If you could judge a cuisine’s popularity by how many restaurants are serving it across the island, French cuisine wouldn’t be at the top of the list. Just because it hasn’t caught on as much as, say, sushi or burritos doesn’t mean that we should sit back idly and let it be pushed to the side. It’s with this in mind that we’ve traversed the island and hand-picked some of the best french restaurants around.

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We’ve had people whispering in our ear for a while to check out Mirabelle Tavern, a casual eatery inside of the Three Village Inn in picturesque Stony Brook. More relaxed in both atmosphere and menu items than it’s fancier sister, Mirabelle Restaurant, the Tavern  offers diners a chance to eat well-prepared French and American comfort food while feeling pampered in a casual setting.

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We’ve been to their sister-restaurant, Sage Bistro in Bellmore, so we wanted to let you know about owners Peter Oktas and Executive Chef Julio Velasquez’s latest south shore French collaboration, Aperitif Bistro Lounge & Wine Bar in Rockville Centre.

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I must have heard about Brasserie Persil from three separate groups of people this week.  For a small restaurant located in Oceanside that hasn't been open for that long, this is quite a lot of favorable buzz.  French cuisine isn't an overdone scene on Long Island and we're looking forward to trying it out at our next opportunity.  Until then, if you hear of any new restaurants that are creating buzz around your neck of the woods, shoot us a note! 516-992-1742

Queens is a diverse borough with nooks and crannies filled with distinct cuisines from all over the world.  It seems fitting that a restaurant with the name 718 Restaurant has opened for business in Astoria with a flair for the European palate. 

The chef, Rafael Sutter is Spanish in heritage and his wife is Latin in background.  With this combination, there's sure to be a level of creativity and fireworks in the kitchen unlike anything Queens has seen before.  Seafood seems to be the choice at this romantic restaurant that will have you and your date comfortable and able to concentrate on each other while enjoying the fine backdrop provided by the elegant decor.

Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week as well as a new brunch menu on the weekends, we've found our new must-have for Spring: the wonderful stylings of Mr. Ralph Sutter & Co.  718-204-5553

35-01 Ditmars Blvd.
Astoria, NY 11105
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By Sam Jacobs, Brooklyn Correspondent

The visit with Kristina’s parents continued through to the following Sunday, and included two more meals and a snack.  The first of these meals was dinner Saturday night at Robin Des Bois, a French Restaurant on Smith Street situated in an old shoe store.  The place is decorated with a combination of random provocative French posters and calendars as well as a statue of The Virgin Mary looming high above one of the tables.  Kristinas parents, the good Catholics they are paid little attention to the decor and concentrated on the food. 

We shared a plate of saucisson and a bottle of Cote Du Rhone.  Her dad and I each had a skirt steak with a peppercorn sauce and a side of potatoes au gratin.  Kristina and her mom each ordered the half chicken with green beans and mashed potatoes.  We sat in silence for the next 20 minutes – our chewing and occassional wine slurping the only sounds at the table.  Yeah, it’s that good.

We finished up, and went for an ice cream at Uncle Louie G’s up the street.  This is a mini chain, and is absolutely fantastic!  I became a regular at the Smith Street location over the summer, and got to the point where they were saying hi to me and recommending flavors they knew I hadn’t tried yet.  It was around this time I realized I needed to lose some weight.

The following morning we ate breakfast at the Carrol Gardens Diner…more on that another time though. 718-596-1609

~Sam

Notable beer list, check. Outdoor dining, check. Wonderful cuisine, check. What’s not to love about this East Hampton favorite? Sister restaurant to other favorites such as Nick & Toni’s, Townline BBQ and La Fondita, the summer atmosphere at Rowdy Hall buzzes as the sidewalk-cafe atmosphere commands the attention of diners. The eclectic French Bistro offers up a variety of cuisine such as fish & chips, salmon and sea scallops. Make sure not to miss the Rowdy Burger, one of the tastiest on the east end.

For those with an interest in the bar aspect, a copper-topped bar seals the deal and will keep you revisiting your favorite spot all night long.

To view their menu click here.