Au Revoir in Hillcrest. A small place buried at the end of a strip mall near a bagel shop and to tell you the truth? If you didn’t know it was there…. you wouldn’t know it was there. It’s one of those special places that only friends can tell you about.
The first thing I care about at a French Bistro is Onion Soup. Seriously.
Just like in a regular restaurant the ‘tell’ is their bread?
IS THAT TRUE CHEF?
Well, yes. Think about the great meals you have had. Always warm fresh bread, or exceptional bread. It’s a sign.
Anyway, a French Restaurant knows their onion soup, as well as they should know profiteroles.
Au Revoir has great onion soup. And our waiter Mike couldn’t have been more accomodating.
There are many things to order, but when I think about Paris, I see Moules-Frites (Mussels and French Fries). Aaah but not just any french fries. These were the most perfectly seasoned fries I’ve had in America. They are almost like sticks with a little bit of bite to them, a perfect accompaniment for mussels. Plus of course a glass of wine. And at Au Revoir, like in France, you find their house wine or champagne to be as good as anything else you would get at another restaurant, or better.
Very French.
After months in Paris, the one thing I noticed in America is our ‘French Style’ or ‘Italian Style’ Restaurants. If there’s one thing you want to avoid, it’s that. Just like some Mexican Restaurants are processed and not authentic? You get that in every category and French food is no exception.
I know we all have different opinions about French Food. But when it’s done right, (the food, the ‘wait’ staff, the ambiance) there isn’t anything better. Save your calories and go to Au Revoir! If you want to stay on plan? Just make sure you have ‘tastes’ of things instead of full portions. You’ll still get the experience!
Happy Eating,