THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Bistro St. Tropez

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Bistro St. Tropez Restaurant Review:

Its out of the way location on the fourth floor of the Marketplace Design Center has not hurt this cheery restaurant one bit. There’s something vaguely clandestine about peeking into the closed showrooms on the way to the elevator. Once upstairs, the Bistro is spacious, with good lighting over the banquettes, and views of the Schuylkill River, Cira Centre and Art Museum. Sunset is especially lovely while sipping a glass of wine from the approachable list. Owner-chef Patrice Rames is from St. Tropez, so expect the sun-kissed kind of food he grew up with: duck confit on braised lentils; house-cured salmon over brioche toast with onion compote; lavender-crusted rack of lamb with black truffle sauce; and pan-seared scallops in a ginger-lime beurre blanc. The plat du jour is a value as are the tasting menus with or without wine pairings. At dessert time, crème brûlée never disappoints. The $9.95 express lunch, which might include an omelet or sandwich, plus soup du jour and side salad, is a steal. At dinner, the budget minded can opt for the $35 three-course, restaurant week prices year round.