Chez Marie French Bistro

Charming French Bistro in the Polo Shoppes. WE have been in years when we lived nearby. We opted for the Tasting Menu, choice of one Starter, Entrée & Dessert for $ 56 I started with Escargots, one of my all-time favorite appetizers, six snails baked in garlic butter w/ parsley. It was like they were made the day before, dry and tasteless. My wife loves French Onion Soup, theirs is caramelized onions and croutons in a broth topped with cheese gratinée , just ok. For entrées I had Duck a l’Orange, partly de-boned roasted half duck served with a zesty a l'orange sauce, garlic-roasted potatoes, and green beans. Also just ok and lacking flavor. It was an additional $7 upcharge. My wife opted for the Mediterranean Branzino , Filet of Branzino seasoned with oregano and a touch of EVOO, served

We found this little gem while scrolling the restaurants featured in the Flavors of South Florida. Maybe you hear about a French restaurant and think it might be stuffy, or maybe even snobby, but rest assured, neither is the case here This is a very charming spot for a night out. The staff is as warm and welcoming as your childhood best friend’s mom. From the hostess, to our server, Francine, we felt comfortable, valued, and appreciated We tried the French Onion Soup. It was hearty and cheesy. In a lot of cases, it can be very salt forward, but here, it’s served with a lot of a lighter touch which we liked a lot. We also had the classic, Duck A L’Orange. The meat was tender, the skin was crispy, and the sauce was sweet and tangy. The Chocolate Fondant for dessert was a rich as a tech

Had a dinner there. Salad with goat cheese and pear was almost good. The cheese was very good and the pear was excellent. The greens were fresh but rather dry, the sauce didn’t work for me, olive oil would make it better, again, in my view. Chef’s shrimps - were rather boring, the sauce was made with too much mustard, in my view, and didn’t work well with shrimps. Wine - French Pino Noir, could be better. Payment, strange thing. There were 2 prices - one for paying with cash and another for paying with credit card. Wanted to pay with Apple Pay, it didn’t worked, as the waiter said the terminal doesn’t work (?). So, gave a card. That payment thing, though not a big deal, left not good impression.

Dined here for the first time last weekend and will definitely be back. The warm foie gras appetizer was outstanding; the scallops were large, fresh and perfectly prepared; the salad was delicious; and the crème brulee was a real winner. I look forward to returning and trying the French onion soup, duck, and another gourmet dessert -all praised by the party seated next to us. It was a birthday celebration on a busy holiday weekend, but the ambiance and the gracious hostesses and server helped to make it a relaxing and extra special experience.

A very enjoyable experience. Food was savory: escargot, duck a l'orange, Frenched rack of lamb, creme brulee, and a French chardonnay. Interior design and decorating adds to French authenticity. Service was good. And we met the namesake, Marie, who actively interacts with her patrons as soon as they arrive, seating them and ensuring their enjoyment. Very memorable and worth sharing. Reserve for your next special event or no event at all. Bon appétit!