Cuisine:

• French
• Bistro

Bistro St. Tropez Description:
Its out of the way location on the fourth floor of the Marketplace Design Center has not hurt this cheery restaurant one bit. There's something vaguely clandestine about peeking into the closed showrooms on the way to the elevator. Once upstairs, the Bistro is spacious, with good lighting over the banquettes, and great views of the Schuylkill River, Cira Centre and Art Museum. Sunset is especially lovely while sipping a glass of wine from the approachable list. Owner-chef Patrice Rames is from St. Tropez, so expect the sun-kissed kind of food he grew up with---house-made chicken liver pâté, white anchovy tart with tapenade and goat cheese, a really good coq au vin. The galette of shrimp and lump crab meat is a standout. Entrées of braised lamb shank with veggies and seared John Dory with red cabbage are consistent with the fresh-ingredient-driven cuisine of southern France. The extensive menu also lists some interesting salads and sandwiches for a lighter meal. The plat du jour is always an excellent value. At dessert time, crème brûlée never disappoints. The $8.95 express lunch, including a half sandwich, soup du jour and side salad, is a steal.