Provence Grill
Don’t Let the Frogs’ Legs Fool You — This Bistro Will Become a New Favorite

By Humberto Figueroia

Nestled at the newly revitalized end of Lincoln Road you will find the only authentic French bistro in South Beach.  At Provence Grill, they bring all the delicacies that serve as the staples of a French bistro menu.

Under the personal charismatic attention of owner and creator Eric Cormouls-Houles, Provence Grill opened this location in November of 2009, having moved from their downtown location of eight years. Although some regulars followed, Provence now also enjoys the frequent visits of newer clientele, as well as the tourist jet set, and the following is well-deserved.

The newly imagined concept is now geared towards a cozy local-friendly atmosphere and offering fabulous menu choices and a “liste des vins” to match.

At Provence Grill, the selections are very accessible in price and the décor is intimate with sense of style, creating a small, yet nicely put together experience marked by crisp white linens, candlelight, gleaming silver. It’s a dining room that is a great place to get close.

The outdoor seating is reminiscent of a French bistro — you can take a seat under the umbrellas and enjoy the weather, music selection and nostalgia in the air.

One thing that helps the French experience is that at Provence Grill, the service is excellent — attentive and friendly, giving the experience a feeling of relaxing familiarity — all in all a great way to welcome the evening.

However, expect to spend a longer than usual amount of time here, as in France, dining at this this wonderfully warm place compels you to slow down and really experience the food.
And there are many sumptuous creations to choose from, all made with fresh ingredients, from authentic recipes, that really bring home the French flare.

Some dishes are simply prepared dishes, while others are complex traditional recipes that can take up to a couple of days of preparation to achieve perfection.

You’d be remiss not to start off with the very traditional Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée ($7). Many either love or hate French onion soup — if you’re of the former persuasion, this is the place for it.
Provence Grill also has a great selection of salads, such as the Salade de Brie Rôtie ($13), which is baked brie served on Mesclun (young salad leaves which originated in Provence), walnuts, cherry tomatoes and the house vinaigrette.  The Salade de Saint Jacques ($14) which is made with seared scallops served over baby spinach salad and shallots with peeled orange slices, creating a superb combination.

Other old world favorites on this menu include the Escargot Persillade ($9), and the Pâté de Campagne Maison ($8) served with country terrine made in house, cornichons and toast. Other great options include the luscious Octopus Provencale ($14), the steak tartar ($22) and the filet mignon, which is served with French fries.

However, my recommendation is to be adventurous. The Frogs’ Legs ($14), are made via a simple recipe with Beurre Persillade (Parsley Butter).

For your entrée, there are several selections which stand out. The Moules Provençale ($18) are seasoned black mussels in a spicy tomato sauce. The Truite Meunière ($21) is a perfectly pan-seared fresh trout with butter lemon sauce.

One true favorite of mine is the Boeuf Bourguignon ($22) a traditional beef stew in red wine sauce, with pearl onions carrots and fingerling potatoes. This dish is perfect in this cold weather. 

Pasta dishes of note include the Risotto Aux Canard ($18), duck foie gras with a touch of port wine; or the popular Penne Merguez ($15), a red, spicy North African beef-based sausage, roasted tomatoes and basil.

For a different pasta dish, try the Linguine Aux Fruits de Mer ($16). It’s crafted with shrimp, mussels, salmon and calamari tossed with linguini in a fresh tomato sauce.

If you’re a veal lover, try the fabulous towering Veal Rack (market price) it’s simply out of this world. 

Also, at Provence Grill, perfect wine pairings are available — and at affordable prices.

And if all this decadence isn’t enough, my suggestion for dessert choices is the Fig Tart ($8), a delicious tart topped with fig halves that are baked and caramelized, and topped with a scoop of pecan ice cream. This treat really takes your dining experience to another level. 
Très fantastique!

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