GOURMET GIRL: BISTRO LE VALOIS

Friday, March 20, 2020

BISTRO LE VALOIS - OUR LAST LUNCH

My friend and I made plans to go out, but we only had a little time, so I deferred to her, and she took us to a place her family has loved many times. In appearance, Bistro Le Valois is not a typical French restaurant , but my friend always defaults to French cuisine when she can, and this was no exception. The ceiling is a dated stained glass, but the restaurant is set on a plaza that clearly draws people out to gather in droves when the weather is fine. There is as much seating out as in, and the sun shines into the dining room, where we chose to sit.

We were both very happy, although I did not plan to be as carnivorous as I turned out to be. My youngest brother would have loved the soup and salad with a heavy side of bacon that it turned out to be!

My friend ordered two appetizers, and was very happy. There were breaded salmon croquettes with wafu mayo, lime and soya sauce dips. The croquette itself was very good. My friend loved every bit of the foie gras, and we ate the bread bowl empty.

I ordered the soup of the day. Because I make mine vegetarian, I forgot that split pea soup is not usually made that way. Still, with the greens on top, and the day chilly, the soup was delicious.

I had heard of this pizza called Flammekueche, and it was on the daily menu, so I ordered it. It was filling, and tasty. It was very akin, unfortunately, to a Matza bread, so I would take a step back next time. The caramelized onions and arugula balanced out the meaty "lardons", much elevated than the ones I have eaten in the past.

I have seen my friend eat very little in a day, and skip meals, but that day she had room for dessert, and was willing to share! The lemon meringue pie elicited exclamation from us both, as we ate first with our eyes in its wonderful presentation.