Si Bon welcomes you with soft buttery walls, bright red cafe chairs and white stone tables. Hand painted murals depict Brussels and complete this charming European Bistro. Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Si Bon offers a wide variety of Belgian inspired dishes. Locals who frequent the Albertsons shopping center at Monterey Avenue and Country Club Drive had been watching the activity going on at the little corner restaurant - the former G'Banzo's - for several months. From a temporary sign that said Si Bon - It's Good - to a zigzag wall enclosing some of the sidewalk for a new patio, new red awnings, and finally bright red cafe chairs, the transformation became complete for this fresh, new Belgian bistro that opened mid-March of 2013. THE VIBE For owners Edith and Philippe Caupain, Si Bon has been fun to create. The soft buttery walls, bright red cafe chairs, white caesar stone tables, and a hand-painted wall mural whimsically depicting a street in Brussels convey a charming European bistro. Along the walls of windows, white countertops with high red chairs provide easy seating for those eating solo or on the run. If you opt for a countertop spot by the exhibition kitchen, chefs might offer you a taste or two of whatever they're cooking. The Caupains have been in the desert for 25 years, when Philippe came as executive chef for the former Maxim's in Palm Springs. For the past 18 years, he was the executive chef at Thunderbird Country Club. THE FARE Open-faced sandwiches, for example, come on either a waffle or toasted brioche, fresh-baked twice a day. A pan-fried chicken breast with saute'd shiitake mushrooms and Gruyere cheese; Juniper gravlax with cucumber and goat cheese cream; or Angus burger with grilled Maui onions and aged cheddar are a few of these. People are amazed by the nine hole escargot waffle," he said "An escargot is in each waffle hole, and the spongy waffle soaks up the garlic sauce." A signature dinner entree is the Mussels Marinire with hand-cut Belgian fries. "We use a special potato from back east, called Kennebec," he said. "It's very similar to the real Belgian potato. We double fry the potato in duck fat at different temperatures so that it?s crispy." Another entree that has shown to be a front runner is the lobster chopped salad with a tangy mustard and tarragon dressing. Daily specials at lunch and dinner allow Philippe to experiment with new ideas and in-season products. One such off-the-menu is the sweet waffle with custard and fresh berries. Another never-before-seen is the Belgian chocolate waffle brulee in which the sugar is caramelized on top. Or try the basic Belgian waffle simply dusted with powdered sugar. THE DRINKS The Caupains offer either still or sparkling water that comes to the table in a square glass bottle. A special water filter machine produces the water, which is also used for several flavored iced teas. At Si Bon, cappuccinos, lattes and espressos are made with Lavazza coffee from Italy, and Italian natural sodas are served. Belgian beers Stella Artois and Leffe are on draft, while other craft and American brews are also available. Si Bon's wine list encompasses a range of top California and Washington vintners, plus some select varietals from France, Germany, Argentina and Australia. Many are available by the glass or half glass, as well as by the bottle. The restaurant offers mixed drinks and a full bar.