Once upon a time, night owls and fine French food connoisseurs were firmly entrenched in two different dining camps. Late night revelers were on the prowl for pillowy pancakes or omelets and home fries to cap off a night of partying, while Francophiles preferred plates of foie gras, charcuterie and braised vegetables in refined, quiet quarters. Then Miel opened up in the InterContinental Hotel, and now night and day blur like the dawn at Miel. The Provence-style brasserie with a picture-perfect view of the water never closes. The décor is distinctly countryside estate, with long, flowing curtains, many elaborate chandeliers, and honey yellow furniture. In a room off to the side, check out the eye-popping collection of olive oil bottles, virtually a museum for gourmands.

Waitresses decked out in rustic French garb zip around the expansive room at all hours delivering wine (until 2AM) and the cuisine prepared by Jacques Chibois, a two-star Michelin chef. You'll find all sorts of French specialties, from bouillabaisse to pan bagnat to fruits de mer to raw bar indulgences to satisfy that midnight -- or 3AM -- craving. There's also a section of the menu devoted to dishes with honey, the restaurant's namesake (''Miel'' is French for the stuff). If you're lost, try the foie gras with honey port gelee. A full breakfast menu begins at 7AM. Just think: the pancake crowd and nocturnal gallic gastronomes mingling happily ever after at dawn. -- Liza Weisstuch (Photo: Courtesy of the InterContinental Hotel, Boston)