A special grilled steak version features thin slices of rosy rare beef, and the chicken breast sandwich is moist. Both come with a gutsy potato salad in a piquant whole-grain mustard dressing. There's a saucy quesadilla stuffed with chicken and cheese that's paired with a bright avocado salsa, and a terrific grilled shrimp salad with a pale green pesto that looks innocent enough but packs a pugnacious punch. The food comes out in a snappy fashion, though occasionally the service can be leisurely. JiRaffe has valet parking at lunch, so it's easy in, easy out.
Desserts are another bright spot.
Pastry chef Artemio Sanchez slathers creme brulee on pastry crust. Speckled dark and blond, it's eccentric but satisfying, if somewhat too sweet. Caramelized banana tart wouldn't faze a sweet tooth, but the rest of us might find it cloying. The best dessert is still the warm chocolate truffle cake. As if that's not enough, Sanchez gilds the lily with good vanilla ice cream and a chocolate sauce.