We've been dining in Vienna a lot lately as our friends Chef Roberto Donna (Roberto's) and Chef Tracy O'Grady (Clarity) and some others have settled down out there and the dining scene is growing. Earlier this year the Donnas opened LE BISTRO, a truly French bistro/bar across the street from Roberto's and have placed Chef Steven Scott (who has worked on and off with Roberto for 4 decades) at the helm.
Last night we were invited to an introductory wine and hor's d'oevres reception at Le Bistro and decided to stay for dinner as ww had hauled the 45 minutes out to Vienna during the rush hour! It was worth it as we enjoyed drinks and wonderful wines including a superb St. Emilion Bordeaux blend that manager Fulop Kosz poured from a large carafe! There were lots of fabulous snacks especially the Escargots, Anchovy Tart, Deviled Eggs, Spicy Pate de Campagne (it needed that red or the Alsatian Pinot Gris!) and more. We missed the Boeuf Bourguignon. needless to say, Chef Roberto and his amazing wife Nancy were front and center schmoozing and hosting to perfection.
After an hour or so of chatting we settled into the cozy restaurant at the rear with wonderfully comfy chairs and simple decor with bistro signs and decided we could manage only a main course.
The wine list was simple but had many choices by the glass and bottle and we loved the Chateauneuf du Pape -Comte de Lauze, Vielle Vignes, France, 2020. Full of body and great for almost anything.
Will and I decided to split to mains and the huge pot of Mouclade or mussels had several variations, and we chose the Chorizo, Tomato and Cream Sauce (and they eliminated the fennel!) with a huge container of yummy frites. The Duck Confit Leg was two whole leg/thigh portions (perfect to split) rock salted and served with thyme, duck fat potatoes, in a tasty shallot & red wine sauce.
Everything was so good we decided to go back for the two upcoming wine dinners: Chateauneuf du Pape on September 26 and a dinner with Chef Gerard Pangaud on Ocotber 27!
