Artisan Bistro, Lakeway

After working in renowned Paris venues for several years, chef Cesidio d'Andrea learned that little touches make a huge difference. Artisan Bistro capitalizes on this insight with its seasonal French menu. The house-made foie gras, for example, derives memorable sweetness from a side of roasted peaches, whereas the raw beef tartare benefits from expert, lightning-fast searing on each side. The desserts are handled with equal deftness: a thin apple tart comes topped with homemade salted butter caramel, and cold strawberries arrive marinated in honey and lavender. Dining in isn't the only way to experience Artisan Bistro's offerings, however. The restaurant also hosts cooking classes, which cover topics such as how to make classical French sauces and how to paint with classical French sauces. The monthly wine club focuses on a different region each session, pairing samples from the region with small bites.