Feeling like eating authentic French Cuisine? I’ve been eyeing Bistro de la Gare in South Pasadena for awhile now. But, for whatever reason, haven’t had an opportunity to check it out yet given that it’s just a bit outside of my normal route of Mission Drive. This little gem of a restaurant is located just behind the Gold Line station on Meridian, on the corner of El Centro. It’s small, charming and has a cute outdoor seating patio to enjoy beautiful Pasadena days.
Well… Friday night was the night to finally head out for some French Food and Bistro de la Gare was in our plans. Reservations were for 7 pm and we were led to a lovely table by the window.
The waiter asked for our drink orders (nice selection of wines available) and brought out some bread – chunks of french baguette. We decided to start with Plateau de Charcuterie which the menu promised will have assorted saucisson, pates, prosciutto and cornishons. Didn’t see any prosciutto on the plate, but the pate was heavenly.
And, of course, when you’re in a french restaurant ratinée a L’Oignon, the French Onion Soup, is a must. And, I have to say it was one of the best French Onion Soups I’ve had since visiting Paris.
For the main course, we ordered their special Hangar Steak and fries, Le Classic Steak Frite a “La Parisienne” which is a top sirloin steak with garlic parsley butter with french fries and Salmon a L’aneth, a sauteed salmon in a dill sauce served with a side of mashed potatoes.
Hangar steak was served in a reduction of burgundy sauce with a side of fried potatoes. It was definitely a meat lover’s dish. Not for me, but my partner in crime enjoyed it.
Sauteed salmon was really well prepared. Melt in your mouth good! Dill sauce was very mild and added a nice twist. A very successful dish.
For garlic lovers, Le Classic Frite a “La Pariesienne” is a must. The steak was marinated in and screams garlic and more garlic was over it. French fries were nice and crisp. A nice twist on a Paris classic of Steak Frites.
We rounded up the meal with Creme Brulee and Caramel Flan with a strawberry compote. Nothing special about the flan, but the brulee was worth every calorie – yum!
Overall, a nice evening with great food and drink. The only negative was the service was spotty. Not sure who was our waiter. They kept changing and the regulars, of which there were many, were getting all the attention.
It’s nice to know that a French restaurant is so close to us and it definitely deserves a spot on 365 Things To Do in Pasadena®
LOCATION:
Bistro de la Gare
921 Meridian Ave
South Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 799-8828
