Cafe Maurice is my new favorite restaurant. Mr. S and I saw a review about it on the local PBS program "Check, Please!". On Valentine's Day, Mr. S. surprised me by taking me there for dinner.

The small bistro style restaurant is located accross from the large China Grill and in between two other venues. When you enter, you are greeted and seated by young French men (all the employees are French) or the courteous, friendly and welcoming owner himself, Dominique Nameche. The walls are painted a bright red with French words and phrases painted in white. All the paintings and other decor are French or French inspired.

The night we went, there was a fixed menu because it was Valentine's Day. Eveything was delicious and quite filling. It was a five course menu. First was a Salmon Mousse, then Pate de Frois Gras with homemade crackers and bread followed by a spinach stuffed sea bass in a white sauce. Then, there were beef scewers with mashed potatoes in a savory red sauce. For desert there was a type of lady finger covered with brandy and chocolate with a hint of orange zest.

All the food is prepared fresh from scratch on the premises in their small kitchen. The seating is intimate and friendly, the servers were all quick and friendly. There is seating on the sidewalk or indoors. We had a great evening and are looking forward to going again and trying their Escargot, soups, deserts and other tasty French fair.

I highly recomend Cafe Maurice to everyone. The prices are very resonable for a South Beach location. They might even be one of the most affordable. Go! You'll enjoy.

Cafe Maurice

419 Washington Avenue

Miami Beach, FL 33139