After we caught up with the rest of the gang for a 21-course lunch, we were wondering where we could go for dinner, our friend the Sous Chef of Hof Van Cleve recommended Le Bistral. A simple bistro with a great chef tasting menu and wine list. They started the trip before us arriving a day earlier in Paris and enjoyed the dinner at Le Bistral the night before. Le Bistral was maybe 2-3 miles from Rue Mathurin located in the Batignolles district (17th arrondissement of Paris) we were planning on walking there but there was a mad drizzle that made us take a cab for about 5 minutes to the restaurant.
The restaurant was located on the outskirt of Les Madeleine area it was a quiet and normal neighborhood away from the bustle of the Parisian life. The long and narrow bistro was a cozy place with a front section and back section. It was one of those places where you would expect a bistro meal but with a twist, there was more to offer. The restaurant carried 600 types of wine or 5000 bottles collection many were natural, no chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides. There was a simple wine menu and a book of the collection in the cellar.
Our friends called them for us and they warmly welcomed us into the back section that were mostly for the regulars. We told the proprietor Chef Thierry who used to be a chef and now working in the front as a sommelier/proprietor that we would go with the chef tasting menu with wine pairing or Ballade accords met vins.
Our first course was delightful. After having grey shrimps in Belgium I was quite happy to see that for the first course. In Belgium the shrimps were boiled immediately after they were caught but in Paris - they were able to get it fresh. The shrimps were simply sauteed in olive oil, vinegar some garlic and parsley. At first my bf was peeling them by hand in Belgian style but there were all these fish roe outside the shrimps after trying to suck them a few times decided to pop the entire shrimp in my mouth - it turned to be the best way to taste this shrimp the shells were tiny, crunchy and flavorful it was so good I wished there was a second bowl. Paired with a nice white it was a divine starter!!
The remaining courses were paired with fantastic wines. Next was fresh oysters served on shell with jelly and a cream sauce at the bottom. The oysters worked well with the usual combination it was a refreshing dish. The fish course -a nice strip of seabass nicely seared skin with some whole scallions and root vegetables. The sauce was light it didnt overwhelm the dish. The next course was a duck roulade it was rolled with minced organs and meat, the dish was rich and heavy but very tasty. Of the last few courses was an English blue cheese of cheddar it was the first time I tried a cheddar with blue veins though it had the elements of a cheddar the blue added additional umami flavor to the cheese it was very rich as well so after a few bites I sent it over to my bf. One of the dessert courses was the brioche vendéenne it was oh-so delicious!!
While we sat and enjoy the endless courses the ladies next to us were wondering what sort of gastronomic journey we were on. We started chatting with them told them about the honey store and they told me to try the roof top pesticide and chemical free honey. We then told them about Les Halles and Rungis where all the fresh ingredients come to Paris. What a great exchange of information.
We walked up to the front to pay and leave the owner stopped us for a shot. It was no other than a Pear Williams I just love Le Bistral! Pear Williams or pear brandy was a nice way to end the meal. What a treat! Definitely coming back! read more