Bezu — a delightful kiss of flavors

Though tucked away in the rather drab Potomac Village, Bezu, a new restaurant whose name is French for "kiss," is a lively spot. Its contemporary décor, complete with tiled white designs on the Mediterranean-orange walls and a backlit onyx bar, contributes to the vivacious atmosphere. The exceptionally friendly staff also amicably welcomes visitors as soon as they arrive.

After waiting on the chic lounge chairs, visitors are seated at one of the restaurant's gorgeous two-toned wooden tables, where they choose from a menu of French-Asian fusion dishes that blend eclectic tastes. Among the appetizers, the foie gras is exceptional. The restaurant-goer who is hesitant to try foie gras will be relieved to find that the dish, especially at Bezu, is far more appetizing than the rather alarming translation "duck liver" suggests. Served in a plum sauce, it is tinged with sweetness, a unique spin on the typical dish. Also delectable are the crab cakes, served on a small bed of Asian salad.

Bezu's entrees are just as creative as the appetizers. The skate, an exotic fish in itself, is served with a tangy ginger crust, an unpredictable pairing that creates an exquisite blend of flavors. The skate, like the other items on the menu, is expensive, but the efficient service and the clever presentation of each entrée somewhat justify the $31 to $50 price range. Dishes are served on oversized, funky-shaped white plates, their edges dotted with colorful sauces. Though they crowd the tables, the large plates are modern and fun, matching the ambiance of the restaurant.

The most striking dish at Bezu is the filet mignon, which is covered with a cap made of very thin waffle fries. An orchid is placed in a hole at the top of the cap, making for a delightful presentation. But like the other dishes, the filet mignon is memorable not just for its presentation, but also for its excellent taste. It is cooked nearly perfectly to the customer's preference and served on a soft bed of spinach.

Though it fuses a variety of tastes, the menu is a small one, so it offers few vegetarian options. The delicious ravioli, though, makes up for the narrow selection of vegetable dishes, as do the fresh salad and the divine dessert menu. The crème brulee is rich and creamy, with an unusual flavor of lavender, which dances on the border between fragrance and taste. Chocolate lovers will prefer the chocolate trio, served with peanut butter ice cream. The dessert items vary from week to week, but all are excellent.

With its creative dishes, Bezu is a unique experience. For the restaurant-goer looking for an upscale but fun place to dine or who is simply bored with the restaurants in Silver Spring, Bezu is the ideal spot to spend an evening.

Bezu is located on 9812 Falls Road, Potomac, MD. It is open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday through Thursday for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.