In Search of Special Occasion Restaurant on LI

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

We had this great restaurant that we loved when we lived in Chelsea. It was a little French bistro and it was our go-to place for birthdays and anniversaries and any time we wanted a special night out. It was never crowded, the food was always good and the service was great. It wasn't expensive but a little more than our average night out. (Figure it was about $25 or so a person without wine - we're not drinkers)

Are there ANY places like that to be found on Long Island? I love the French bistro - but it seems that most "French" places here are the fancy kind (ie: Mirabelle).

Any suggestions on a great "special occasion" but not crazy fancy restaurant? Preferably French cuisine or the like, as I'm tired of Italian restaurants.

Thanks!

[southlake]

http://www.northforktableandinn.com/
check out their menu..........it's mostly american food using french accents and techniques......

[amymsmom]

Sage Bistro in Bellmore - ate there a couple of times when it first opened. The food was good, the service a little awkward, though not bad. Haven't been there in a while, though we keep talking about it.

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

You know, I passed it a few times and meant to try it once. Thanks for reminding me of it!

[amymsmom]

My husband & I ate there about a month ago, and again tonight. The food was terriffic, and the service now is much more professional. Tonight, the place was jammed - justifiably so!

[foodieforthought]

Unfortunately, I feel French cuisine never truly caught on the way it has in NYC. If you want good french food, best bet it taking the train to the city. Daniel, Cafe Boulud, Cafe des Artistes, Artisanal...all great french restaurants.

I suppose some things are better left to the pro's.

If you want a New-American menu with a French influence, try Prime in huntington. Very nice restaurant and the chef is Richard Farnabe...formerly of Montrachet and Jean-Georges in the city. Has a daily foie gras special too.

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

Well, I mean, I'm not looking for the high class fancy stuff. (With a baby on the way and a husband who's a full time student anyway!) I'm more of a bistro girl and I've heard nothing but great things about St. Germain, which I'm guessing is a lot like La Belle Vie - our go to place in NYC.

[suzyque]

I think you'll enjoy st. germain - very "neighborhoody" if you know what I mean. Let us know what you think, wherever you end up!

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

Well, we drove out to St. Germain. It's gone!! The signs were removed and it was dusty and empty! I was shocked. I had gone to an OB appointment a week ago and there were people eating lunch there!

So we wound up at Gabrielle's in RVC and had a lovely dinner. We're early eaters, so it wasn't loud or packed. Great food, good service and I LOVE the prix fixe!

[GCGuy]

Are you kidding? Well, I thought it an odd spot, really. Maybe now someone will open a bitsto on franklin so I can have one w/in walking distance!!

[suzyque]

I can't believe it's gone! I am kicking myself for not going more often. Does anyone know what happened? It always seemed busy.

[lourichards]

i am always looking for prix fixe places in nassau county, long island

any suggestions
thanks

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

Gabrielle's in Rockville Centre is where we had ended up for my birthday. It was $25 I believe. Food was amazing and service was great.

[suzyque]

I like Bistro St. Germaine in Mineola. Everyone is always having a great time there and food is good, reasonably priced. Steak frites might be around 22 dollars.

[GCGuy]

Nice to hear, I would love to try this one day., Does it get busy?

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

This is the one we might try out for my birthday, so if I go, I'll be sure to let everyone know!!

[suzyque]

I've never had to wait more than a cocktail's length for a table for 2.

[GCGuy]

http://www.bistrocassis.com/ - One in Huntington, Bistro Citron in Roslyn, and a location in NYC
http://eatoutlongisland.com/fullrestv... - sister restaurant in Mineola, Bistro St. Germain

[stuartlafonda]

... and the one I go to, the third branch, Bistro Citron in Roslyn Village by the movie theatre. Good reliable food in a classic setting.L.I. has a paucity of French Bistros and I have a particular fondness for such places so I'm always on the lookout for a new place. I hope someone here has a fresh discovery.

[CurlieGlamourGirlie]

Well, if you ever want one in NYC, we LOVED La Belle Vie on 8th Avenue. It was great.