Pastis Restaurant

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
Sitting snug between the art galleries and antiques shops of old Roswell, Pastis is a deceptively large space that's sophisticated and stately rather than Provencal cottage cute. Downstairs houses a full bar and piano. Upstairs, lofty ceilings and hardwood floors keep the noise level high. Popular with large chatty groups, families and middle-age singles, Pastis also occasionally plays host to French-class field trips.

The Food
Look for Middle Eastern and Asian touches in a dinner menu built around bistro classics like pommes frites and mushrooms in pastry. Tasty roasted duck rests rare on a bed of curried lentils surrounded by a spiced carrot confit. A pear tart topped with surprisingly sweet five-spice ice cream outshines a more traditional dessert of vanilla ice cream and bland chocolate sauce atop puff pastry. The restaurant's namesake liqueur--flavored with anise and tempered with just a bit of water--makes an excellent pre- or post-dinner drink.