"Start with an overview.The light-filled dining room at Bistro du Midi exudes sophistication without a hint of pretension. Sounds lovely. What's the crowd like?Expect a mature crowd that appreciates a refined approach to cuisine. What should we be drinking?There's a wonderful selection of wines by the glass, mostly from France. The cocktail list features elegant and European-tinged flavors, such as the Jupier Baie with gin, fresh basil, lime, and yellow chartreuse. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.It can be difficult to find a true Provençale restaurant in Boston that doesn't veer too closely to heavy-handed brasserie dishes, but Bistro du Midi hits the mark—and throws in some coastal New England for good measure. The heirloom beets Lyonnaise with lardons and poached egg arealmost too pretty too eat, and the sourdough crusted halibut comes in a heavenly lemongrass emulsion. If you can, spring for the elegant seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings—c'est sublime. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?The staff is particularly adept at helping guests navigate some of the menu's more complex flavors and keeps the courses moving at just the right pace. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?The genteel atmosphere and precise approach to cuisine make this a special-occasion restaurant that's a guaranteed hit with moms everywhere as well as fiancés-to-be." - Todd Plummer
