Boston - November 26, 2007

On a French Roll

La Voile Opens

That shell you pocketed from the beach. The gold scarf you haggled for at the flea market. You’re sentimental for keepsakes.

The proprietors of Newbury Street’s newest brasserie, La Voile, understand. After co-owner Pierre Honegger fell in love with Stephane Santos’s restaurant in Cannes, La Voile au Vent (meaning “the sail in the wind”), they imported the entire establishment to Boston. Literally.

From the wooden ’20s interiors and antique furniture to the French/Mediterranean-trained chef and waitstaff, the nautically themed underground hideaway is a reincarnation of its French forebear.

Naturally, the food is exquisitely authentic. Nibble on excellent bread and traditional country pate; graze a plateful of foie gras, roast chicken, and apple with greens; but save your belly for thinly sliced grilled filet mignon with bone marrow and bearnaise sauce.

Et voilà: the perfect souvenir.

La Voile, 261 Newbury Street (617-587-4200 or lavoileboston.net).