Online Review

http://www.bostonman.com/restfr1.html?frankrest.html~main

Boston has become a major player for varied dining experiences. Older restaurants continue to thrive, and new ones arrive on the scene weekly. Some of the newer dining places are reviewed here. Many others can be visited by category through the restaurant index on the left. With all the new eateries opening, Bostonman has not been able to keep up. If you hit some of the newer spots and do not see it listed send me your review. I'd be more than happy to include your comments on this page.

Pierrot
This tiny boite at the lower end of Beacon Hill on Cambridge Street (opposite the giant MGH complex) offers one a chance to enjoy authentic French cuisine at reasonable prices. Open for lunch and dinner (dinner only on Saturday and closed Sunday), we sampled the luncheon menu and are pleased to report ... tres magnifique. Crispy and crunchy French bread with salted butter balls set the stage for our culinary French excursion, followed by traditional onion soup, a light, delicious broth topped with a light layer of toasted cheese.

Next came mussels in white wine sauce -- hearty and flavorful. The salad course, romaine with roquefort and crushed walnuts, was light and fresh, and quite satisfactory. On the downside, another traditional French dish, the beef bourginon, either was not cooked enough or too much, and I found it tough despite the nice wine flavor.

We perked up with dessert -- creme brulee, a rich burnt sugar topping over a light creamy interior -- and the rich chocolate mousse's dark melt-in-your-mouth chocolate was perfection. Wine and beer are available, but parking is minimal. Best bet is to park at the new Yawkey garage a block away, or at one of the MGH garages nearby.

The atmosphere is very French -- Pierrot clown pictures dot the pesimmon-colored walls, and the strains of haunting Edith Piaf songs add to the authentic French flavor of the Hub's newest entry into true French cuisine. Vive le Paris!

Pierrot Bistrot
272 Cambridge St, Boston
(617) 725-8855