Table for Two 9-20
Places! Bistro
Rating: 
We browsed the small wine list (glasses $7 to $9; bottles $30 to $45) and asked about the availability of beer. We ordered a bottle of Yuengling ($3.50) to start. Our server returned with the beer, water and answered our questions about the menu.
We were disappointed to learn that the grilled watermelon napoleon appetizer was not available because they had run out of watermelon. The Scotch egg appetizer was apparently from an older version of the menu, and was also unavailable.
After some quick decisions, we placed our order. We chose a bottle of 2007 Cline Zinfandel ($30) to match the steak and salmon entrees. Warm rolls and pats of butter soon arrived, and we settled in to the bright, somewhat eclectic room. The fireplace had been used, probably in cooler weather, but was not lit this August evening.
The maroon Oriental rug in the center of the floor seemed a bit out of place among the black metal chairs, bright French bistro pictures and white and sage green curtains and walls.
With our server’s suggestion, we tried the spicy gazpacho soup ($6) which he later confessed that he had made since he is also the sous-chef. A bowl of mostly pureed cold vegetables with small diced peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes had several layers of flavors. We tried to identify the complex mixture, and with the help (and to the apparent delight) of our server/chef, he divulged his secret ingredient — homemade Tabasco sauce.
The spinach salad ($7) was a large plate of spinach leaves lightly dressed with vinaigrette, topped with slivered almonds, sliced strawberries and crumbled goat cheese.
The citrus poached salmon ($20) was a moderate strip of pink fish with its skin cooked thoroughly. The poaching process helped it remain moist and gave it just a hint of orange-lemon flavor. A side of saffron rice was the expected lovely golden yellow color, but black pepper flecks overwhelmed it. Four asparagus spears were draped over the salmon, perched on the bed of rice. A red pepper puree plated alongside the fish added color and a sweet-savory flavor to the dish.
The steak frites ($23) brought a tender grilled, marinated flank steak with a small dish of spicy Hollandaise sauce. Thin, crisp sweet potato fries and a mound of cold, purple pickled onions give the dish a modern flair.
We still had some room for dessert and had three options. I asked for the most intensely chocolate dessert, and our server recommended the chocolate praline cake ($7). Two chilled wedge-shaped slices of rich, whipped chocolate with no discernable crust were presented stacked on a plate with standard chocolate syrup and a fanned cut strawberry. The Carnivore decided to help the Dessert Hound finish the second piece, since it went quite well with the last of our wine.
Our server/sous chef was enthusiastic about the upcoming fall menu, asking the opinion of other patrons as well on the proposed offerings. Although we missed the chance for a show, we were treated to the theater of dining out in its purest form. We enjoyed a comfortable, but leisurely paced, dinner.
Overall rating: three and one-half forks (out of 5). The Dining Duo base their reviews on unannounced anonymous visits.
