Charlotte Bistro

Charlotte?s distinctiveness begins with the eclectic décor: a quaint and quirky collage of patterned wallpaper, floral nosegays, and white ovoid lamps hanging from a high black ceiling. It all fits together to form an utterly charming ambiance. The cuisine weaves a similarly enchanting web, fusing strands of French bistro fare with ingredients such as the curry and coconut milk that globalize a beurre blanc pooled beneath three bacon-wrapped langoustines. Other winning starters include an onion soup fragrantly fingered with fresh thyme, and coarsely textured pheasant terrine accompanied by a sweet confit of tomato and sharp caper-raisin sauce. A half-dozen entrées are equally fresh, light, and well balanced, none more so than a tender lobster tail poached in brown butter and afloat with five ravioli rounds of minced lobster in saffron-spiked broth. On the other end of the heft spectrum: two hearty domestic lamb chops marinated with thyme and nutmeg and sauced in lamb jus touting just a trifle of truffle oil. The signature dessert is ?chocolate soup,? dressed with a quenelle of homemade coffee ice cream and a buttery, wispy tuile. Venezuelan chef/owner Elida Villarroel?s Charlotte Bistro offers an elegant, enjoyable dining experience at a fair price.

• Cuisine(s): Bistro, French

  Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-4pm, Mon-Wed 5pm-10pm, Thu-Sat 5pm-10:30pm

• Attire: Casual

  Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly

• Reservations: Accepted

  Parking: Valet