Sunday, February 10, 2008

Bravos to BISTRO BIS' brunch

I have never been a big "brunch" person and prefer to do my eating at dinner time, but yesterday we had a special client visiting DC and needed to make it an early brunch. We opted for BISTRO BIS (http://www.bistrobis.com/index1.html) on Capitol Hill at the Hotel George, and must say we all had a simply splendid time.

We had a large roomy booth which was ever so comfortable and kept Samuel at bay with his crayons while we waited for his FRENCH TOAST BRIOCHE with Hazelnut Butter, Caramelized Banana and Vanilla Creme Fraiche. He would have none of the cream or banana, and so quickly got a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead from our speedy server! He devoured the several slices of bacon faster than a disposal and went on to eat one piece of the toast saying it was yummy. Will polished off the remainder.

Will's choice was the DUCK HASH Landaise which was a confit with Garlic Potatoes, Red Wine, Poached Eggs and Honey Vinegar Thyme sauce that was just perfect as the cold weather and wind was moving in. Our guest opted for the tasty GNOCCHI a LA FORESTIERE which were Parisien style (potato) gnocchi with Potiron Squash, Wild Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic & Fresh Sage..a tasty concoction, and so appropriate as she was departing for Paris that same day!

I chose two appetizers which were huge portions in themselves: STEAK TARTARE was a perfect preparation with yummy coarse mustard and cornichons that I lingered over and then went on to the TARTE FLAMBE ALSACIENNE which is a traditional pizza-like flat Alsatian tarte of caramelized onoin, bacon and fromage blanc--It was SUPERB!

Everything was so filling that only our guest tried the CREME BRULEE (but I could not even taste another bite) which she loved. It has been way too long since we were at BIS and now know we have to go back for more French food on the hill!