French Corner Bistro: Traditional French Fare in a Romantic Eight-Table Eatery

In a memoir, Julia Child referred to her first meal in France — sole meunière — as a culinary revelation. I doubt Julia would be disappointed by the Dover sole meunière at French Corner Bistro & Rotisserie in West Palm Beach — a delicate fish pan-fried in butter, crusted with herbs, and dashed with lemon. The eatery's name speaks the truth, as it's literally a small, eight-table bistro serving lunch and dinner nestled in the corner of an unassuming strip mall. Owners of the former and well-received La Petite Maison in Boca Raton returned from France to West Palm Beach to begin again with this new eatery. Black and white tiles checker the floor; romantic lighting illuminates the sheen of white pressed tablecloths and pastel-painted walls. It's consistently busy with clientele of posh retirees enjoying traditional fare such as succulent escargots bathed in melted garlic herb-butter or pan-seared foie gras on brioche. Diners might be using freshly made-in-house baguette slices to swipe a dollop of Roquefort sauce from the ridiculously tender beef tenderloin while jealously observing the neighboring table devouring crispy rotisserie duck. Save room for chocolate mousse cake or crème brûlée, and let your inner child try the cherries jubilee — a whimsical sundae of warm cherries bursting from brandy flambé melting into ice cream, topped with freshly whipped cream. Warning: You may be inspired to write an entry in your memoirs about this dining experience.