Downtown Bistro

One of the things that always worries me when I'm going to go eat somewhere in the Downtown area is parking.  You know how rough that can get - circling around aimlessly  - whether you're on a quick lunch fix or an evening date.  So when I find a spot that has accessible parking nearby, and most importantly, at an affordable price, it automatically gets a star in my book. Let me tell you about Downtown Bistro, located at 114 S.E. 1st Street. Downtown Bistro is a relatively new place serving a modern twist on French fusion cuisine. Think of it as a"joyau caché" or  "hidden gem" with a cozy decor that has the potential to become the newest neighborhood hot spot. They offer lunch, dinner, Saturday brunch, take-out and catering, so there's pretty much a menu for just about any craving (and I say that with my very sexy, albeit probably not accurate, French accent).

We went to Downtown Bistro for a media dine with a bunch of other local foodies and got the opportunity to check out their dinner menu, sampling a hefty number of their dishes. I have to say I was quite impressed. We started off with some hors d'oeuvres and one of their Sake Cocktails. While they don't offer a full bar yet, they do have a nice selection of wine and beer, and kudos to their bartender for doing wonders with that.



Once we sat down and the debauchery began, I felt like I was Belle in Beauty and the Beast. They weren't spoon, forks, or suave candlesticks, but these waiters placed dish after dish of delicious French fare in front of us and I am sure I could hear them singing "Be Our Guest" in my mind. (They probably weren't but I've always wanted to be in that musical.) Tie your napkin 'round your neck cherie and take a look at what you can savor at Downtown Bistro:

Carpaccio de Poulpe
Octopus carpaccio with sauteed cherry tomatoes & passion fruit vinaigrette

Crudo de Thon
Yellowfin tuna crudo on a bed of garden radish and cucumbers

Escargots a la creme
Snails in a heavenly cream sauce

Le Steak Tartare au Couteau
Raw filet mignon cut by hand, capers, onions, anchovies, dijon mustard and a quail egg. One of my faves by far.

Petit Veloute de Potiron
Butternut squash shooter

Medallion de Chevre frit sur Potiron et roquette avec senteurs de truffes
Fried goat cheese medallion on pumpkin puree, arugula and truffle oil

Caprese de pasteque tiede avec mozzarella de buffalo, huile de truffe, miette de prosciutto croquant
Watermelon and buffalo mozarella caprese, truffle oil, and crispy prosciutto crumbs

Les Moules au Bleu
Steamed musssels in red wine, blue cheese and spinach

Ravioli de Short Rib, Sauce, Quatre Fromage, gambas pochees, asperges
Short rib ravioli with a cheese sauce, poached shrimp and asparagus

Carre d'agneau avec Risotto maison
Lamb rack with portobello risotto infused with truffle oil

Variation de Desserts
Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry Tartelette, Creme Brulee and Fried Oreo

Hungry yet? Let me finish by saying... pardon my french. But now you know how to ask for these dishes in two languages. For more information on Downtown Bistro, visit their website at http://www.downtownbistromiami.com/home.html.