While the PNE is usually known for it’s crazy take on food items such as this year’s deep fried pop tarts, and the usual fair snacks including corn dogs, burgers, and mini donuts, there are a few gourmet items to be had.  This year’s menu at the Westjet World Class Bistro is worth trying out (SCROLL DOWN FOR PICS), especially if you are a fan of some of the acts that will play at the fair from now until September 5.

Starting at just $50 per person the package includes:

• 3 course meal, including soft drinks, coffee and tea
• Ability to listen to the artist sound check before the show begins
• Exclusive reserved seating for the Summer Night Concert at 8pm

Seating times are at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. Guests are welcome to have dinner, go and enjoy the Fair and then return for the concert (wristbands will be provided and are required to enter the reserved seating).  Shows up next are:

Monday August 29: Kenny Rogers
Tuesday August 30: Donny Osmond
Wednesday August 31: Elvis Night
Thursday September 1: Wilson Phillips
Friday September 2: Daryl Hall & John Oates
Saturday September 3: Delhi 2 Dublin
Sunday September 4: Stereos
Monday September 5: Hey Ocean! and Andrew Allen

Reserve Seats Here: http://www.pne.ca/thefair/world-class-bistro.html

We checked out Air Supply on Friday, August 27 and thankfully the weather cooperated and the concert and meal were both memorable. I’d go back for Hall and Oates (showing my age, I know), but unfortunately it is sold out.  One can, however, watch the show from the Beer Gardens, and although I doubt there’s much to chose from in craft beer, it might still be next Friday’s adventure.

Menu at the Bistro

Starter
Your choice of:
Crab angel hair pasta
Oregano, basil, mint, diced roma tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil
Giant spring rolls
Pork, prawn, water chestnut with chili jam
Tea-smoked chicken salad
Cantaloupe, goat cheese, arugula almonds, with white balsamic dressing

Entrée
Your choice of:
Filet steak
8oz filet, blue cheese potato gratin, grilled asparagus
Ginger lime salmon fillet
Wild rice salad, cucumbers, avocado, cilantro, green onion and lime dressing
White asparagus risotto
Scented with white sherry, parmesan cheese, whipped cream and oven dried tomato

Dessert
Find at least three reasons to smile on the WestJet dessert tasting plate: bread and butter pudding with dried blueberries and apricot glaze, hazelnut meringue cake with chocolate sauce, berry mousse cups

We chose the pasta and spring rolls, both where tasty; portions large.  Next up was the steak, cooked perfectly, and salmon, done equally well.  Dessert was a sampler of bread and butter pudding with blueberries, hazelnut meringue cake and berry mousse cups, a perfect ending.

While the furnishings and room are not going to win any dining awards, the servers are on their game, friendly and attentive and if you are lucky enough to get a patio seat, it’s a great al fresco experience on a hot summer night, complete with after dinner entertainment.