Dinh D.
Yelp
TLDR: Modern twist on French bistro food. I wasn't a fan sadly and don't plan to return. Overall rating: B-
Easy last minute OpenTable reservation for Saturday at 7:45pm for 4 people. However, when we got there there were plenty of empty tables. Not sure why OpenTable wasn't showing available tables for earlier timeslots. We were seated quickly. The service was pretty good. I liked that they didn't rush us out when we finished eating. It wasn't super loud or dark. Their decor was standard but cozy.
Be aware their entrees seem to stray into modernized and remade version of the classics. My duck confit was definitely NOT that! We received complementary French bread with good olive oil at the beginning. Not the freshest but it was toasted at least. Onto the rest of the food:
APPETIZERS:
-Escargots Bourguignonne, Garlic, Parsley, Shallot $15: Served out of the shell. So good! It's VERY hot temperature-wise. The butter was practically boiling. Be careful to not burn your tongue. Save some bread to dip into the melted garlicky butter sauce! A+
-Beet salad special: Not sure what the price or exact ingredients are but from what sampled it was delicious. I remember it had roasted beets, goat cheese, walnuts?, orange wedges, greens of some sort, and a balsamic vinaigrette. A
-Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Toasted Pistachios, Pistachio Oil, Sea Salt, on Grilled Bread $17: I didn't taste this myself but the person who ordered it enjoyed it. N/A
-Country Paté, Niçoise Olives, Cornichons, Mustard, Toasted Country Bread $14: I didn't taste this myself but the person who ordered it enjoyed it. N/A
ENTREES:
-Duck Confit, Shiitake Mushrooms, French Beans, Port Wine Sauce, Pommes Frites $28: So it's my fault for not reading the description closer, but authentic duck confit does NOT have a port wine sauce! It's basically duck leg/thigh slow roasted in its own fat. If done correctly crispy on the outside with the fat rendered out. I would say this version is closer to a braised duck. The skin was disappointingly not crispy and still quite fatty. I've been to Paris. I know what duck confit is and this was not it! The meat was moist and tasty but definitely nothing like I expected. The French beans were overcooked to me and mushy. The pommes frites were basically very thin crunchy potato matchsticks (even thinner than shoestring potatoes)! Good but again not pomme frites. B+
-Moules "Poulette," Steamed Mussels with Fine Herbs, Pommes Frites $26: Bug portion. I'm not a huge fan of mussels. I tried one and it was very oceanic tasting. I don't think mussels are for me. My friend who ordered it said it was good though! They give you a big bowl for the shells. You'll need to ask for bread if you want to dip it into the sauce. B-
-Hanger Steak, Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme, served with Pommes Frites $31: A tad overcooked than medium rare/rare as requested. Good flavor though. Not a huge portion but filling. A-
-Kobe Burger, Gruyère Cheese, Brioche Roll, Mesclun, Pommes Allumettes $19: I didn't taste this but the person who ordered it liked it.
The Aperol spritz cocktail ($13) was standard. I got the Apple Blossom cocktail ($13) which included vodka, creme de cassis, apple juice, and orange juice. It was definitely on the sweeter side. It was ok but I wouldn't get the Apple Blossom cocktail again. Everyone received pommes allumettes (matchstick potatoes), NOT pommes frites. Everyone (except the burger recipient) received overcooked French Beans. The burger came with a mixed green salad with dressing on the side. The appetizers were good. The entrees and drinks were generally just ok. If you're in the mood for TRADITIONAL French cuisine this is not the place for you. If you like your French food modernized with a twist you'll like this place. I had a decent meal here but I don't see me coming back any time soon.