OUR STORY

The story of Côte Ouest began more than twenty years ago. Fresh out of culinary school in his native Brittany, France, co-owner Laurent Monchicourt, got his professional feet wet as a server and manager of Baker Street Bistro, the long time incarnation of the restaurant.

Laurent would spend the next two decades honing his front of the house skills in some of San Francisco's finest dining rooms including Michael Mina, La Folie and Petit Crenn, as well as cherished French staples like L'Ardoise, Clementine and Chapeau. During this time, he realized that what he loves to do most is recreate the ambiance that he cherished growing up: the feeling of good friends, family, neighbors spending time laughing and talking over wonderful food and wine. 

The next chapter took place where many great business ventures begin: the golf course. Laurent and chef-owner Martin Sarrailh, long-time copains de golf, got news that "the Baker" was available and they knew it would be the perfect venue to blend their talents to create a true neighborhood bistro à la française.

Martin, born and raised in Béarn, France, is passionate about using the highest quality food to create simple, yet elegant dishes. He believes that what is true for life is true for cuisine; you get back what you put into it. His ingredient-driven philosophy of food comes from growing up in the southwest of France which, much like the west coast of California, is a bounty of gorgeous seafood and local agriculture. Martin brought this philosophy to life as the executive chef of Sausalito's Le Garage, where his culinary creations were met with rave reviews from patrons and critics alike. 

Laurent and Martin's partnership is built on the shared belief that they want to create a restaurant that feels like a home away from home for their guests, and that Côte Ouest will be a place where their guests enjoy simple, delicious food and wine with those around them.