French Café: Savor the Incomparable Virtuosity of Chef Laurent Tasic

Mainstream media influences not only what we wear or the car we purchase, but often what we eat. In this digital era, the under thirty groups talk and twitter about sushi, Italian or Mexican favorites (not necessarily in that order) with occasional references to pricey steaks, which are becoming less affordable. Add the barrage of ads for fast foods and you can understand the youthful myopia when it comes to other culinary choices.

Mention French cuisine to the upcoming crop of gourmets and they look at you quizzically or smile politely. Take them to Sage French Cafe and they become ecstatic converts. Not only do they relish every morsel, but they want to return to this Fort Lauderdale landmark ASAP. It is this type of response to Chef Laurent Tasic’s inimitable creations that has generated an enduring customer base over the past decades.

Surrounded by vibrant murals, painting and prints, patrons are immersed an ambiance that is refined and inviting. The rounds of French bread and savory tapanade added verve to Veramonte’s supple Sauvignon Blanc and Red Diamond’s robust Merlot ($7.50/glass), only two of the options available on the formidable wine roster

Wherever you begin, rest assured that the Chef has added his own touches to enhance each classic selection. The prepped staff is always a step ahead, citing the specials of the day and tuning into all queries. Manager Scott Vandal’s recommendation led us to select the signature Foie Gras over poached apples and puff pastry ($19.95), a symphony of flavors and textures that resonated with everyone at the table. Satiny mollusks immersed in a joyous buttery flow made the Escargot ($12) another instant hit.

The dinner menu offers an abundance of soups, salads and specialty crepes. Entrees focus on a select range of fish, fowl and meat spectaculars that are without peer. The Bourride Seafood Stew ($32), for example, arrives in a prodigious bowl brimming with shrimp, clams, mussels, scallops, lobster, salmon and a current catch, such as Mahi. Plunging into the vivacious tomato saffron broth, we savored cuts of fresh carrots, potatoes and tomatoes sharing the space with the bountiful array of seafood.

Roast Duck ($23) is the essence of crispness bathed by a honey raspberry sauce that is a taste sensation. The only regret we had was that we didn’t order two servings of this masterpiece. But, by then, we had focused on two desserts: the Chocolate Volcano ($8) with its warm texture and opulent sauces plus the richly endowed Profiterols ($8).

Monday through Saturday, you can take advantage of the Early Birds, served from 4 to 6 pm as well as the two-for-one lunches offered from 11 am to 4 pm. The popular Sunday Brunch runs from 11 am to 3 pm. Wine Tasting falls on the first Tuesday of each month and on the first Wednesdays (starting in October) the Cafe features its Moulin Rouge, a spectacular live cabaret show. To learn more, take a moment to log on to Sage’s delicious web site at www.sagecafe.net.

•2378 North Federal Hwy. •Ft. Lauderdale 954-565-2299 •Lunch Mon-Sat: 11am-4 pm •Dinner: Daily, 4 pm to close •Brunch: Sun: 11am-3pm