On walking into Foreign Cinema on Mission Street, you can feel the trendy reputation begin to seep into your veins. When you go, you have a choice – you can sit outside where the films are shown on the back wall, or you can sit indoors where there is an over sized fireplace adding to the romantic atmosphere of the experience. If you choose to go for the movie, then you want to make sure you are seated in a position where you can view it. Many seats are placed so that you will have your back to the film – a definite downfall and at times, service can be quite slow or neglectful (especially when busy) however, the ambiance of the interior makes up for it. Whether you dine inside or out, it strikes me as a great place for a special date – particularly if you go on a weeknight as weekends tend to be crowded due to the trendy reputation of this restaurant.

As far as your palate goes, there are many different taste sensations to choose from here. Foreign Cinema sports an oyster bar with a wide selection as well as many fresh seafood choices. I tried the curry spiced chicken – which was quite good, but no replacement for Thai food. Something I wanted to try was the dessert menu. Due to an already satisfied stomach, I had to forgo the Gateau au chocolat, but I do have plans to go back one night for desert, wine, and a film. For parents who might want (or need) to bring along their kids, there is a children's menu.

The current film playing at Foreign Cinema is Amelie directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. It will be playing through August tenth. In case you haven’t seen it yet, it is definitely a movie worth viewing. You’ll never view a garden gnome in the same way. Films begins at dusk.

Foreign Cinema is for you if you’re into super-trendy restaurants that have been patronized by folks such as Madonna and Chelsea Clinton. Even if you’re not a fan of trendy places, you will enjoy the bustling atmosphere and the film – it is definitely an experience not to be missed if you’re in San Francisco and have the time.

Foreign Cinema is located at 2534 Mission Street in SF, For reservations call (415)-648-7600