Belden Place

History

The alley is named for Josiah Belden, an early California pioneer and San Jose's first mayor, who owned part of the block east of Kearny Street between Bush and Pine. He built the Harpending block and the Belden block. Later, Belden sold Market Street property to Charles Crocker. The area housed San Francisco's first French settlers, about 3,000 of whom arrived near the end of the Gold Rush in 1851, sponsored by the French government. Historian Gladys Hansen noted that the French shared Dupont Street with early Chinese settlers and were sympathetic to their concerns. Alexandre Dumas, père, in his 1852 account, described Chinese cooks experimenting with French cuisine.

Attractions and characteristics

In 1990, restaurateurs Olivier Azancot and Eric Klein opened Cafe Bastille, setting the modern tone. The alley's French, Italian, and Catalan establishments are popular with locals, tourists, and office workers. Notable restaurants include Sam's Grill, Cafe Bastille, Cafe Tiramisu, Plouf, B44, Belden Taverna, and Brindisi Cucina di Mare. Nearby are Café de la Presse, Le Central, the Alliance Française, the French consulate, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church (with mass in French), and an affiliated elementary school.

Other French-related institutions line Bush Street and Claude Lane. The lane is closed to vehicular traffic and filled with portable chairs, tables, umbrellas, and outdoor heaters. At night, candles, Christmas lights, and restaurant light illuminate the street. Hostesses lure diners outside. The area hosts the nation's largest Bastille Day celebration, during which Bush Street is temporarily renamed Buisson.