Fabien’s Bistro Opens on Brickell Key

Although it’s been open for two months now, it wasn’t until this past week that we made it into Fabien’s Bistro. Located on Brickell Key, just past the Mandarin, Fabien’s Bistro features a classic French menu with inspirations and dishes from Bourgogne, Champagne, Lyon, Paris and Perigard created by Chef Fabien Micard. Whether you want to enjoy a leisurely evening meal, zip in and out or have Fabien’s come to you (yes, they deliver to Brickell Key), you can now enjoy authentic flavors of France six days a week — and they even offer 2 hours of complimentary parking. This one is going to be a hit among locals.

Once inside, guests can choose to sit outside on the sidewalk, in the main dining room, at the bar — or can even reserve the 20-seat private dining room. On our first visit, we stopped by for lunch and chose to sit in the main dining room.  The setting was chic, yet comfortable; the volume was perfect for holding a conversation; and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly.  The menu really offers something for everyone.

Lunch ranges in price from $11 for the Quiche of the Day to $23 for the Grilled Mahi Mahi with mango salsa, while the dinner menu is slightly higher — $9-$22 for appetizers like Lobster Ravioli and Escargots in Puff Pastry, $19-$38 for dinner entrees like the Bouillabaisse and Provencal Leg of Lamb and $9 for dessert. While the menu is already affordable, their Twenty-Minute Menu for $20 is an even more attractive option.

This menu is available during lunch and will get you in and out in 20 minutes, perfect for a business lunch. Patrons can select either soup or salad du jour; Steak Frites or Catch of the Day; and dessert from a select menu.

We started lunch off with the Soup du Jour, a vegetable soup. While vegetable soup is often quite ordinary, Fabien’s version was a hit at our table. While it was a special on the day of our visit, we were happy to learn that it does frequent the menu. Roasted asparagus, carrots and cauliflower were pureed (no cream added) and drizzled with basil oil — and we made sure to finish every last spoonful.

On the day of our visit, the fresh catch was salmon and enjoyed the restaurant’s classic preparation. Salmon Grenobloise, also available on the regular lunch menu, was served with steamed potatoes and a medley of fresh vegetables. The fresh filet of salmon was prepared with lemon zest, croutons, parsley, capers and drizzled with beurre blanc sauce.

For dessert, we went off the 20 for $20 menu, as we couldn’t resist the Paris-Brest — and we suggest you do too.  This house specialty came with a Choux pastry, large enough for two, and was filled with a praline filled cream and came with a dallop of whipped cream. The Paris-Brest was a fabulous ending to an already great meal — and a must add to your to-do list.

Our first visit gave us a great first impression, and we will definitely be returning for a second. Because the dinner menu is quite different, an evening meal may be the way to go.  We’re excited to taste our way through their wine list, where they feature 80 wine labels from around the world, with 17 of them being available by the glass.

 Fabien’s Bistro is located at 605 Brickell Key Drive in Miami. They are open from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and offer happy hour from 4:00-7:00 pm, daily. They also offer a delivery service to residents and employees on Brickell Key, and stay tuned, as they’ll be launching a brunch soon. For more information, or to make a reservation, contact the restaurant at 305-364-5512.