Anis Café & Bistro

Anis Café & Bistro Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Anis Café & Bistro is set in a former Buckhead residence and situates a few tables in what was once a living room, but most seating is on an all-weather patio enclosed entirely and festooned with white lights. Owner and founder Arnaud Michel grew up around Montpellier on the Mediterranean coast of France, and this cooking reflects the straightforward, simple fare of his home turf.

Food & Drinks: From the mussels to the snails, the house-made terrine to the profiteroles, the French comfort classics rule. Executive chef Jeff Gomez's menu changes routinely, but the flavors stay true to type. Cornmeal-dusted fried calamari come with a harissa-kissed rémoulade sauce --- just a hint, not too hot. If skate wing is on the specials wall, don't pass it up. Sweet and mild, it's a beautiful fish that's perfectly prepared. For dessert, his chocolate mousse, a large portion piled high in a jar, is classic as well. Sunday brunch, featuring French omelets, eggs Benedict and a croque monsieur made with salmon, is quite popular. Our one issue is with the wine service, as the red wines are served too warm. The list offers mostly French selections, although California is well represented, and there are plenty by the glass.