DineOut 2015: Bistro 101

To start off our Dine Out 2015, Adorables and I hit up a location I wasn't able to visit last year! Super excited to be supporting other students, and trying this place out after hearing so many positive things from friends!!

Restaurant: Bistro 101 (visit their website here)

Location: 1505 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver
Cuisine: French, International, Pacific Northwest
Price range: $28+tips & tax





Date of visit: January 20, 2015
Atmosphere: 4/5
Staff/service: 4/5
Food variety: 3/5
Food quality: 3/5
Buck worthy? 3/5

We had arrived earlier than booked time, so we had to wait a bit before they seated us, at our appointed time (6:00pm). Their dineout menu this year was $28.00. Our waiter promptly arrived at our table to inform us of the daily special on their menu. We were started with complimentary bread, of which we were only able to try a couple pieces, but were delicious!

We also got complimentary Ravioli (in wonton wraps). I found these interesting as the sauce overwhelmed the ravioli. Wrapping was cooked al dente. Otherwise nothing special.

For my appetizer, I ordered their special of the day, Pan Seared Scallops with an avocado mash. Visually, it was quite appealing (besides the fallen sweet potato chip). I found the scallops a wee undercooked, but were wonderfully seasoned-- very fresh. The highlight was the avocado mash which had avocado, onion, and herb. It was a bit spicy but so creamy. The chips were oily and soft, I was confused by them.

Adorables got the BC Smoked Salmon Roulade which had fresh crab, chives, and grapefruit. This was delectable. It was creamy but had some bite to it because of the deep fried salmon skin on top. I wish there were more grapefruit, as it added some tanginess to the rich flavor of the crab and salmon. Lovely plating.

For my entree, I ordered their special of the night, Pan-seared Arctic Char with Rice and Melons. The char was cooked nicely, moist and soft on the inside and a little bit of crisp on the outside. The melons were coated in a cream sauce, adding some sweetness to the dish, but felt out of place.

The rice was definitely overcooked. It was soft, dense, and mushy, perhaps they should consider getting a rice cooker. The zucchini on top was placed nicely! The charred leek on the side was too tough to eat (I'm not sure if it was meant to be eaten haha). At least they got the star of the dish right, that was some good fish!

Adorables ordered the Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Glazed Shallots, Chickpea Fries, and Watercress. Plating was nice, but I was surprised with the steak pieces, as it was pre-sliced. I expected a piece of steak. Anyways, it was tender and seasoned well, cooked to a medium, medium-rare as requested. Shallot melted in my mouth and was amazing. The chickpea fries were like BRICKS. Solid and bland, it could use a lot more seasoning and fluffing.

Onwards to dessert, I felt a bit childish giggling at my Vanilla Bavarian and Apples with Butter Pecan Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce. They had used diced apples and apple sauce, the apple sauce looked like little wormies going towards the Bavarian ^^" Anyhow, the Bavarian was light and fluffy, I wish there was more. The cookie under was also light, crispy, and fragrant. The ice cream was average, I couldn't figure out what they sat it on (it was a powder of some sort). I didn't have much of the apple sauce because it was too salty =/

Adorables ordered the Chocolate Caramel Tart with Caramel and Chocolate Crèmeux. The tart was lined with a soft, flakey crust, creamy chocolate and caramel layers. It was very smooth. Plating was also clean and neat. Wonderful dish.

Also complimentary, were a Raspberry Jelly, Chocolate (Dark and Milk), and Macarons (I'd been eyeing them all evening). The jelly was interesting, had some bite but not chewy. Chocolate was delicious, it was so rich and smooth. Macarons had caramel filling, not bad but I feel they weren't chewy and moist in the middle enough. But it was free, so I enjoyed them more =D

Overall it was a delightful evening, I enjoyed the service and food. Although a bit disappointed with food, I had a great date night along with all those free complimentary dishes they gave us =)