Bistro 501
Before I even begin I know what you are thinking: “Another expensive, hoity-toity restaurant, I cannot afford.” Let me stop you right there. How often do you go to some corporate steak house and end up spending up to $60 or more on two people? And that’s in addition to schlepping through cast-off peanut shells while Honky-Tonk music blares throughout the establishment. In comparison, Bistro 501 is approachable, comfortable, and (based on the salary of two students with three children) affordable.
We started the evening with Pomme Frites. At first I was a little disappointed to learn that they are no longer flash frying them in duck fat, so I feared our appetizer was not going to meet my expectations. I was wrong. They arrived piping hot and crispy with just as much flavor as their predecessors. Now, just because they aren’t fried in the greasy goodness called duck fat, this does not mean that they are any less fattening. While not as heavy as they once were, they are still French fries and they are still served with deliciously heart-clogging garlic aioli. None the less, are absolutely scrumptious.
For my entrée, I chose the Linguine Pescatore, a traditionally Italian dish. However, replacing the usual marinara sauce were fresh diced tomatoes and crisp asparagus surrounded by a decidedly French white wine garlic butter sauce. This dish definitely impressed me. The toothsome linguine wrapped around perfectly sautéed shrimp and mussels and paired beautifully with the married flavors of the sauce and veggies. Normally I would never, and I do mean never, eat mussels in the Midwest. I have been the unfortunate recipient of the little bi-valves that were trucked across the country from their various coastal regions and then at some point delivered to a chef who wasn’t adept enough to know a live mollusk from a dead one, who then plopped them into a further watery grave called the wine sauce in my bowl. Needless to say it wasn’t good, and neither was the way I felt later. However, I digress.
Head Chef Philip ‘Flip’ Osburn and his staff are more than competent. In fact, I have never at any visit received an entrée that was anything less than flawless. I have complete confidence in recommending the Moules Bistro. But be warned: you should come with a hefty appetite. It is a particularly large portion and, when finished with the mussels, you are going to want extra sliced baguette to sop up the flavorful broth.
My on again, off again vegetarian friend had the Wild Mushroom Pasta. She assured me she orders this from any restaurant that offers such a dish, and has therefore become something of a wild mushroom pasta connoisseur. She thought it was delectable. She offered me a bite, and I have to say it was quite delicious. The ridges of the penne pasta held the creamy sauce well and stood up nicely to the prolific amount of various wild mushrooms.
To those unfortunate souls who are vegetarians, I feel for you because the menu here is somewhat diminutive. Conversely, what do you expect from a restaurant whose cuisine is based on a country that creates dishes from fois gras, sweet breads, and any and all parts of various animals? What dishes vegetarians do have to choose from at Bistro are flavorful and complex. None of those boring, bland veggie meals will be found here.
The dessert menu was equally tantalizing. Baked desserts are prepared daily by Helen Meyer or “Granny” as she is affectionately referred to. I definitely recommend pairing one of her mouth-watering cobblers with one of Executive Sous Chef Ryan Mitchel’s homemade ice creams. As we were already filled to the gills, we opted for a lighter dessert. Since my friend is pregnant and is literally buying gallons of ice cream by the week, we of course chose the Blood Orange Ice Cream. It was, how should I say, complexly refreshing. Upon first bite, it seemed to be like a sorbet; the sweet, icy citrus cooling the mouth, and then was followed by a creamy smoothness that lightly coated the palate. If they had sold it by the half-gallon, it would be sitting in her freezer in front of the other six.
Bistro offers Provencal cuisine in a casual yet elegant setting. Upon entrance to the restaurant it is evident that the rooster is an integral theme throughout the décor. The interior is warm and inviting with its azure and goldenrod walls and candlelight flickering from the tables dressed with crisp white table cloths. In addition to the interior, Bistro is one of the few restaurants in the area that can boast an outdoor café-style area. This is a big one in my book; there is nothing better on a summer afternoon or evening than sitting with friends or family, having good meal al fresco.
Throughout the evening we had superb service. Our quick-witted server was knowledgeable and attentive. Despite being busy, everything appeared to run like a well-oiled machine with everyone working together to ensure each customer’s happiness. We only had one minor issue; our server did forget to bring baguettes to the table, but neither of us really cared. We weren’t there for the bread.
I recommend going on Wednesdays, when French wines are half price. Looking for a good cocktail? Try going for drinks on Thursday night when martinis are featured. Mixologist Dan Stouffer, shakes, stirs and pours martinis that rival the best clubs in Chicago. I may be a little green when it comes to wine, but martini’s I KNOW, and Bistro offers the best around, hands down. A word to the wise, Thursday nights can be busy so you might want to order that second drink before the first one is gone so you aren’t left sitting with an empty glass.
Basically stated, Bistro 501 is a place where you can have fantastic food, a little too much wine, and a relaxing evening with friends and family all at a price that honestly will not empty your wallet.
Bistro 501 is located on the corner of Main and Columbia, Lafayette, IN.
Lunch $$ Dinner $$$
On a scale of 5 forks I give it a 5
Service - Excellent
Cuisine - Excellent
Atmosphere - Excellent
www.bistro501.com
We started the evening with Pomme Frites. At first I was a little disappointed to learn that they are no longer flash frying them in duck fat, so I feared our appetizer was not going to meet my expectations. I was wrong. They arrived piping hot and crispy with just as much flavor as their predecessors. Now, just because they aren’t fried in the greasy goodness called duck fat, this does not mean that they are any less fattening. While not as heavy as they once were, they are still French fries and they are still served with deliciously heart-clogging garlic aioli. None the less, are absolutely scrumptious.
For my entrée, I chose the Linguine Pescatore, a traditionally Italian dish. However, replacing the usual marinara sauce were fresh diced tomatoes and crisp asparagus surrounded by a decidedly French white wine garlic butter sauce. This dish definitely impressed me. The toothsome linguine wrapped around perfectly sautéed shrimp and mussels and paired beautifully with the married flavors of the sauce and veggies. Normally I would never, and I do mean never, eat mussels in the Midwest. I have been the unfortunate recipient of the little bi-valves that were trucked across the country from their various coastal regions and then at some point delivered to a chef who wasn’t adept enough to know a live mollusk from a dead one, who then plopped them into a further watery grave called the wine sauce in my bowl. Needless to say it wasn’t good, and neither was the way I felt later. However, I digress.
Head Chef Philip ‘Flip’ Osburn and his staff are more than competent. In fact, I have never at any visit received an entrée that was anything less than flawless. I have complete confidence in recommending the Moules Bistro. But be warned: you should come with a hefty appetite. It is a particularly large portion and, when finished with the mussels, you are going to want extra sliced baguette to sop up the flavorful broth.
My on again, off again vegetarian friend had the Wild Mushroom Pasta. She assured me she orders this from any restaurant that offers such a dish, and has therefore become something of a wild mushroom pasta connoisseur. She thought it was delectable. She offered me a bite, and I have to say it was quite delicious. The ridges of the penne pasta held the creamy sauce well and stood up nicely to the prolific amount of various wild mushrooms.
To those unfortunate souls who are vegetarians, I feel for you because the menu here is somewhat diminutive. Conversely, what do you expect from a restaurant whose cuisine is based on a country that creates dishes from fois gras, sweet breads, and any and all parts of various animals? What dishes vegetarians do have to choose from at Bistro are flavorful and complex. None of those boring, bland veggie meals will be found here.
The dessert menu was equally tantalizing. Baked desserts are prepared daily by Helen Meyer or “Granny” as she is affectionately referred to. I definitely recommend pairing one of her mouth-watering cobblers with one of Executive Sous Chef Ryan Mitchel’s homemade ice creams. As we were already filled to the gills, we opted for a lighter dessert. Since my friend is pregnant and is literally buying gallons of ice cream by the week, we of course chose the Blood Orange Ice Cream. It was, how should I say, complexly refreshing. Upon first bite, it seemed to be like a sorbet; the sweet, icy citrus cooling the mouth, and then was followed by a creamy smoothness that lightly coated the palate. If they had sold it by the half-gallon, it would be sitting in her freezer in front of the other six.
Bistro offers Provencal cuisine in a casual yet elegant setting. Upon entrance to the restaurant it is evident that the rooster is an integral theme throughout the décor. The interior is warm and inviting with its azure and goldenrod walls and candlelight flickering from the tables dressed with crisp white table cloths. In addition to the interior, Bistro is one of the few restaurants in the area that can boast an outdoor café-style area. This is a big one in my book; there is nothing better on a summer afternoon or evening than sitting with friends or family, having good meal al fresco.
Throughout the evening we had superb service. Our quick-witted server was knowledgeable and attentive. Despite being busy, everything appeared to run like a well-oiled machine with everyone working together to ensure each customer’s happiness. We only had one minor issue; our server did forget to bring baguettes to the table, but neither of us really cared. We weren’t there for the bread.
I recommend going on Wednesdays, when French wines are half price. Looking for a good cocktail? Try going for drinks on Thursday night when martinis are featured. Mixologist Dan Stouffer, shakes, stirs and pours martinis that rival the best clubs in Chicago. I may be a little green when it comes to wine, but martini’s I KNOW, and Bistro offers the best around, hands down. A word to the wise, Thursday nights can be busy so you might want to order that second drink before the first one is gone so you aren’t left sitting with an empty glass.
Basically stated, Bistro 501 is a place where you can have fantastic food, a little too much wine, and a relaxing evening with friends and family all at a price that honestly will not empty your wallet.
Bistro 501 is located on the corner of Main and Columbia, Lafayette, IN.
Lunch $$ Dinner $$$
On a scale of 5 forks I give it a 5
Service - Excellent
Cuisine - Excellent
Atmosphere - Excellent
www.bistro501.com