I admit, I was turned off by the exterior of Belcourt - it's a corner spot on 2nd Avenue with a drab exterior that I would normally bypass. But I heard the chef there was from Uovo, one of my old neighborhood favorites, so I gave it a shot. I am now in love with this place! The inside is lovely, a cozy and comfortable bistro. Service was great, very friendly and relaxed. And the food is fantastic. A tender olive oil poached octopus started the meal (one bite into my date's plate turned into three and wanting more!), along with a spinach salad that was simple, fresh, and big enough to serve three. I had a prawn and monkfish stew, similar to a bouillabaisse, that was wonderful - very well spiced and perfectly cooked seafood. A side of polenta was loaded with cheese and olive oil and therefore heavenly. A nice pot-au-creme for dessert (not the best dessert ever but perfectly suitable).
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