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 Nestled away in a quiet corner in nearby Clermont is a quaint building
which houses the Mulberry Inn. This structure dates back to 1890 and was
probably someone’s private home in the earlier part of the 1900s. It is
located only a short distance from Lake Mineola and most likely had a
sweeping view of the surrounding landscape and lake in its heyday.
The Mulberry Inn has been a bed and breakfast for the last several
years. Fabienne and Frederic Le Pape bought the home about one year ago.
The Le Papes, who came from Paris, remodeled it, and continue to operate
the B&B. They also created “Bistro Safran”
- a cozy, upscale, gourmet restaurant that encompasses a few small rooms
and a wrap-around, enclosed porch area.
On the afternoon that we visited, Mrs. Le Pape greeted us at the door
and escorted us to a window table. We also learned that Mr. Le Pape, the
Chef, had previously managed several restaurants in Paris.
The specials featured were Salmon Quiche with a small green salad for
$6.95, and a chicken breast with a spicy tomato-based sauce. We were
tempted to try the Salmon Quiche, but decided on a dinner selection.
 We
began our meal with a small green salad with homemade dressing. Our
entrée, “La Saint-Jacques” scallops, was served on white square
dinnerware. With eight medium-sized scallops and a scoop of creamy
Risotto, garnished with fresh parmesan cheese, it was delicious, and the
creamy wine sauce was tasty, but not overpowering. Fresh Baguettes and
butter were also served.
For dessert my spouse selected La Pomme Tarte Tatin, an upside-down
caramelized apple tart. I opted for a small rectangle of chocolate cake
topped with a milk chocolate violin and served with a raspberry puree.
 The Bistro’s luncheon menu features a nice variety of choices such as
omelettes, Quiche Lorraine, chicken and mushroom crepe, Tart of the Day,
salads, and a selection of soups. Most items are priced at about $6.95
and the soups are $5.95.
Dinner selections include beef Le Bourguignon; Le Cabillaud, which is
baked cod loin; Le Bauf-Chateaubriand, which is Filet Mignon with a
béarnaise sauce; as well as several other lamb, duck, veal and seafood
items priced from $17 to $27 .
As a finishing touch to a delightful meal, Mrs. Le Pape offered each of
us a Financier, a lemon-flavored cake shaped like a shell. Bistro Safran
provides the perfect setting to enjoy a fine French meal. Their lunch
hours are from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Mon-Fri, and dinner is served from
5:30 PM to 9 PM, Mon-Sat. “Bon Appetit!”
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