Astoria Has It All

Last Friday night after meetings and a workshop out on Long Island, we tried a new classic Parisian Bistro at 47-16 30th Avenue in Astoria. We have enjoyed all of the ethnic diversity surrounding us here. There are loads of pizza, Italian, Greek, Brazilian grills, Chinese, and Mexican take out restaurants in our neighborhood, but Bistro Les Minots is the first French Bistro we've found in our neck of the woods. It is cozy and charming and it was jam packed full of New Yorkers.

Bistro Les Minots is just three months old, a joint venture of Parisian Yann Henriet, who works the front of the house, and Chef Henri Devegeux who hails from Marseilles. It reminded us of so many places we have visited in Paris and the South of France while touring with dancers.

"Minots" is slang from the South of France for kiddos. The first party they had at Bistro Les Minots was a baby shower for Yann's sister-in-law. This charming board is a lasting reminder for all to admire.

Amazingly, this efficient kitchen is only about the size of the one in our apartment. We wondered how they could have 3 men working out of it and what the outcome would be.

We were delighted by the Les Paupiettes de Poulet Farcies, chicken rolls stuffed with seasonal vegetables & Gruyere in a rosemary jus, served with the creamiest Parmesan mashed potatoes.

Le Saumon Grille, grilled Atlantic salmon with asparagus, baby leeks, green zucchini and a whole grain mustard sauce, was cooked perfectly, a little bit of heaven on earth for this fancier of fish.

We shared a few bites of the crepes assortment....delish and lovely, strawberry, mango, and mixed berry. Everyone around us seemed to be enjoying a variety of mussels, French fries, and duck! We will return we hope for one more go. It's enjoyable and entertaining all rolled into one great little place.