Shireen's Favorite Things

French 27, 850 Commerce Street, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Oh, Mon Cherie! French 27 is such a gorgeous restaurant, I was immediately smitten when I walked through its long, airy corridor. I was greeted by two lovely ladies standing behind a Baby Grand piano (which was serving as a make-shift hostess station.) It was flanked by red roses and a glowing candelabra.

The restaurant, which reminds me a little of La Grenouille in New York City, oozes drama: its rich textures and warm colors enhance its lively atmosphere. On the way to my table, I was whisked past a decorative pond with floating candles and rose petals. The romance in the place was palpable. Then, it was time to get my Spotlight on!

I started with the ‘Moulin Rouge’ (made with berries, St. Germaine, vodka and Veuve Clicquot.) It was crisp, light and my favorite drink of the night. The ‘Honey & Tea’, served with a petite pot of honey along with a lil’ dipper was charming (made with peach puree, jasmine-infused honey and vodka.) The ‘Champagne & Rose,’ served with a side of rose petal syrup, was extremely elegant.

My first starter of the night was the mind-blowing ‘Escargots Tartiflette.’ It was oh-so-buttery and if the puff pastry that was served with it were a man, I’d profess my undying love and run away with it — forever. The ‘Soy Cured Salmon’ topped with cilantro and Creme Fraiche was clean and healthy (more so than the Escargot.)

I tried two main entrees: ‘Chilean Seabass’ (with tomato confit, cured shallots and almonds) and ‘Mediterranean Turbot’ (served with a mint béarnaise sauce, artichokes and cherry tomatoes.) I was most impressed with the Turbot; I’d never tried it before and it reminded me of Dover Sole, which I love. Dinner didn’t end there…

I was asked to try anything my heart desired from the menu (btw, that’s never happened to me on Spotlight.) I made room for ‘French Onion Soup’ (after all, I was at a French restaurant) and ‘Moules Mariniere’. The soup had this crazy good puffy pastry smothering it and the mussels were soaked in a perfect Chardonnay sauce.

Last but not least, I saved room for ‘Strawberry Shortcake’ and the most perfect ‘Soufflé. I left happy and definitely NOT HUNGRY! ‘French 27’ is an enchanting slice of “The City of Light” on the beach and that’s why it’s one of my favorite things.

‘French 27’ is on South Beach in an area known as South Pointe. I remember back in the day when ‘Joe’s Stone Crab’ was the Lone Wolf in the neighborhood. Not so anymore! There seems to be new places popping up everyday. Lucky for us foodies, there’s street parking in front of the restaurant and they have valet. Cheers, or as they say in France: Bon Appetit!

Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-11:00pm, Friday-Saturday 5:30pm-12:00am