Interesting restaurants

I strayed away from the River Walk for my first dining experience in San Antonio-to La Frite Belgian Bistro in the 700 block of S. Alamo St. The stroll (about 8 blocks from the Marriott RiverCenter/RiverWalk hotels) evokes a sense of a walk into the Wild West of the 19th century. The block has several interesting, casual restaurants. La Frite has a 1950s diner feel—relaxed and casual, with Formica-topped tables and well-worn chairs—but the food rivals that of a fine French bistro. The pricing scheme caught me off guard. For $32, diners can choose three courses (appetizer, entrée and dessert). I opted for a salad instead of one of the fixed-price appetizers, (frog legs, crab, snails), triggering a la carte pricing—which cost me a small premium. My entrée choice – amberjack (a fresh-catch Gulf of Mexico white fish), served with risotto and a mix of fresh vegetables, was exquisite. La Frite is open for lunch 11:30-2:00 and dinner 6-10:30 Tuesday through Friday. It is open only for dinner on Saturdays (5- 10:30) and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. For information call 210/224-7555.

Write your comments here about your dining experiences in San Antonio. (written by Jeanne LaBella)