For all the ones out there that think Fries are French think again. Historians recall that potatoes were already frying in Belgium circa 1600. When people talk about French fries, they are referring to the thin cut of the Pommes frites not the origin of the fries.

I wanted some fries and walked to Frjtz in the mission. It was so dead I was the only person there. I had been to this place before but the one in Hayes Valley, though I had ordered just fries and a salad, I was really intrigued by their concept.

The place is nice and modern, I’d like to see it when it’s packed and buzzing, it must be a different ambiance.

I ordered the fries, they came with a choice of two sauce. I tried the artichoke truffle oil and the mayo pesto but I wasn’t too impressed. The sweetness of the ketchup with truffle oil, I have no word for it, and the artichoke, I couldn’t taste it. The pesto mayo was just commercial bulk mayo with some kind of pesto in it, nothing really tasty. Nothing’s better to me that a good mayo with fries, boy would have had given anything to have a fresh homemade one! The fries were not bad actually, freshly made, from real potato!

Then I ordered a Basquiat sandwich, with grilled chicken pesto mayo, red onions, swiss and avocado.

It came with a side salad with a basalmic vinaigrette. The sandwich was just ok. I mean the flavors were ok, it tasted  like fresh ingredients and all but I was a bit disturbed by this open face sandwich served on a focaccia. By the way they drizzled  some basalmic vinegar on the cut avocado, it looked like the avocado was bad. Not appetizing, nice try though.

My friend ordered the Velazquez, sandwich with Proscuitto, mozzarella and pineapple. As he said, it looked like a bad pizza (not my words).

Again the food is not bad, I think it’s just not well executed. I love the theme of this place wanting to be a  hip version of a Belgium Brasserie, the idea is great! The food seemed fresh enough to me and I am not sure about all the different “sauces”, maybe fitted to the american taste I guess. Sorry I am not a “ketchup on fries” girl, I am too european for that, mayo or even better an aioli and then we’re talking!!!

I will go back to try there mussels on Sunday brunch. I had a salad on my previous visit and it wasn’t bad.

This place is intriguing to me, it has a great concept, and the potential to be a great Belgium Brasserie. I am crossing my fingers and hoping for a couple tweaking!

Summary: I would recommend this place if you are in the neighborhood and wanting some fries, now this is not the most amazing food on earth but it’s ok for the price. Bill for 2: $24.08