When Balthazar first opened in 1997, the wait went around the block of this Parisian-style brasserie full of pretty young thangs. 13 years later, the wait is still there, but the tables are now populated by young families and Euro expats. Nonetheless, this Keith McNally joint never misses a beat. Its kitchen continuously sends out classic bistro fare that is en pointe. I have always been a big fan of Balthazar. As you can see, I have a copy of their cookbook which, incidentally, is fabulous for the home cook wanting to recreate their dishes. Its elegant pages are chock-full of photographs and recipes from the famed restaurant. Its location…