"Bistrot Du Coin", 1738 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC. (202) 234-6969 Bistrot Du Coin, Washington, DC - Home Page. Fast pace, but not rushed. Authentic cultural appeal. Reservations taken but not required, open 7 days a week. Alcohol served. 4 Paw rating.
October 6th is a day of great significance. In 1926, Babe Ruth set the record in the World Series with three home runs, in 19992 Bill O'Reilly died (the Australian; unfortunately), and in 2010, I lay claim to what is perhaps the finest dining spot in the D.C district.
Established at the turn of the century, Bistrot Du Coin, has been alive and well for ten years. The restaurant was voted "Best Value" in Readers Choice Washington Magazine in 2003 and 2006 and maintains a great relationship with its "regulars." The owners are great and friendly people who take the time to socialize with customers and make sure they are having a genuinely good time.
Approaching the restaurant, I peeked in the window and noticed an overwhelming crowd of people enjoying their evening. Now, having never heard of the "Bistrot" I was curious as to what must have attracted such a sizable stream of customers on a late wednesday evening. So I looked around the area a bit and saw nothing out of the ordinary. It was on a street corner, a slight distance from the metro- no neon lights or extraordinary measures.
No, the extraordinary measures came once inside this carnival of sensations. Though crowded as it was, I waited only a brief fifteen minutes to be seated which was hardly enough time to take in the exceptional decor and brilliance of the vicinity. French paraphernalia illuminated the walls in context to cultural history and art work with techno music sounding in the background. The two story dining room had floors, tables, and chairs made of solid eye-catching wood. To describe the vision as merely "breath-taking" would be the equivalence of calling Justin Bieber's grasp on America "unfortunate."
Once seated, a vase filled with chilled water and a basket of bread was brought promptly to the table by a french speaking waiter. He was friendly and more than happy to assist my second grade level french skills.
The first course to charm my under-matched taste buds was "Escargot". To the French speaking world, Escargot is a popular appetizer customary in the majority authentic restaurants. To me, however, it meant snails. Once that reasonably portioned plate of sizzling heaven was set down in front of me, all bets were off. Soft aromas of warm butter and garlic twirled through the air holding captive my reverence toward the Western Hemisphere and their cursed cuisine. The first bite into the dish was a marvelous symphony of well-seasoned excitement! Just as the mini bits of seared garlic melted in my mouth, the oily and tender mollusk soon followed. Needless to say, the dish was a success. Such a success, that once it was finished and my company and I awaited the entrees, we held onto the dish using the remaining sauce on the bread. As an appetizer it was very reasonable priced at $8.95, and was quite filling.
And then the entree came. If not prepared by the culinary gods, than by the devil himself because there exists nothing in comparison. "Bretonne," which arrived at the table on a classy, doilied white porcelain plate, was a heavy dish of mini raviolis. One bite, and your sensory virginity is lost. The dish was coated in a mixed-cheese layer perfected with a hint of tangy spices. Beneath the surface, your palate is greeted by a thick creamy lobster sauce complete with variety of seafood, soft and tender mushrooms, and crisp peppers. To find an entree of this magnitude for around $17 is quite extraordinary to say the least.
Despite the fact that our bellies were full and our hearts content, we continued on to the dessert menu. "Chocolat Liegeois" was its name, and perfection was its game. To be described in short: Oh My God. The dish was composed of caramel fudge, an indulgent chocolate sauce, and fresh chocolate ice cream. But a fare of such refinement was only to be approached with an attitude of experience and strategy. Being a chocolate lover myself, this was no hard feat. Each sweet bite graced the soul with such subtly that every inch of the body ached for more.
It is hard to decipher which is deserving of most applause; the fine service, sinful dishes, or the fact that most of the menu was budget friendly. There is no doubt in my mind that there is a mutant dog walking around somewhere with an extra leg to make giving "Bistrot Du Coin" a five paw rating possible.
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