Editors note: This restaurant is now closed.
A sophisticated Italian friend from the fashion world first told me about petit bistro , 1929 Purdy Avenue in Sunset Harbor (T.305-534-9887) which opened in December. Then another friend suggested we eat there, describing it as “lovely” and food worth the visit. I went thinking I’d have classic French bistro fare. Wrong.
The owner of Petit Bistro is Milanese in the fashion industry with a love of Provence and there lies the inspiration for the charming restaurant that could have been plucked out of Southern France. But she has a penchant for Italian cuisine, so brought in Neopolitan chef Nicolo Celona to recreate the specialties of the Amalfi coast.
Not surprisingly, the number one dish to order here is pasta – homemade ravioli, lasagna and gnocchi. We ordered the ravioli with sausage and broccoli with coulis of San Marzano tomatoes and the maccheroncini alla carbonara with guanciale, Italian bacon, both of which were excellent. We didn’t devour these two dishes as there was more to come. But we’re skipping ahead of ourselves. Our starters were the octopus with potatoes, olives, taggiasca and cherry tomatoes and the shaved raw artichoke salad with parmigiano.
For the entrée we shared the rib eye on a bed of arugula with shaved parmigiana, Mahon seasalt, rosemary and a drizzle of olive oil. It reminded me of the best Bistec a la Fiorentina I had in Tuscany, though without the bone. That it was a good choice was reinforced by the fact that the manager was eating it for dinner along with mashed potatoes (the steak comes with thick fries). We accompanied the meat with a Tuscan Sangiovese, lighter than the much touted Montepulciano, which went perfectly with the dinners. For dessert we had the apple tart – an unusual take with a Napolean-like pastry and crunchy apple slices and a Nutella cheesecake which I highly recommend.
Indoors there’s white washed furniture, fresh rose buds on every table with flickering candles, flattering lighting , a choice selection of music from the 90’s and a much appreciated low noise level. There’s also outdoor seating in a garden courtyard that brings to mind a café in the Mediterranean.
Pasta dishes average around $20; entrees are under $30; and desserts $9. There’s no hard liquor served but festive Prosecco cocktails with fresh fruit juice, well chosen wines and wines by the glass which change daily.
Service is attentive and friendly (ask for Agostino). And if you’re thinking of going out with a group of women friends, on Tuesday nights the restaurant offers complimentary wine with dinner (ladies only).
