Gimme "Liberty"

Kris Bistro & Wine Lounge inside the Culinary Institute LeNotre is a welcome addition to its industrial environs. Authentic French food, prepared by a teaching kitchen of culinary students and instructors, is both impressive and easy on the wallet. So is the French wine list: No bottle exceeds $36. Choose from housemade charcuterie by head-chef Kris Jakob, plump steamed mussels in herbs and white wine served with artisan bread, salmon Provencal and Belgian-style fries with curry ketchup. The softly lit contemporary space touts artwork by Houston artists.