frenchie's is c'est magnifique in coral gables

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you can spot Frenchie's on Galiano by the vintage yellow and black Porshe that belongs to the chef, one half of the couple who runs the neighborhood spot - it's always out front. But, chances are, you've never noticed Frenchies, tucked away just a few blocks off of Miracle Mile. And that's a damn shame or as the French would say "quell dommage!"

When you walk into Frenchie's you're greeted with a friendly bonjour and a bowl of sliced up baguettes are places at your table. Frenchie's is kind of the Woody Allen movie version of a neighborhood French restaurant. The glasses are mismatched. The menu is brought to you on a little chalkboard and placed on an empty seat at your table. There are colorful French posters on the walls and Christmas lights wrapped around the exposed air ducts. Basically, it looks exactly how it should look.

And the food is as good as it should be. In fact, it's better. The menu changes frequently but it's always full of recognizeably French dishes. On a recent lunch trip, I was tempted by a curried cauliflower soup, but went with the more indulgent and typical French onion. My lunch mates ate themselves into a food coma and gleefully chowed down on the duck confit sandwich. They whined about going back to the office after such a rich meal, but didn't regret ordering it for a second. Au contraire, go with the Frisee au Lardons, frisee and green bean salad with a poached egg and bacon crumbles.

For dinner, the steak tartare shouldn't be skipped.

Order a glass of wine. Wear a blue and white stripped shirt. And wave au revoir on a full and very pleased belly on your way out. You'll be back.

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2618 galiano

Only In MiamiPatricia GuarchMarch 18, 2014