62297 Tue Aug 17 14:46:13 -0700 2004 6 2 Los Angeles Area 0 332332 The S.O. and I stumbled upon Bistro K on Saturday night (in a now-failed attempt to give Firefly Bistro a second chance). It's noticeable not by signage, but primarily by the tables on the outside lawn area, cordoned off from the public R-O-W, and twinkle lights, ...you feel as if you're crashing the adjacent theater's pre-event cocktail soiree. We were immediately informed by staff that it is BYO, no corkage. The hostess "saved" our table while we popped down to Vons. We sat indoors, but the windows were wide open so it was almost like being on the veranda. They played my favorite Louis Prima CD for background and opened the wine right away...a good start. It's hard not to mention the staff - the hostess is assertively "energetic"- almost overwhelming, but she obviously likes what she does and applies Hilary's "it takes a village" theory to wining/dining. She is shadowed by an Igor-like presence, who continually surprised me with his efficient, almost stealth-like, serving technique. What we ate: Amuse bouche of crostini with goatcheese spread. I opted for two First Courses. The soup of the day - an Essence of Seafood bisque that was quite good, followed by the Summer Salad of Pacific Lobster Medallions with White peaches with a Black Peppercorn and Ceylon Tea Infusion Dressing. The size of servings is just larger than a tasting menu portion (i.e, one chunk o'lobster pared into 3 medallions, one-quarter of peach thinly sliced, a scrunch of mesclun) - but perfect for a light dinner. I was quite satisfied. The S.O. started with Steamed Black Mussels with Lime, Ginger, Curry and Coconut Milk! Really excellent with lots of jus, a dozen small mussels, and great rolls to soak it all up! (thanks Igor). He followed with the Pacific Scallop(s), Blue Shrimp, Grilled Smoked Duck Breast, Fava Beans, served in Cep Mushroom Nage with Tarragon....keep up with me here, folks...I still don't get the need to follow the Full Disclosure Act when describing menu items, but whadda I know... Grand finale was the Upside Down Pineapple Gateau with a sauce, alas, surprising I can't recall it's name - definitely not akin to your grandma's version of the Duncan Hines creation. A simple disc of fresh sliced pineapple, broiled over a thin pastry circle tasting of vanilla, knapped by that caramel colored stuff- again, tasty. All this creativity doesn't come without some investment of time by both the kitchen and diners. We were there over 2 hours. There appears to be only the chef Laurent Quenioux in the kitchen (of 7th Street Bistro years ago)...and only Igor and friend serving. But it was a very pleasant evening, we polished off the whole bottle of wine, which only served to improve my Zydeco dancing skills later in the evening. Bistro K S/E Corner Fremont and El Centro South Pasadena Link: http://www.lqmanagementservices.com Tue Aug 17 14:46:13 -0700 2004 0 Local 1 332412 How funny - I was just wondering about Bistro K. It's been on our list but somehow we've never made it over. Thanks for your great review! Everything,from the staff to the food, sounds very satisfying. I think we'll have to push it up to the top of the list now. One question though, just where were you going for Zydeco dancing, in Pasadena no less? Tue Aug 17 21:04:17 -0700 2004 332332 0 Suebee 2 332491 There's Zydeco dancing at the War Memorial hall. see link to more info. below. Cajun & Creole Musical Heritage Family Dances - South Pasadena - Public Invited 2nd Friday of every month. Remaining 2004 Cajun - Zydeco Dates:Sept. 10 Oct. 8 Nov. 12 Dec. 10 Location: War Memorial Hall, 435 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030 Link: http://members.aol.com/zydecobrad/zydeco.html Wed Aug 18 12:03:21 -0700 2004 332412 0 Local 3 332523 Great, thanks! Wed Aug 18 14:46:09 -0700 2004 332491 0 Suebee 4 332527 ;-) happy eating and happy feet! Wed Aug 18 15:14:50 -0700 2004 332523 0 Local 1 332437 Thanks for the post - very informative. Laurent Quenioux is one of the most underrated chefs around, IMHO. I was a dedicated fan of his at 7th Street (after Joachim Splichal) until he was driven out of business by construction of the Red Line years ago. Will have to try this place soon. Tue Aug 17 22:41:13 -0700 2004 332332 0 Griller141 2 332492 Definitely scope out the menu as my "subject" listing as Subtle French is somewhat inaccurate. His preparation techniques may be based on French tradition, but his pairing of ingredients and the sauces he prepares are well beyond that region and quite eclectic. Wed Aug 18 12:08:51 -0700 2004 332437 0 Local