I literally fell into this bistro because my intended destination next door was under renovation. The ambiance is ever so French, including the music. I hoped the food would be as good and I got lucky! I was with Jon, my dining partner and my love, and I overheard the people seated next to us saying how good the escargots tasted, and that was all I had to hear! The garlicy butter aroma wafted from their table to mine. I hadn't had escargots in the shell in some time, which is my favorite way. These delightful bites were in their shells and were, in fact, delicious. That afternoon, I ordered the braised lamb shank, which was served with ratatouille. It was prepared to perfection.
We returned with 2 friends (who are also foodies) a few weeks later and all 4 of us loved our appetizers and entrées (that doesn’t happen very often!). One friend ordered the croque-monsieur (French ham and cheese sandwich made with Emmental cheese and a simple béchamel sauce, toasted in the oven.) which we all tasted and loved.
My other friend ordered the onion soup and the steak frites-8 oz. filet, and said that it was a real treat. I don’t normally eat bread (I grew up thinking it was for prisoners only), but their bread was remarkable.
I had a wonderful French Martini (Vodka, Chambord & pineapple juice) and so did Jon. Our friends both loved their French Vieux Carre (Dom B & B, Bastille whiskey, sweet vermouth, Angostura and Peychauds bitters).
I won’t recommend a specific wine, as such taste is rather personal, but I will say that Kristine’s has a very nice wine selection. Jon finished his meal with expresso and pastis instead of his usual anisette, which he said was equally good and a nice change.
The chef, Nicolas Démurgé, sure knows how to cook! Parfait!
Here we are in Kristine's!
If you try this place, you will undoubtedly like it! If you don’t know French cuisine, definitely go and learn about it. You get the feeling you have been transported to a bistro in France. As we were walking out, I could not help but comment to the chef, who was sitting at a nearby table chatting, that the entire meal was a work of art!
51 Witherspoon St. Princeton, NJ, 08542
Wonderful review, Candice! I look forward to more!!