Miami - April 15, 2008

French Dishing

Ratatouille Opens

You saw London. You saw France. You saw Suzette’s underpants. (Ah, studying abroad.)

Relive those romantic times at Ratatouille, the French Mediterranean bistro that recently opened in South Beach.

Co-owners David Meunier and Dominique Tordion, of Cafe Maurice fame, offer provincial portions and handpicked wines affordable on a peasant’s pay (a well-paid peasant).

Chef Gerard Chauvet, le superstar of Cote d’Azur, focuses the menu on fresh fish like salmon, sea bass, and snapper. Fear not the mostly French chalkboard menu: If you unwittingly order a whole fish, like the grilled dorade, the helpful staff will give it a tableside deboning. (How Parisian!)

Wine bottles and vintage posters line the front room. And the candlelit back patio is perfect for a ménage à trios — starring you, your lover, and the île flottante (whipped meringue) dessert.

Not quite like college, but pretty close.

Ratatouille, 821 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach (786-276-3580).