Aquitaine Bis

The Scene
Aquitaine Bis greets diners with a fairly accurate re-creation of the original restaurant's trendy French-bistro interior: There's a rich, warm color scheme, leather banquettes, and plats du jour scrawled on giant chalkboards. But whereas stylish South-End types fill the original, Bis attracts plenty of older couples and families. Attentive, smartly-dressed servers dart to and from the attractive bar to retrieve selections from an impressive, mostly French, wine list.

The Food
Aquitaine Bis capably serves modern interpretations of classic French bistro fare with the same consistency, quality and prices found at its older sibling. Entrees include aromatic Escargots Bourguinonne served swimming in garlic butter, and hearty Filet au Poivre with cognac cream. Wise diners keep an eye out for daily specials including flavorful roast venison, served with sweet heirloom-squash puree. Sublime orange-crème caramel provides a pleasing twist among the desserts.