Bistro Bisou...you need to go there

Update: 5/17/10

I am saddened to report that our latest trip to our favorite French restaurant was a big disappointment. We went to celebrate our anniversary, and were anticipating another evening of delicious food. However, I suspect the restaurant has changes cooks. The cream sauce on the frog legs appetizer was too heavy. A good percentage of my mussels were not good. Instead of cooked to crispy perfection, my duck was chewy. We skipped dessert and left feeling deflated. I think we will have to look for a new French place.

Bistro Bisou
9519 S. Dixie Hwy
Pinecrest, FL
33156
In the Dadeland Plaza Mall
Across from the Dadeland South Train Station & the Datran Center
Tel: 786.268.0178
Fax: 786.268.0172

Last night we went to celebrate my birthday at Bistro Bisou, a French restaurant hidden in a strip mall across from the Dadeland South Metro station. We had read some rave reviews for the place, and I was hankering for some classic French food. The chefs have trained in France at some top notch establishments, and it shows in their food. We were absolutely blown away by the sauces, and the fact that everything we ate, from appetizer to dessert, was perfectly cooked. Aside from the menu items, there were lots of daily specials, which I would recommend considering ( most of our selections were specials).

The atmosphere is nice, with a lot of French accents, including an miniature iron Eiffel Tower. The waiters were great, friendly and helpful. We tried several of our waitress's suggestions, from appetizers to wine, and were not disappointe. Plus, they are French, which is nice to hear in a French bistro.

To start off we had mussels in wine broth and escargot and frog legs in a cream sauce with leeks. The mussels were delicous. They came in a hot metal pot that the waitress uncovered at the table. I knew they would be good when waitress took off the lid with a "1,2,3...Voilà!", and the garlicky steam from the pot hit my face. It was a huge portion, with probably forty mussels in the pot, and they were well-cleaned with not grit. I began busily scooping out the meat and slurping on the broth, which was perfectly seasoned with bits of tomato and LOTS of chopped garlic. But really it was the cream sauce that our escargot and frog legs were swimming in that blew me away. It was piping hot with lots of complexity, sweet and savory with a nutty flavor. Ablsolutely fabulous. We couldn't wait for the main course... duck a l'orange and pork tenderloin with apples and pan sauce with Calvados.

Bistro Bisou did not let us down with the entrees. My pork was flavorful, tender and moist (the holy Trinity of meat, no?), and the apples lents a sweetness to the dish, but weren't overpowering. The duck was amazing, right down to the crispy skin. Even the accompanying vegetables, often an afterthought in other establishments, were well-cooked and very fresh. There was even a sort of dumpling that was shaped like a little pear and fried. A whimsical touch to a simply plated entree.

Of course, we ended the meal with dessert, and for me, it was the highlight of the meal. We decided to go for a souffle. I wanted the Grand Marnier, and David wanted chocolate, so we got the Souffle Arlequin, which is half of each. We had to wait about fifteen minutes while it was prepared, which was perfect timing to rest our stomach's a little after the first two courses. I was talked into trying a little 10-year aged port (I deserve a treat right?) to go with it. The souffle came out, and our waitress poured in the custardy sauce (creme anglaise?) . We both ended up preferring the Grand Marnier souffle, which I don't know if I can even do justice with words. It was everything a souffle is supposed to be crusty on the top, warm, light and soft int he middle. Basically heaven in your mouth.

To top it off, we got a complimentary Sambuca as a digestive at the end of the meal, which is my favorite liqueor. It really was a perfect meal, and we want to go back as soon as we can. Expect to pay around 10 dollars for appettizers and $20-25 for entrees, which is a little spendy for many of us, but is a good deal for the quality of the food. I want to try lunch as well, which is very reasonably priced.

Bistro Bisou wasn't very busy when we went, so this is my plug to everyone here in Miami looking for a great dining experience. Get out of the Grove, Coral Gables, or South Beach, and try this little gem in Pinecrest.