Roland Passot began his culinary career at the age of fifteen in Lyons, working as an apprentice for fine chefs, including Pierre Orsi and Leon de Lyons. Five years later, at the invitation of Chef Jean Banchet, he moved to Chicago to work at the Le Francais, where he remained for four years. He went on to open Le Castel in San Francisco in 1988, Passot along with his wife, Jamie, and brother, Georges, opened La Folie.
Although the restaurant's inspiration is French, a look at the menu reveals nuances that are undeniably influenced by the surrounding region. Dishes such as tomatillo soup, lobster salad with a spicy mango vinaigrette and roast rabbit loin with a mixed grain timbale add a provocative flavor to the more classical cuisine.
Besides offering some of the finest French food, La Folie is also very active in participating charitable events. These charities include the March of Dimes, SOS, Project Openhand, Meals on Wheels and San Francisco Food Bank among numerous others.
Once again La Folie has been among the critic's top three French restaurants in San Francisco, along with Masa's and Fleur de Lys. In the 1994 Zagat Restaurant Survey, La Folie received 28 out of 30 points, and did equally as well in the 1994 Gualt Millau with 18 out of 20 points. Most recently, Chef Passot had the privilege of receiving the "Best Culinary Master of San Francisco" from the Fine Beverage and Food Federation. La Folie has also had the honor of hosting such masters and personalities as Jaques Pepin, Alain Ducasse, Roger Verger, Paul Bocuse, Julia Childs, Matt Dillon, Robert Redford and Pierre Salinger.
