Bijou: a jewel of a French bistro in Southern California | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 3:20 PM
LEISURE / FOOD & DRINK / DRINKS See also: food news, french bistro, san diego, wine, restaurant, cocktail
Bijou: a jewel of a French bistro in Southern California December 9, 2014 5:03 PM MST
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Wonderful service H. Larson
Bijou French Bistro in La Jolla, CA Rating: The concept of the Bistro began in France - Paris to be specific. They were local establishments http://www.examiner.com/review/bijou-a-jewel-of-a-french-bistro-southern-california
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Bijou: a jewel of a French bistro in Southern California | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 3:20 PM
that served simple, quality fare, beer and wine. Today, these comfortable restaurants are found throughout the country and are the ‘go to’ place in the neighborhood when you want a quick bite, a glass of wine or get together with friends. This concept has been re-created, in an authentic and tasty way, in the upscale San Diego neighborhood of La Jolla, California. Bijou French Bistro is the offspring of the illustrious Grand Del Mar’s ‘Addison’ - Chef William Bradley acts as Bijou’s Culinary Director working with Chef de Cuisine Shaun Gethin, also an Addison alumni. With their meticulous culinary credentials, you might think the menu would be ‘high-end’ French cuisine, but they’ve managed to blend the casual elements of bistro fare with the exquisite preparation and presentation of a fine dining experience. Although the menu is apt to change, depending on the season and availability of quality, fresh ingredients, you’re sure to find such classics as French Onion Soup, Gnocchi À La Parisiene with olives and lemon, Coq Au Vin, Steak Tartare and Escargot. Fresh fish is often prepared ‘Provencal’ style or opt for a juicy Steak with ‘Frites’. Follow up with delicious cheeses such as Fourme d’Ambert blue or zesty ‘Pastoral’ goat cheese handcrafted by Andante Dairy in Petaluma, served with crusty bread. A little something sweet? How about the http://www.examiner.com/review/bijou-a-jewel-of-a-french-bistro-southern-california
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Bijou: a jewel of a French bistro in Southern California | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 3:20 PM
signature Pot du Crème with sea salt or this evening’s special macaron selection? Sommelier and Wine Director Elizabeth Huettinger, who also presides over the vino selections at 'Addison', mixes things up a bit here in La Jolla, with a wine list that is both interesting and very approachable. You’ll find classic French Champagnes (try the J. Lassalle “Cachet d’Or” Brut by the glass) along side less familiar sparklers like Vin de Savoie Rosé, and an eclectic mix of French and American selections. The list is organized from lighter bodied to fuller, making it easy to navigate. Any questions? Elizabeth is more than happy to help you pair the perfect wine with your meal. Bijou has also struck a marvelous balance when it comes to service. In France, being a waiter is viewed as profession, not simply a job while you go to college. This philosophy is embraced in the knowledgeable, confident level of service. The wait staff are friendly, but not too. They are attentive, but they don’t hover. They know every detail of the menu, and seem to love what they do. The layout and decor at Bijou are authentically ‘Francais’, with intimate nooks and private rooms (perfect for groups of eight or more for parties). Again, they have found that perfect ‘sweet spot’ between luxury and comfort. It would be easy to spend many hours at the table, lingering over wine, food and conversation.
http://www.examiner.com/review/bijou-a-jewel-of-a-french-bistro-southern-california
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Bijou: a jewel of a French bistro in Southern California | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 3:20 PM
There is a small wine bar area at the entrance where you can enjoy hand crafted cocktails like the ‘Champs Élysées (cognac, chartreuse, lemon juice, simple syrup and angostura bitters) or “Kentucky Bee’s Knees (reserve bourbon, lemon, honey and peach bitters), draft beers or, naturally, wine. Feeling adventurous? The Sommelier puts together a ‘Vin du Jour’ daily selection of three different wines - a terrific way to find your new favorite vino! The restaurant, which opened on bustling Prospect Street in June 2014, will be celebrating its first Holiday Season in style with two special evenings planned. Christmas Eve will feature an amazing Three Course menu or perhaps you’d prefer to bring in the New Year with a Five Course event including entertainment by the Jason Hanna Jazz Band. Click here to see the complete menus and details. What a wonderful way to say “Joyeux Noêl” and “Bonne Année”! Bijou French Bistro 1205 Prospect Street La Jolla, CA 92307 (858) 750-3695 www.BijouFrenchBistro.com Hours: Wine Bar - Daily : 4 to 10 pm Restaurant - Daily: 5:30 to 10 pm Bar/Lounge - Friday/Saturday: 5:30 - 11:30 pm http://www.examiner.com/review/bijou-a-jewel-of-a-french-bistro-southern-california
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Bijou: a jewel of a French bistro in Southern California | Examiner.com
7/9/16, 3:20 PM
(live music from 8 to 11 pm) Valet Parking available
Hilarie Larson
San Diego Wine Travel Examiner
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http://www.examiner.com/review/bijou-a-jewel-of-a-french-bistro-southern-california
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