Cafe Jacqueline   

A souffle-only restaurant sounds more like a gimmick than a concept -- but if they're angelically light and subtly delicious, why not? After all, some consider the dish the masterpiece of French cuisine: A bundle of protein that floats on the palate like a fluffy cloud on an otherwise clear day. The souffle is also a wonderfully blank slate. At Cafe Jacqueline, the eggy outline is filled in with mostly classic flavors (nutty-tasting Gruyere, mild leek, sweet garlic, pungent Roquefort and more) and some inventive specials -- all with a browned top crust and slightly runny middle. Of course, you can get dessert souffles here. Many couples reserve a table just for the sweet stuff, which includes a meltingly oozy chocolate, a perfect Grand Marnier and a surprising white chocolate. Full disclosure: Cafe Jacqueline does serve something other than souffles, a nod to the labor-intensive dish's long cooking time. If you must, take the edge off with French onion soup or one of several salads, all good. But don't fill up too quickly: Souffles go down light but settle in heavy, and you'll definitely want to save room for dessert. You'll also want to save room for a post-dinner stroll, preferably gazing into each others' eyes -- for this place is almost exclusively attended by couples on romantic dates. The small space manages to be cozy rather than crowded, though the service could warm up a bit.