The ngiht after dining with Chef Ford Craft we headed over to his very traditional French bistro BRASSERIE BY NICHE for an early light supper before the opera (which was Romeo et Juliette, alas in English here at OTSL). We got a great dose of France though with many full tables outside (it was quite hot, but not humid!) and lots of great small, varied spaces inside. we were taken to an interior room which was darker, quieter and had beautifully embosses walls and stamps on the wall with hanging single bulbs.
Within seconds our gracious server Jennifer appeared with two complimentary glasses of Gamay/Cab Franc Henry Varney Sprakling Rose from the Loire, Refreshing and great on a hot day, this was our first of many doses of the tastes of France. Will moved on later o a glass of Milou Rose from Provence, but like in France if you don't seek anything specific you can order house wine by the glass or carafe, which I am sure is just fine.
We could not eat a lot before the long opera, so decided to share some starters at first. Delicious bread and butter arrived and then our Wild Burgundy Escargots with herbes (spelled that way on the menu!), garlic and doused in butter arrived with toasted bread slices. They were hot, sizzling and delicious and we did remark that when in home at Bordeaux, we do not see them a lot as they are indeed a regional dish from Burgundy!
Next came the Steak Tartare with fines herbes in a mild preparation that really starred the meat itself. Someone here loves bread as there were over 20 thinly sliced crostini accompanying the dish in a beautiful fan. We probably used no more than three each for the dish! (always photos on FB).
Jessica arrived with a plate of Gougères which were better than any I have had in this country. They were large, soft, warm and cheesy indeed and really filled us up.
Will said he was stuffed, but I had a small yet satisfying simple salad of Mixed Lettuces & Goat Cheese with Hazelnut Croutons in a shallot vinaigrette. I loved it and felt very old-fashioned French finishing with a salad.
Will wanted to try the Rhubarb tart tropezienne with sugared brioche, rhubarb ginger jam, roasted rhubarb pistachio creme madame and rhubarb sherbet, which was okay, but a tad sweet and the cake was dry. Jessica appeared with a complimentary dessert of Chocolate Mousse, Hazelnut Liqueur, Espresso, whipped cream and brown sugar cocoa nib tuile that was delish, but I could not manage more than a small spoonful.
We left very full and are so happy we return for brunch today with a group of singers as this has become an Opera Theatre of St. Louis newer tradition here as we end our weekend.
