This summer’s smash hit film Julie & Julia has people rediscovering the pleasures of French food. Classics such as Boeuf Bourguignon and Sole Meunière play a prominent role in the film while the success of the movie has created a rush to buy a copy of Ms. Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. In the movie, Julie Powell trudges home everyday from work to cook her way through Child’s epic tome, not an easy feat in our time-crunched all-too-busy world.
There is an easier way…
Enter Vancouver’s own corner of France, Bistro Pastis. Proprietor John Blakeley knows a thing or two about classic French comfort food – he grew up with these dishes. For the month of October, Bistro Pastis is offering a very soothing La Cuisine de Chez Nous menu for only $37.50 for three-courses. Perfect for a crisp autumn evening by Bistro Pastis’ fireplace, this three-course menu is a demonstration of ‘The Art of French Cooking – Mastered.’
Autumn is a time for the rich flavours of slowly braised dishes. Craving the famed Boeuf Bourguignon? You’ll find it as one of three Mains on La Cuisine de Chez Nous. Classic Coq au Vin? It’s also there. Instead of Sole Meunière, John is offering Sole Normande, a very tasty dish where the sole is cooked with shrimps, mussels and clams in a nod to our bountiful ocean. It is served with a decadent White Wine Cream Sauce (‘Sauce Parisienne’ according to Ms. Child) and a Rice Pilaf.
Stepping back to starters, La Cuisine de Chez Nous presents three difficult choices: a classic Salade Frisée with Smoked Bacon and Poach Egg (who can go wrong with including bacon?); a luxe-as-velvet Potato and Leek Soup or an elegant Terrine de Canard served with traditional cornichons.
To finish, a seasonal Tarte aux Pommes with Caramel Sauce and Crème Anglaise or a thoroughly decadent and very comforting Profiteroles au Chocolate. Chocolate or Apples? Apples or Chocolate? Hmmm… You may just have to return for a another dinner this month to try the dishes you did not have the first time. At $37.50, this menu is not only soothing to your soul, it’s also soothing on the pocketbook.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made either at www.bistropastis.com or by calling 604-731-5020.
Bistro Pastis – the closest you can get to France without a passport and a plane ticket.
2153 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC 604.731-5020 www.bistropastis.com
La Cuisine de Chez Nous – October 1 – 31, 2009
Frisée Salad
Smoked Bacon, Poached Egg
or
Leek and Potato Soup
or
Terrine de Canard
Cornichons
*******
Sole Normande,
Shrimp, Mussels and Clams,
Mushrooms, Riz Pilaf, White Wine Cream Sauce
or
Coq au Vin,
Braised in Red Wine, Pearl Onions,
Bacon, Mushrooms, Fettuccini
or
Boeuf Bourguignon
Mashed Potatos, Jardiniere de Legumes
*******
Tarte aux Pommes
Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Crème Anglaise
or
Profiteroles au Chocolat
Price: $37.50
