Last night we joined some friends and headed to BISTROQUET which opened in the Palisades 5 months ago (www.bistroquetdc.com).
It was very quiet for a Thursday at 630pm and the place never filled
up, so I am not sure how good they are doing, but the cheery demeanor of
the staff and the warm feeling made us indeed fell as if we were in a
tasty French bistro gone American.
The crusty French bread was
very nice and the butter was delish, but could have used a dash of sea
salt on top for flavor. They were out of the Saumur we ordered but the
Domaine Philippe "Plantevin" 2012 Cotes du Rhone was a superb blend
(60%Grenache/40%Syrah) that went with everything.
Three of us
chose the Napoleon of Crab, Avocado, Celery Root Remoulade and
Grapefruit that was assembled on layers of "Parmezan" Tuiles (someone
must not be spellchecking). It was a delish creation and very light and
refreshing. The Gratinee Lyonnaise was a superb French Onion Soup laden
with Swiss (as opposed to Gruyere) and got raves. The kids passed on
starters but loved their main courses. There are several kid's menu
items that are very French such as the trout, and of course Samuel loved
his Petit Steak/Frites.
For entrees we chose the Filet de
Saumon cooked a la Plancha with Crab-Lemongrass Ravioli, Lobster Coconut
Sauce and Stir Fried Spinach that was a success for sure as was the
Fricassee de Volaille au Curry Vert, a Friacsee of Chicken Breast with
Thai Green Curry, Basil Coconut Milk and we even were able to change the
Jasmine Rice(carb) for Spinach Béchamel (not carb, but rich).
If
you were on Will's facebook page last night you saw not only the photo
of the two boys, but his enormous Saucisse de Toulouse Maison, a
foot-long Grilled Housemade Sausage with Mushroom Fricassee, Pommes
Frites and Salad. It was so huge, we had to take part home. My Veal
Kidney Dijonnaise was sublime with Maille Mustard & Wine
Cream-Mushroom Sauce and Fresh Linguini.
We also had a yummy side of Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Shallots & Butter.
Dessert
was less of a success while Samuel liked his two Raspberry Macarons
(true French ones) ridiculously prices at $2.25 apiece for the bite-size
treats. Oliver loved his Mango Sorbet and my Cherry Clafoutis Crème
Brulee was a true winner.
Petit Pot Chocolat Noir with orange
Confit Ice Cream and Sacristan Cookie was a pudding at best but the
loser was Will's Raspberry "Tilamisu" (yes, spellcheck) witrh Lady
Finger, Sweet Muscat Raspberry Liquor and three tons of Mascarpone
Whipped Cream that made up 90% of the dish with little flavor to boot.
We will go back, but maybe we shall eat more starters than desserts!!
Our server Branden was very sweet and helpful and is getting married soon, so we also wish him luck!
