Monsieur Marcel

Wary of the snobbish notoriety and inflated prices attached to French restaurants? Refreshing exceptions are to be found. And what better place for one than the historic Original Farmers Market on Fairfax and Third, with its tireless hustle and bustle and its strolling and lingering crowds? All outdoors, Monsieur Marcel is pleasantly appointed, offering seating at rustic tables and a wrap-around bar. The menu delights with a broad choice of hearty, well-balanced and delicious French specialties. The ratatouille and the white wine mussels are second to none, at least in the price range. And the wine list is startlingly expansive, accentuating affordable and mouthwatering French and Mediterranean varietals. The market attached to the restaurant is hands-down one of the most superbly supplied gourmet shops in town. - Kate Sobol