Annie's Bistro, Bethesda

Proprietor Carole Robert named Annie's Bistro Francais after her French mother, celebrating her memory with feasts of fresh classically prepared escargot with homemade persillade, composee salads, and oven-baked salmon. Guests sip glasses of wine with plates of seared duck breast or colorful ratatouille, or share small plates of charcuterie and cheese.

Inspired by the chef's childhood visits to a family farm outside Paris, Annie's Bistro Francais hearkens back to the days before industrialized agricorporations and meals delivered via text message. Passionate chefs carefully craft each dish of roasted chicken and chevre-stuffed mushroom with locally-grown produce, free from prepackaged and processed ingredients.