Review: Chez Henri in Cambridge for French and Cuban Cuisine

Chez Henri (1 Shepard St.,Cambridge, 617-354-8980, www.chezhenri.com )

Enjoy French food with big Cuban flavors at Chez Henri, an intimate Cambridge neighborhood bistro just a few blocks from Harvard Square.

The menu showcases French cuisine like rainbow trout with parsnip puree and Cassoulet Toulouse. But it is the Latin-inspired dishes that really shine. The classic French starter of cauliflower soup has a drizzle of piquillo pepper romesco sauce. And Chez Henri proves that the complex flavors of Cuban cuisine are not just heat. Good ceviche is hard to find in New England, but the ceviche at Chez Henri with mango lime mojo, sugarcane and chayote is sparkly fresh. The fennel scented flounder comes with quinoa pilaf and toasted almond milk. The dish is decidely French, but with a subtle twist.  For dessert? If it is on the menu, go for the “tres leches cake”. The  sweet, milk-soaked Latin dessert made at Chez Henri is locally famous.

At the cozy bar -which is extremely popular with the afterwork crowd- the pressed Cuban sandwich along with a mojito is the thing to get. And know that Chez Henri’s pretty dining room is packed to bursting most evenings and weekends, so reservations are strongly recommended.