Oddly for a town with such French influences, there are few French bistros, but Meauxbar is a local’s favorite and its latest incarnation is under the guidance of restaurateur Robert LeBlanc who operated the Poydras Street restaurant Ste. Marie, which has closed. He has brought his entire staff over to Meauxbar including executive chef Kristin Essig.

With its gold hued walls, mirrors, tile floor and wonderful dark wood antique bar, Meauxbar looks like a classic French bistro and turns out delicious bistro food. Arrive early for one of their excellent cocktails like the Pecan Old Fashioned; pecan bourbon, vanilla, toasted orange oil.

Menu fare is classic bistro with an interesting take. We loved the Goat Cheese Tart; pork fat pastry, caramelized onions, niçoise olives and bocquerones and the Foie Gras Torchon; blueberry jam, brioche and walnut crust as appetizers. For entrees we enjoyed the Louisiana Gulf Fish Amandine with rice pilaf and haricots verts and the Hanger Steak au Poivre with parmesan frites. For dessert we choose a decadent Marquise Au Chocolat: caramelized oats, smoked salt, bourbon chantilly and raisin.

The French leaning wine list is compact but with some very good choices like a 2014 Jean Luc Colombo Rosé ‘Cape Bleu’, a 2013 Berthier Coteaux de Giennois Blanc, a 2013 Delas Freres Ventoux and a 2013 Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: More conducive to lively conversation

WHAT OTHERS SAY…
Vibrant and effortlessly chic, this sleeper turned hot spot brings you to Paris through creative, high-end French bistro classics with Asian accents that provide an excellent departure from New Orleans standards; the discreet staff’s attention is not compromised even when the small dining room gets crowded, and though it’s kind of pricey, hey, it’s the Quarter. ZAGAT