Calling French my favorite cuisine barely scratches the surface, so when I heard that Port of Call in Mystic had revamped their small plates menu, we raced right over. I’ll eat whateverJames Beard award-winning chef Renee Touponce is whipping up! This place has that elusive magic where food, atmosphere, and decor blend into something unforgettable, making you crave a return visit before you’ve even left.

We made it for the tail-end of happy hour and were charmed by the menu, especially the adorable Tiny Tini’s! For us, that meant a perfect 2-ounce dirty pour in a delicate vintage coupe. Our delightful waiter, Claire, even indulged us with tiny Cosmos! Happily for me, my favorite starter was still on offer:  toasted sourdough slathered with whipped truffle butter and layered with French ham. Simple and perfect. 

The new menu reimagines French classics with a fresh twist: coq au vin appears as a bowl of mahogany-crisp fried chicken, while a stunning filet of fluke arrives bathed in brown butter. My moules frites were plump and briny, piled high in a creamy coconut sauce that begged for every golden fry to be dipped in.

We dove into the Smoking Tagine Tatin, a showstopper that arrived beneath a glass dome, releasing a swirl of aromatic smoke as it landed on our table. Though listed as a Grand Plat, it makes a stellar shared starter: golden puff pastry piled high with roasted Seacoast mushrooms, carrots, onions, preserved lemon, and a cloud of whipped labneh.

We adore everything about this spot: the yacht-inspired decor, intimate tables, flawless service, and the French menu is a win!

theportofcallct.com