This well-established restaurant has been in the area for years and I had the pleasure of experiencing it on New Year's Eve. After the wonderful experience I had, I'll have to revist again. 'In with the new,' as they say!

As we sat down to in the comfortable and cozy dining area, we sipped our wines and settled in to examine the menu. It changes frequently, but it's always a set menu at $35 per person.

I enjoyed a salmon salad, followed by the duck l'orange and, for dessert (by far the most important course), a baked-apple dish topped with cream brulee. It was all excellent. My friends enjoyed their selections of oysters and steak. Obviously, I can't speak for the entire menu . . . but both the presentation and taste of what we ordered was very good.

I especially enjoyed the noise level. So many restaurants can't seem to keep the decibel level below a moderate roar; here, it was a delight to discuss world events, books, and other high-brow cultural subjects without having to shout across the table.

Bon appetit, mes amis!