107-02 70th Rd., Forest Hills 718.793.5514
Try Rouge French Bistro For Romantic Dining
t ake a break from the holiday rush and treat yourself to a mini-vacation at Rouge French Bistro. With its authentic bistro interior, including a silk-covered banquette with comfy pillows, signature rouge-red walls, antique lighting and mirrors, Rouge provides the perfect backdrop
for a romantic dinner for two as well as a
relaxing lunch, dinner or brunch with friends and family. Though Rouge is always dressed in red, the addition of holiday wreaths, twinkling lights and white birch branches creates a festive, yet cozy atmosphere that makes any meal a celebration. Owners George Scott and Declan O’Reilly have remained steadfast in their commitment to quality since Rouge opened four years ago. With consistently fine food, excellent service, an inviting atmosphere and reasonable prices, Rouge French Bistro remains one of my personal favorites.
Enjoy a bottle of wine or a cocktail while you nibble on Mediterranean olives and French bread. Vintages from France, Italy and California are available, and special wine-tasting dinners are held throughout the year. Rouge serves classic French appetizers, called entrees in French. Cold entrees include a charcuterie platter prepared for two with selected cheeses and cuts of meat along with a slice of pate. Smoked rainbow trout melts in your mouth and the salads are bursting with fresh flavor. Try a winter salad of escarole with fennel, pears and nutty gruyere cheese ($7.95). Hot appetizers include mussels steamed with white wine, which can be ordered as a first course or a generous main course. These moules are very clean, fresh, and prepared the French way, with shallots, herbs and white wine. Soak up the wonderful juices with a crust of French bread ($8.95). Escargots are one of my indulgences, and Rouge serves six delicate snails in their pretty shells with garlic and butter sauce ($9.95). French onion soup topped with bubbling gruyere cheese and croutons is truly authentic. Soups du jour, such as creamy butternut squash or parsnip, are each perfect on a cold night.
Main courses or plats consist of the freshest fish, poultry and meats, all prepared to order and beautifully presented. The French classic, steak frites, is made with organic, hormone-free hanger steak, home-style French fries and a light shallot sauce. This cut of meat is best eaten medium to medium rare for optimum flavor. Braised short ribs will satisfy your soul as well as your appetite. Classic French winter dishes will appear on the menu beginning next week, so I’ll be back for classic coq au vin, a stew of chicken and wine, and beef Bourgogne, with its savory sauce spooned over rich egg noodles. Another French classic, seared breast of duck, is accompanied by a crispy potato galette and wilted spinach for another mouthwatering option. Nothing beats a perfectly roasted chicken in the winter and Rouge elevates this simple dish to new levels.
Rouge is adding even more fish to its menu by popular demand. The panseared sea scallops served with shallot mashed potatoes and the chef’s divine sauce are legendary. Pan-roasted tilapia served with green beans and saffron infused cous cous is popular for its light,
fresh flavor. Atlantic char is a slightly
milder version of salmon. A generous portion is accompanied by shallot mashed potatoes and baby asparagus spears ($17.95). Champagne shrimp are plump and juicy, and the rice pilaf that accompanies them is ideal for soaking up the heavenly champagne, butter and shallot sauce ($17.95).
French cuisine is famous for decadent desserts and Rouge doesn’t disappoint here, either. Warm apple tart with apricot glaze, delicate crepes filled with strawberries and a martini glass filled with fluffy chocolate mousse are just some of the tempting choices.
Rouge French Bistro is open for lunch six days a week, from noon to 3 p.m., serving fresh salads, hot soups and sandwiches such as Croque Monsieur, an outrageously delicious grilled smoked ham and cheese sandwich. Sunday brunch is served from noon to 3 p.m. with a $14.95 menu that includes a cocktail or glass of wine and coffee or tea. Make any Sunday special at Rouge, where you’ll choose among omelets, cheeses, burgers and authentic French toast flavored with cinnamon and apples. Dinner is served seven nights a week from 5 to 10 p.m. weeknights and until 11:30 p.m. on weekends.
Weekend reservations are suggested at Rouge French Bistro, where the food, wine and service are all excellent. The romantic, cozy dining room provides a great setting for a delicious lunch, brunch or dinner.
Make your reservations now for a romantic New Year’s Eve dinner at Rouge while there is still some space available in this petite restaurant. The regular menu at regular prices is being offered, as well as some specials, including lobster poached in butter sauce. Reserve now for one of three sittings: 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. A special New Year’s Day brunch will be served on Monday from noon to 3 p.m.
Treat yourself to a mini vacation all year round at Rouge French Bistro.