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Le P'tit Laurent
699 Chenery Street at Diamond
Phone:       415.334.3235
Hours:       daily from 5:30PM
Web:         www.leptitlaurent.com
Owner:      Laurent Legendre
Chef:         Eliseo Soto
Reviewed:  March 2008

By Claudia Desfosses

Watching the little neighborhood of Glen Park expand its culinary horizons is a bit like watching children grow up. Each new individual, whether a baby or restaurant, brings forth uniqueness and charm. Just within the past few years, Glen Park has given birth to a gourmet pizzeria, a specialty foods market, and a wonderful little bistro called Le P'Tit Laurent, located on the corner of Chenery and Diamond.

Once you set foot into Le P'Tit, you are transported to Paris, into a little off-the-beaten-track bistro with a warm atmosphere where the patrons and wait staff alike, are smiling. (Always a sign of a good restaurant.) I’ve been to the restaurant a few times now, most recently accompanied by friend and food blogger Genelle Izumi.

The menu reads of French classics - Moules Poulette avec des pommes frites (steamed mussels in a white wine broth of leeks, garlic and mushrooms with a side of french fries); Escargots de Bourgogne au beurre d’ail et persil (escargot from Burgundy, in a garlic and parsley butter sauce); and the continental classic Boeuf Bourguignon (cubed pot roast cooked in a red wine sauce served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes) just to name a few. While the bourguignon is wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth tender, don't miss Chef Eliseo Soto's take on poissons – his Filet de Bass Meuniere, endives caramelises, sauce Grenobloise (sauteed bass served with caramelized endives grenobloise sauce) is light, flaky and buttery smooth.

Desserts are also classic and just as delicious. You can't go wrong with any of them – the Crème Caramel or the Chocolate Mousse; but the must have/must order is the Tarte Tatin – an upside down carmelized apple tart served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Magnifique!

Monday through Thursday they offer a prix fix dinner for only $19.95. Changing weekly, it includes your choice of salad or soup, an entree (a meat a fish, or vegetarian), and your pick of desserts. The best deal in town. The wine list is admirable and if you're stuck, the staff will be more than happy to pair a good bottle with whatever your meal shall be.

The restaurant is petit – maybe 40 seats, and but it also lives up to the owner Laurent Legendre but only in stature. On any given night, you will see le petit Laurent double kissing the patrons while making sure everyone is comfortable in his house. Tables fill up fast so make sure you phone ahead for a reservation. Vive Le P'tit!