What a Zoo

Two Stephen Starr spots. One neighborhood. You’re killing us, Bal Harbour. Killing us. Wave and say bonjour to Le Zoo, a new homage to the Parisian cafés of yore for foie gras parfaits and healthy date-night Bordeaux pours. It’s now open, this is what it looks like, and this is the menu. Yes, Stephen Starr of neighboring Makoto fame has assembled a seasoned crew of chefs and drink slingers to create a classic French bistro in the middle of Bal Harbour. We like both of your odds. When you arrive, just sort of take it all in—the sprawling palm-frond-laden patio. The wainscoted walls and wine-cork ceiling inside the salon. Then, pick a table. Any table. They’re all nice, and they’re all tables. Which will prove useful for brunch when you and a lively group of Francophiles settle into those rattan chairs outside and get to work on croque madames, pain au chocolat and carafes of wine. But if it’s a date night you’re angling for, you’ll find Negronis and small plates like frog legs and profiteroles in a warm chocolate bath to wind down the night. As far as good ways to wind down nights go, chocolate baths are up there.