Paris in Brooklyn

We were inspired after watching the movie "Julie & Julia" to visit Moutarde in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood (239 Fifth Ave.). This was the restaurant used in film as the Parisian bistro where Julia Child first experienced Sole Meuniere. The decor and our waitress were both authentic french bistro!

The food and service was wonderful.

As soon as we sat down we were served crudite with 4 miniature jars of different types of mustard. Then we were presented a basket of warm sour dough bread and butter.

J had Escargot in garlic butter (6 for $8) which were buttery and garlicky as they should be! Followed by the Beef Bourgiugnon with perfectly crisp french fries (for $17).

I had the sauteed Hudson Valley Foie Gras with prune compote served on half of a pear ($12) and the Duck Leg Confit with lentils and frisee salad (for $18). The duck skin was golden and crisp.

For dessert - the Apple Tart Tatin with vanilla ice cream and Profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce (both $6 each).

Upper Upper West Side

I was walking along Broadway and 104th when I stumbled across this little cafe, Cafe Du Soleil, with a great prix fixe pre-theatre deal: $21.95 for a 3-course meal. Sitting outside on a nice warm day was a perfect way to enjoy a summer's evening.

I started with escargot which were good. The sauce was enticing enough that I used bread to soak up the leftovers. Then I had the hanger steak which was mediocre, but the pomme frites were fantastic! Very crisp and golden. I ended the meal with profiteroles - a giant puff filled with vanilla ice cream, drenched in chocolate sauce and decorated with whipped cream and vanilla. The entree was just so-so, but the other two courses were worth the price.