Chef Table at Le Bistro Du Parc, Delhi

Ever since Le Bistro du Parc opened in my neighbourhood more than a year ago, I have been a regular patron here, as I love the concept of a Parisian bistro right in the heart of South Delhi. A small limited blackboard menu which changes frequently, an intimate setting (more due to a constraint of space here) and a cheerful and friendly feel the moment one enters. It helps that this lovely bistro is run by the petite, friendly and extremely knowledgeable Naina de Bois-Juzan, who reminds me of Audrey Hepburn and a handsome and polite manager Nick.

My eating experience here has been mostly good, sometimes average but never bad. I have always found the management to be open to suggestions. They take criticism well and make suitable changes if one has problems with a dish for any reason. The only drawback with a changing menu is that a lot of times one finds one’s favourite dish gone from the menu. Some people also complain about the small portions but to me they always seem perfect and so French.

When I was invited recently to the Chef’s Table at Le Bistro du Parc “showcasing the myriad of French Bistronomie” I was keen to see what changes, if any, the new chef Alexis Gielbaum had brought to the kitchen. Since the bistro changes its menu according to the season adhering to its philosophy of “using freshly procured local produce and ingredients”, it gives the chef the freedom to introduce new dishes whenever he feels inspired.

We began the evening with an amuse bouche of Creamy Polenta and Black Olive with a tomato and thyme coulis. A great start as the polenta had just the right consistency, a little bite without being lumpy, and the flavour of black olive was very subtle. This was followed by an entrée of Chicken Liver Paté and pear sauce. It was the attractive free form plating of this dish which captivated me and got my digestive juices flowing. While the light, silky smooth and buttery paté was loaded with flavour, it was the other elements in the dish which tickled my taste buds. The delicious pear sauce scattered in the form of little drops on the stone plate, the pickled onion and cucumber, all made the dish a visual as well as an edible delight.

We then moved on to the main course or plat principal as it is called in French. It was a Pan-Fried Red Snapper with fennel sauce and green pea mousse. The fish had a crisp skin and a soft, flaky and tender flesh with the white of the fish contrasting beautifully with the green fennel sauce. The dish could have done with a little more flavour though the quality of the snapper was spot on.

The dessert was a Poached Pear with vanilla cream and hot chocolate sauce. A common problem with this dish is that very often the pear is either under cooked or overcooked becoming mushy. Chef Alexis had done a splendid job here with the pear cooked evenly and holding its shape perfectly and I would give him a ten on ten for the technique. The lightly flavoured syrup had improved the taste of the fruit which is often described as bland. The hot chocolate sauce was delicious though one could have done with a little less vanilla cream with the dish.

Overall it was a wonderful evening and I can’t wait to get back to try the new additions to the menu. I don’t often get to hear David Bowie playing at restaurants in Delhi and his distinctive voice along with some classic French dishes added to the dining experience.

Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgment and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review, but readers need to consider this review keeping this fact in mind.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 3.5 | Ambience: 3.5 | Service: 3.5 | Overall: 3.5

Meal for two: Rs.1800 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: A 57, 58, 59, Moolchand Market, Defence Colony, New Delhi| Tel  011-46780080

– Lavina Kharkwal