has trained with big guns at El Bulli and Le Cirque, as well as top toques like Daniel Boulud and Sylvain Portay.

May we turn our spotlight on to our favorite nibbles from Chef Little Sandwich? Food is served 'til one or two a.m., which is great to remember the next time you are stumbling around North Beach looking for sophisticated grub. Try any of the three grilled panini sandwiches. Go for the smoked duck breast with grilled brie and fig jam for a subtle, smooth, sweet, salty, crunchy delight. Another somewhat exotic find was a quail egg on country bread with bacon and chives. Gooey, salty and delicious. The dark chocolate mousse is yet another great foil for the champagne, and we totally heart it's small yet apropos serving spoon. There is also tuna tartare, smoked salmon, cheeses, salads, caviar, and other sweet treats available. Party planners may turn a keen eye to the downstairs and back lounge areas for their next corporate or birthday event thingy. Bonus: it means a chance to work with Event Director Marisa Ceballos, who we recommend from our work as a Manager at a certain Laurel Heights restaurant.

The Bubble Lounge
714 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111

Tel: 415-434-4204