La Mediterranée Serves Up French Bistro
0ur TownARILYN HANSEN
La Mediterranée, conveniently located for business lunches at 947 2nd Ave. at 50th Street, is that cozy, intimate French bistro you've been looking for. It's a favorite haunt of Cindy Adams, Dick Clark, Steven Sondheim and Hope Lang. Even Katherine Hepburn, who lives nearby, has been known to slip in from time to time. Argentine-born owner Ernesto Morel strives for an international flavor in this rustic, romantic bistro setting. Dark beams accent the rough plastered walls and shuttered windows open to painted harbor seascapes. Upon being personally welcomed by Ernesto and comfortably seated, we ordered drinks. The house Chardonnay and house Cabernet Sauvignon are $4 per glass; a Muscadet and Cotes, du Rhone is $5 per glass. Two in our party ordered cocktails, both of which Nicoise, smoked salmon, smoked trout and imported salami. A hearty bistro appetizer is the spicy, hot sausage served with a warm potato salad for $5.50. During summer, start with the" silky smoked salmon ($9S0), a well-made Caesar salad ($S) or a chilled, nicely seasoned Gaspacho ($4.50). Entree choices were: Chicken Paillarde with herbs of Provence, a deliciously tender and tasty dish for $16.50; Calf's Liver Bercy, thinly sliced and cooked to order with shallots and white wine for $17; Linguine Primavera in a light creamy cheese sauce with crisp, sautéed vegetables for $14.50; Filet of Sole Meunierre, delicate and fresh, in a browned butter, lemon and parsley sauce for $17; Cold Lobster and Crabmeat Salad with a garnish of marinated cucumbers, garden tomatoes and crisp julienne carrots for $17 and Poached Chicken Salad for $17. For dessert we enjoyed a creamy sabayon with strawberries. The open faced, glazed apple tart is a winner. Also, the chocolate mousse cake and custardy, crunchy-topped Creme Brûlée were excellent. For a change of pace, choose a wedge of well-ripened Brie served with a decoratively cut apple and French through Labor Day, you'll get a complimentary bottle of San Pellegrino. A well-rounded wine list with a great selection of moderately priced French Wines is available. La Mediterranée. 947 Second Ave. at 50th St. (212) 755-4155. All major credit cards are accepted. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Sunday dinner only.
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