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Do you love authentic French food? Maybe you’ve always wanted to try it, but felt a little intimidated? Well, I have good news for you!
Our lovely downtown Stuart has recently become home to O Gourmet French Bistro.
Chef Olivia Binn-Ostrow, a dynamic native of France, has created a charming yet sophisticated warm and welcoming space that is a reflection of the colorful life she has led. Vintage furniture, chandeliers, velvet draperies, an eclectic collection of decorative decor, and live background music provide a captivating ambience.
The dinner menu is concise, featuring hors d’oeuvres, plates of the day, entrees, and sides, as well as evening specials.
We were greeted by a professionally clad server and brought a copper pan of wonderful French baguette and raisin bread with accompanying soft butter.
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I began with the Soupe A L’oignon, translation, French onion soup ($10). The rich veal stock was brimming with caramelized onions flavored with sweet sauterne and burgundy wines and topped with melted Swiss cheese. Well seasoned and perfectly toasted slices of baguette were served on the side. The delicious soup arrived in a miniature cast-iron pot with a lid.
My dining companion chose the Salad De Chavignol ($16). Translation, goat cheese salad. A nice mound of fricassee topped with pine nuts was surrounded by wedged endive and finished with a tarragon vinaigrette. The warm Crotin de Chavignol, a popular goat cheese sourced from the Loire Valley in central France, was superb. Barely pungent, it melted on my tongue.
I was in the mood for some comfort food, so I went with the Braised Beef Short Ribs accompanied by a fragrant side of Ratatouille ($32). The meal arrived on a wooden cutting board in separate cast iron serving pots.
The shortribs were plentiful, decadently rich, and extremely tender, prepared with Beaujolais and Dijon mustard accompanied by plump mushrooms finished with nutty argon oil. However, the velouté had been thickened with crème fraiche, making it look milky, which I thought took away from the presentation.
My dining companion went with the chef recommended paupiette of veal scallopini ($35). Thinly sliced veal was stuffed with smoked eggplant, bacon imported from Bayonne France, caramelized shallots and prunes, and wrapped with strips of that wonderful bacon.
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The toothsome dish was served with mousse de pommes, translation, decadent mashed potatoes, topped with a puree of smoked eggplant, dates, and molasses.
For dessert, we couldn’t pass up Chef O’s award-winning chocolate mousse ($14). Made with chocolate imported from Metz, France, the mousse was served in a copper kettle adorned with edible gold and garnished with a white and milk chocolate stick, the mousse was incredibly indulgent. The plate also included four French canneles. The rum and vanilla flavored carmelized pastry dough was crisp on the outside with a soft custardy center. Adorned with dollops of peach and raspberry puree, they were simply scrumptious!
The wine list at O Gourmet French Bistro is comprised of thoughtfully chosen regional French wines. If you visit on the weekend, a professional sommelier, formerly of The Breakers, will expertly pair your courses.
I will definitely be returning, as the brunch menu looks incredible. The lunch menu is very palatable and easily discernible. Night owls can enjoy late evening tapas and wines.
Chef O and her team were all very welcoming.
O Gourmet French Bistro
Cuisine: French
Address: 320 SE Denver Ave Stuart
Phone: 772-678-6640
Hours: Lunch Tuesday – Friday 11am – 3pm, Dinner Tuesday – Saturday 5pm – 11pm, Saturday & Sunday brunch 10am – 3pm, Closed Monday
Alcohol: Wine
Online: www.obistrocatering.com
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