Is it Financier or Financier? That is, really should we pronounce the name of Financier Bistro & Bar in Winter season Park fih-nan-see-AY or fih-nan-SEER? The previous is the French phrase for a vintage almond cake that is shaped sort of like a gold bar. The latter is, um, a French term with an American pronunciation that means somebody who manages cash (and may possibly be of numerous styles).
Really, it can be either or both of those, in accordance to the restaurant’s web site. The title was decided on as a double entendre (doo-bluh ahn-TAHN-druh) for a patisserie that opened in 2002 in Manhattan’s Money District (usual pronunciation) and is now permanently shut.
I took refuge at the Park Avenue cafe, which was previously property to Rustic Desk, Park Station and, coincidentally, a spot referred to as Frenchy’s, on a the latest night when my authentic destination proved too crowded. I took a compact desk on the sidewalk and felt like I was after again sitting at a cafe in Paris. The host even appeared insulted when I attempted to buy a glass of wine from him alternatively of waiting for my actual server, so it felt even far more reliable.
I ordered an appetizer of ratatouille, which proved to be a far more elaborate presentation than the usual stewed vegetables. In this article, the zucchini and yellow squash – no eggplant, justification me, aubergine, which I have usually thought of the raison de ratatouille – have been thinly sliced and preciously alternated and formed to seem like an ornate flower. A sauce of mushroom and tomato product was dappled all-around the petals and a pistou, fashioned with arugula as a substitute of the standard basil, was splattered about the plate. It was in fact a attractive appetizer.
For my entree I chose croque monsieur, the vintage within-out ham and cheese sandwich. It highlighted a couple of slim slices of deli ham on the within and gruyere cheese and béchamel on the toasted exterior. There was a bit as well significantly bread for the ham, but I appreciated the crustiness of the cheese. It was served with a stack of slender, crispy fries (really superior) and some vinaigretted greens.
My welcoming server manufactured up for the haughty host. The handful of tables outside have an ever changing check out of the Park Avenue parade within is a bar/lunch counter and pastry display scenario, a row of banquettes beneath a fake bibliotheque, and quite a few freestanding tables, all included with white cloths.
Selling prices, like just about everywhere else these times, are a bit larger than they actually should really be. But even so, you don’t have to be a – how you say? – financier to try to eat here.
Financier Bistro & Bar is at 212 N. Park Ave., Winter Park (map). It is open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday and dinner Thursday as a result of Saturday. The cellular phone number is 321-972-2284.
