It's hard not to be charmed the moment you enter Le Barricou. Through subdued-yet-trendy music and any number of patrons, it is often the proprietor herself who greets her patrons. Amélie-esque ambiance--tall ceilings, fresh flowers, walls papered in yellowed newsprint--is enough to send one into Francophilic daydreams. Then, not too long after your adorable and attentive waitress takes your order, the food arrives: mussels marinére, coq au vin, crisp yet tender vegetable tartlets and delectable seafood specials are supper-time specialties. Reasonably priced (even after multiple celebratory bottles of wine) and generously portioned, you'll be glad to take frequent mental-gastronomic field trips to the French countryside. Oh, and concerning brunch, comment tu-dis 'complimentary croissants'? Bon appetit!

Photo:  Molly Riordan