bistrofrance

A warm welcome and a great coffee (short black). What more could a girl want? Sultry French music? Check. I must come back for a meal next time.

Love love love Bistro France. I went into mourning when La G’s closed. It was my place for birthdays and other special celebrations — great French food with reasonable prices for what you got and a special, but welcoming atmosphere. Bistro France has similar menu items. It’s tucked away at the back side of the Burnside shopping centre but despite its mall location, it manages to convey some of the unique atmosphere of the lost, but not forgotten La G’s. As much as I loathe Burnside, I’ll return for Bistro France (and I wouldn’t do that for just anyone).

Memorable was the day in 2008 when Jacques and Christine Naudin closed the doors of their La Guillotine, our iconic French restaurant. It was a trail blazer and considered ooo-​la-​la in good ol’ Adelaide for 25 years. Happy times were here again when Bistro France was born in Burnside Village — with daughter Cazz as manager and son Philippe spending time in the kitchen. Sadly Jacques has since passed away, so it’s extra special to have Christine continuing to make us feel not only welcome, but part of their hospitality history.
Décor wise, memories of La Guillotine and feelings of belle-​époque abound. Absinthe posters, French copper long-​handled pans and chic bistro surrounds set a richly apt scene for the food to come. I brought my family here to celebrate my birthday, as I dearly wanted to introduce them to Christine and her family’s cuisine. They were jazzed.
After a festive French feast of escargot (always great to watch newcomers young and old step up to try their first snail), double-​baked three-​cheese soufflé, duck liver pâté, garlic-​buttered prawns with herbs, L’entrecôte beef with Béarnaise, confit of duck a l’orange, and chicken breast stuffed with avocado and brie — they were raving. With chocolate profiteroles, fanfare of Grand Marnier-​flamed crepes, and delightful smashing of crème brulee toffee lids — it seemed like everyone’s birthday.

Bistro France is a cool, dark café with lots of very french décor, cleverly done so as to not seem cliched.
They sell traditional french sweets along with delicious coffee. You can choose from crepes, crème brûlée, crème caramel or other favourites, along with a coffee, for $ 7.50 at any time of the day.
They use Rio coffee, which is strong with a smooth taste, yet somewhat dry aftertaste. It’s great with some water on the side to wash away the aftertaste.
The staff are more than happy to cater to any coffee requests. I asked for mine latte to be made normally, but poured over ice. The waitress checked that I did want hot milk, not cold milk which won’t melt the ice. Since I like textured milk, I went with hot on ice, and it is a beautiful combination — though not for everyone, I’m sure.
The food here is quite pricey, and quite traditional. Their list of spirits and wines is impressive.
It’s just a pity you can’t do anything other people’s atrocious children, capable of thoroughly spoiling a nice, quiet time.