Lou Lou

Sara Liss4/21/2011

The goods: Lou Lou is a sweet bistro in the old Indochine space, a sliver of a spot on South Miami Avenue. Owner Jacques Ardisson (Indochine, Moonchine) is bringing traditional French cooking to Brickell, complete with a wine list by former Palme D’Or sommelier Sebastian Verrier.

Ambience: Stylish, vintage French, with crystal chandeliers, brass-framed mirrors scrawled with daily specials and red leather bar stools. 

The grub: A Parisian-style bistro dishes like crispy duck confit, mussels Provençales and steak frites. Prices are moderate: starters are $7-$12, sandwiches average $11, and most mains are under $25. The $15 lunch special includes a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert.

Start off with escargot bathed in garlic and butter sauce before moving on to classics like salad topped with duck confit or a croquet monsieur. The two-egg omelet plated with foie gras-slathered toast is a decadent take on a breakfast staple. Steak frites is made with a hefty 12-ounce rib-eye, while briny moule frites are cooked in a classic white wine sauce and served with a side of crispy fries. Sides include a rustic ratatouille and a vegetable gratin.

Verdict: A sexy French newcomer on Brickell with a wallet-friendly lunch special.