Bistro Michel

My friend and I had inteded to have dinner at Cafe Rolle - one of our favorite spots for french-inspired dishes, only to find they were closed for a private party. Having jsut heard about Bistro Michel, we decided to try it. What serendipity! It was a lovely evening so we sat outside and spent the next two hours tasting various plates. Salade de Legumes - fresh, crisp, variety and the pesto-topped tomato - wow! Escargot was savory in a puff pastry rather than the same old butter and garlic, the steak tartare (hard to find - and even harder to find done perfectly) was a gem. The topper to all this was the Steak Frites - fork-tender flank steak served with truffle-oil infused french fries - served with a curried ketchup - OMG! Unfortunately, we didn't have any room left for dessert so that will have to wait for another review.

Service was wonderful, friendly and efficient but not hurried. The owner came out to greet us, helped us pick a nice wine and was attentive throughout the evening, as was the wait staff. I'm torn because I want this restaurant to stay around so I want everyone to patronize, but I also want to keep this my secret getaway!