Last night we joined my brother and sister-in-law for dinner in North Bethesda at the new Mid-Pike Plaza complex which has changed and grown drastically in the past couple of years. There are now hotels, tons of new dining sports, shops and more, but if you go be warned the free parking garage is not open yet! Since it was Sunday there was some free street parking, but otherwise on other days it costs even to park on the street or the paid lot. It was getting chilly and we arrived to find Julii(from the folks at Cava) at the end of the complex as a free standing virtually all glass building that is most attractive with simple décor, not too noisy and very comfortable booths and tables for seating. It was chilly at our front corner booth next to the window, but they turned the heat up a bit and we eventually warmed up with the delicious food.
Our server Dave was most helpful, although it was funny when he explained that "crudo" meant raw not cooked fish. It seems that in these here parts of Northern Bethesda/Rockville, the locals are always not such foodies as we are! We started with a bottle of refreshing 2017 Vermentino from Argiolas Costamolino in Sardinia and went on to a tasty full-bodied 2015 Tempranillo from Hazanas Vinas Viehas in Rioja made of 85% Tempranillo/15%Graciano. My sister-in-law tried one of the cocktails (without the extra hot sauce) and it was quite tasty, and quite hot enough already!
Appetizers were superb from Salmon Crudo(quite a large portion indeed) with Ladolemono, Aleppo Oil, Shallots, Sherry & Lovage. French Onion soup was a hot gooey rich one truly deserving of the bistro name. Will and I split two: the large Alsatian Tarte with Benton's Bacon(superb tasty and crispy), Onion, Gruyere, Honey & Creme Fraiche. It too was a large portion and after allowing everyone tastes, we still had a large piece to take home. The Foie Torchon was a superb creamy rich foie gras pate with pistachio salt, preserved truffle, apple preserve and espelette. I like a tad of apple and it came in large dollops on the plate, which was a lot, but we simply left it as the foie itself was the star. Pictures and videos on FB!
Our mains were also large and tasty with the Bolognese featuring rigatoni in a divine meat sauce of beef, veal and Benton pork belly with carrots and tomato. The Crispy Trout was beyond perfect with Urfu, Coriander and a Meuniere Spice sauce that I called "death by butter" and piquillo pepper, sunchoke, celery, potato and almonds; a true lesson in fine trout saute. My Lamb Tagine came in a huge Mediterranean ceramic bowl with "top hat" reveal tableside(see photos) and was ever so tasty and filling on this coldest of spring nights. Pomegranate glaze, Crispy chickpeas and a rich couscous with veggies made it a huge hit. The side of Brussels Sprouts may just be the best around as they are crispy and laced with a delish aioli!
We saw the ice cream prep tableside at the next table, but we were all so full...it looked fun, so next time as our dining neighbors raved about the dish(see video).
I know Chef Sacha Felikson who opened this new spot and has an impressive bio in town beforehand as well. He is off on Sundays, but there was no evidence that everything coming from the kitchen was not imbued with great love and caring. The menu is simple with not many bistro selections, and last night several were already sold out, so always check before even looking at the menu so you don't get disappointed. That said, this bistro is a welcome bonus in Bethesda.
