Long overdue review! A couple weeks ago, we heartily enjoyed a Saturday night #datenight at Albert Bijou @naturechef's #kosher #dairy restaurant, The Coffee Bar in Lawrence, NY. We weren't super-hungry, but tried the carrot tomato soup and French onion soup (soups not pictured), because we are big soup fans. The zucchini fries as an appetizer were a big hit, and of course the famous gnocchi were fantastic as well. Being a Julia Child fan I had to order the sole meunière and it was delicious. I had asked for roasted vegetables on the side, and happened to walk past the open kitchen door as the waiter was discussing my order with Chef Albert, so I joined the discussion. He offered to make me blanched green beans and roasted fennel. I had been wary about cooking fennel myself, so I took the opportunity to finally try it. He roasted the fennel with shallots and it blew me away. No more fear of fennel ;-). Blanched green beans that are not quite soft enough to eat are a big peeve of mine, but these green beans were perfect. The chef came out a few times to talk with us and was very fun and approachable. We hope to go back again soon.