Potato Republic: 70-15 Austin St., Forest Hills; 261-4227

Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Cuisine: Continental

Handicapped Accessible: No

Credit Cards: None Accepted

Judging by the name, you might think that Potato Republic only serves french fries, but don’t be mistaken. The two-month old restaurant has everything from chicken salad wraps to chocolate yogurt truffle cake – and it is all made on the premises from the freshest ingredients.

Ali Amhed opened the restaurant with partner Rahim Popal just a few months ago. Previously they owned a restaurant in Holland together. Amhed said that business is booming. “We had 200 people just the other day,” he grinned.

The casual but elegant 25-seat eatery feels very European. “Fritte” ads from Holland and landscapes of Santorini cover the walls. The music of the Gypsy Kings fills the air.

But the french fries steal the show. Fried in 100 percent canola oil in the Dutch/Belgian style, the fries are served without fanfare in paper cones. Skip the ketchup and try one of the tangy toppers. My favorites are roasted garlic, mango chutney and Jamaican curry. My cohort loved the peanut and honey dijon sauces.

Worried about those extra pounds you gained over the holidays? Try the pasta primavera-linguine chock full of mushrooms, peppers and slivers of garlic in a very light sauce. The sandwich wraps are also outstanding. The grilled salmon wrap is a great choice if you like fish. For $5.50 you get huge pieces of salmon elegantly wrapped in a thin layer of greens, accompanied by a delicate tartar-like sauce on the side.

I noticed a family near our table who had come in just for coffee and dessert. Now I know why. Although I was completely full from the large plate of pasta primavera, my eyes made room in my stomach for the chocolate yogurt truffle cake. The homemade cake was absolutely heavenly-rich and creamy, but not too heavy.

The Potato Republic should not be missed by french fries fanatics or anyone else. In addition to pasta, sandwiches, french fries and desserts, they also have wonderful soups and salads – all homemade. The prices are reasonable ($3.50-$5.95 for an entree) and everything can be ordered to go. The service is outstanding –pleasant and welcoming.

Still, the best thing about Potato Republic is the amazing french fries. This restaurant is sure to become a Forest Hills institution.