Les Moules at Jubilee

I love mussels. A steaming pot of mussels with some crusty bread and a glass of wine just spells heaven for me. Which is why I was so happy when Mika and I stumbled upon this little gem of a French restaurant on East 54th Street. The specialty at Jubilee are moules—plump and succulent Prince Edward Island mussels cooked five different ways. The Marinière style is how one usually finds mussels cooked in restaurants—with white wine, shallots and parsley. I ordered Les Moules Poulette, which consisted of tender mussels cooked in creamy chicken broth, mushrooms, chives and white truffle oil. It was absolutely delicious. I couldn't stop dipping the bread in the soup, which was perfectly creamy without being too heavy. I would love to come back and try the mussels in other ways: Farcies à la Provençale (broiled on the half shell with garlic and parsley butter), Curry (curry, coconut milk, shallots and lemongrass), Catalane (steamed with tomato and chorizo broth), and Vinaigrette (cold on the half shell with balsamic vinaigrette). The best part is that a serving of moules will only set you back $13. But do make reservations, as this cozy little restaurant gets packed even on Mondays.

Where: 347 East 54th Street, between 1st & 2nd Avenues, New York, NY 10022. Tel. 212.888.3569