Nensi Martinic
Google
Le Sélect Bistro – A Long-Awaited Visit with Mixed Impressions
Le Sélect Bistro had been on my list of must-visit places for quite some time, and I was genuinely looking forward to finally experiencing it. Located in a charming area, the initial curb appeal, however, fell a bit short. The outdoor appearance — particularly the aged flower pots and fencing — felt neglected and did not quite match the prestige I had long associated with the bistro.
Once inside, the ambiance quickly improved. The interior offered a classic French aesthetic — warm, polished, and inviting in an old-world way. We opted to sit on the patio. Although it was a little chilly and bustling with lively conversations, it had a pleasant energy.
When our server arrived, we let her know we were there for coffee and dessert. She was welcoming and assured us it was no problem, though we were still presented with full dinner and wine menus, which slightly confused the tone and made us feel as though just ordering dessert might not be entirely welcomed.
That said, my husband decided to try the bone marrow, while I ordered the Coquilles St. Jacques, along with a glass of Malbec recommended by our server. The dishes were beautifully presented, though they leaned more toward a modern interpretation of French cuisine. While creativity in cuisine is always welcome, I personally had hoped for a more traditional execution, especially given the bistro setting.
The scallops were well-cooked and paired nicely with the sauce and bits of bacon, but the dish as a whole felt a bit one-dimensional in flavor. The decorative piping — intended to mimic a scallop shell — was dry and overly crusted. My husband’s bone marrow was unevenly cooked, with one side appearing overdone and the other quite rare. This inconsistency suggested either an equipment issue or a need for more careful preparation.
Despite these critiques, the crème brûlée was an absolute highlight — luxuriously creamy, with a perfectly caramelized top. A truly memorable dessert. The accompanying latte, though, had an excessive amount of foam, resembling more of a cappuccino than a latte.
The only real disappointment in terms of service came when the bill was brought and placed on our table rather abruptly. While this may not have been intentional, it left us feeling a bit rushed and unwelcome, especially after what had been, up to that point, a relaxed and unrushed visit.
In conclusion, my experience at Le Sélect Bistro was a mix of highs and lows. While the setting and dessert stood out, the food overall did not quite meet the expectations I had built up over the years — especially given the pricing. Would I return? Possibly, though much like my first visit, it may be a long time before I do.