Steven Soloway/Arizona daily Wildcat Tara Deubel, an anthropology graduate student, has lunch with her friend at Joel's Bistro on University Blvd. yesterday afternoon.

Now that there is an affordable French bistro near campus, I fear members of the UA community will start walking around campus in berets and humming "La Vie en Rose."

It's called Joel's Bistro (pronounce like "Noel" with a "J") and, since accidentally discovering this gem two weeks ago, I have been there more than half a dozen times.

Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Joel's Bistro is a perfect little spot to have a nice meal accompanied with beautiful décor that easily transports diners to France.

Since opening on Aug. 2, several UA students, faculty and staff have also discovered Joel's Bistro, which is hiding in the Geronimo courtyard on East University Boulevard.

They all may come for various reasons, but I primarily go there for the mind-blowing crepes.

If you've never had French crepes you must, and I emphasize "must," taste at least one of Joel's several crepe recipes.

Sweet crepes come with several fillings to choose from including apple, peach, cherry and other fruits, crème chantilly (whipped cream) or chocolate ($4.25). They are topped with powdered sugar and served with fresh melon slices.

The savory crepes are filled with scrambled egg combinations that can include ham, vegetables and cheese and are served with perfectly fried potatoes ($4.75).

Having tried practically all of the savory crepes and some of the sweet crepes, I can't decide which are my favorite. But I will say this: You have not lived until you've tried warm chocolate over crepes.

I suggest bringing a friend or two for breakfast. That way you can mooch each other's plates for a little variety.

For now, breakfast, which also includes eggs benedict ($6.50), French waffles and the best French toast on planet earth (both $3.75), is only served until 11 a.m. But, in the future, Joel might offer breakfast all day. Let's pray that he does.

For lunch and dinner, there are wonderful homemade quiches (all $5.50), salads (ranging from $4.50 to $6.50) and soups ($2.50 for the soup du jour and $3.95 for others like French onion gratinee).

All of the sandwiches, hot ($6.25) or cold ($5.95) are served on a crisp chewy French baguette and with a side salad.

I had the hot fromage de brie almonds (only because it was the only vegetarian sandwich on the menu) and it was fantastic. Even the salad was good. And I hate salad.

Sandwiches with turkey, ham or tuna are also available with more creamy cheeses.

If an authentic French salad or sandwich doesn't tickle your fancy, be sure to ask about the daily specials, like lamb stew over pasta, duck salad, steamed mussels with fries and croissant sandwiches.

Joel's Bistro is also a wonderfully romantic place to go for dinner.

Entrees($10.95), which are all served in a pastry shell, include Chicken or Beef Burgundy, Aux Fruits de Mer (seafood) and Florentine au Saumon et Guyere (spinach, salmon and Swiss cheese).

Grillades, all served with French fries and a side salad, include steak or pork ($10.95) and lamb, duck or salmon ($12.95).

Because Joel is a master at making breakfasts, I can only imagine how masterfully he makes dinners. And don't get me started on the desserts.

Hailing from southwest France (one hour out of Cognac), Joel has been cooking since he was 12 and opened his first bakery in Brittany when he was 14.

As a pastry chef and an all-purpose chef, Joel created all of the recipes for his new bistro, excluding most of the desserts. (But he makes all of the éclairs from scratch)

When it's not too busy, be sure to ask Joel about his experiences cooking for big shots in France, like the Prince of Monaco, and American celebrities like Richard Marx.

Even if you want a quick cup of coffee or a cappuccino, Joel's Bistro is a great place to spend a few moments to unwind after a busy day.

The French décor is to die for, from the formal drapes to the adorable Eiffel Tower lamp on the faux fireplace. Most importantly, the food is magnifique. Vivent la nourriture Française!