Chef Laurent Quenioux's new bistro features a steamy surprise.

Cheese, cream, butter and oil...how do the French stay slim? Balance, of course. For every heavy taste, they've got something cleverly slimming (like strolling Paris at night).

No need to go abroad: we found a skinny and delicious French secret at the new Bistro LQ, the hotly-ancipated new venture from Chef Laurent Quenioux of Pasadena's Bistro K. Indulge in a dish (it's worth it)--while keeping your sipable calories in check with an irresistible, herbal tisane (an infusion of botanicals, without any tea leaves) blended by Quenioux. Three of our favorites:

Jucica Vitality. Abata cola, passionflower, bitter orange bark and cassis create a spicy, energizing blend.
Sherazade. Linden flower, verbena, mint, berries and sweet briar infuse to a citrusy refresher.
Samaracande. South American maté blends with licorice, clove, mint, cinnamon, anise, pineapple, berries and mango make a exotic pick-me-up.

Each is served with saffron candy sugar, coconut sugar and marshmallow sugar.

We'll raise a French toast to that.

Bistro LQ, opening in the next few days at 8009 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 951-1088, MAP