177181 Sun Mar 12 19:24:17 -0800 2006 10 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 953365 Just returned from Paris and am longing for french meals. Sun Mar 12 19:24:17 -0800 2006 0 ruby 1 953375 My husband and I really enjoy LeCanard in Vienna. The huse pate is decent but the appetizer of pate is incredible. I have only been to a few French places in VA but LeCanard is my favorite. Mostly because the service is good and I love their trout and salmon dishes. Do not order the chateaubriend. My husband loves the veal specials. LeAuberge is great too but it costs a fortune. Enjoy! Mon Mar 13 08:06:17 -0800 2006 953365 0 tricia 2 953411 http://www.washingtonian.com/dining/Profiles/LeGauloi.html Ratatouille, cassoulaet, pot-au-feu...yummmm! They had been "off" after it was sold a couple of years ago. Seem to have righted the ship. Mon Mar 13 12:37:11 -0800 2006 953375 0 Dave 3 953412 I was there (Le Gaulois) last fall and the ship was sinking. Several dishes were unavailable and although those we ate were ok they were not worth the trip. As to the original writer: if you are looking for French bistro food, try Bistro D'Oc downtown. As for refined French, try Citronelle or La Paradou. All three are favorites of mine. Mon Mar 13 12:45:57 -0800 2006 953411 0 Dakota Guy 4 953420 See the recent string on Bistro D'Oc before heading out. Image: http://www.chowhound.com/midatlantic/boards/dc/messages/80609.html Mon Mar 13 14:31:16 -0800 2006 953412 0 Meg 5 953421 Whoops, here's the URL. Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/177170#953315 Mon Mar 13 14:32:06 -0800 2006 953420 0 Meg 1 953380 My favorite is L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls. It has been consistently excellent (food and service) for over 20 years. And it is a slow food experience which is another of its charms. It's Alsatian. A new arrival, also in Great Falls, is Mediteranee which I've been meaning to post to share with other hounds because they really deserve the business. So thanks for the opportunity. It is a quaint french bistro with terrific food and an even better value. My favorite bistro is still Montmartre in DC, but Mediteranee is a good second. Mon Mar 13 09:18:35 -0800 2006 953365 0 Meg 2 953388 Mediteranee -- i agree with the poster. This is the old Mediteranee from Arlington before its old building was burnt down a couple of years ago. Le Canard in Vienna is also very good. Mon Mar 13 10:32:39 -0800 2006 953380 0 zelda 2 953413 L'Auberge Chez Francois has been living on past glories for some years. If you don't want to go downtown, try Le Petit Mistral in McLean or perhaps Le Tire Bouchon in Fairfax. They are not four stars but a solid two stars each. La Bergerie in Old Town ALexandia is about two stars as is La Cote D'or in Falls Church. But really....try Citronelle just once. Mon Mar 13 12:51:13 -0800 2006 953380 0 Dakota Guy 3 953417 I've only been to Chez Francois once - as a guest of a friend. I would not suggest this place if I were to spend my hard earned money for good French food. Mon Mar 13 13:20:20 -0800 2006 953413 0 Pan 1 953382 Le Petit Mistral in Mclean is solid. Order the venison if available. Mon Mar 13 09:44:15 -0800 2006 953365 0 Steve