We followed a right-pointing arrow on the front of the building clear into the parking lot; this, it would turn out, was way off base. Mustering our combined mental capacity, my dinner companion and I (both idiots apparently) eventually located the (not-hard-to-find-at-all) entrance. We were greeted in a brick-floored (herringbone!) foyer that was dim and deserted. This only made our journey into the dining room all the more dramatic; Bistro 990 is a warmly-lit and vaulted space filled with the steady sound of happy conversation, and features fascinating hand-painted walls and a convivial and very French atmosphere. Our waitress was even named "France," if that gives you any indication.
I'm trying to enter the mind of a veg-lover this month, so I ordered the Blue Cheese Salad ($10) with roasted hazelnuts. As someone that would cheerfully drive a salad truck into a canyon, I have to admit that I enjoyed this. The Vegetarian Fusilli, which was decked out with zucchini, mushroom, corn, asparagus, and feta ($17), was even better. This spot ain't exactly cheap but the atmosphere and impeccable service more than make up for it. I will definteily return to check out their patio in the summertime.
Obligatory Title Pun: For a French food emergency ring 9-9-0.
Menu Readability: Bi-lingual et serif.
Need to mention: Because of it's proximity to the Sutton Place hotel, many celebs come to dine here during TIFF.
What this place teaches me about myself: Feta makes it better. I don't care that it rhymes, it's true.