Bistro Guillaume

24th November 2011

On a reasonably sunny and pleasant Thursday afternoon, i headed into the city to complete number 55 off my list with dinner at Bistro Guillaume. Shown to my seat in the outside area by a genuine french waitress i received the menu and wine list promptly (I ordered a glass of Sancerre - reasonably priced) and the efficient and quickly service proceeded from there, although there was some friendly banter between wait staff and guests especially the main waitress in the area.

I decided to forgo the entree and went straight for the plat du jour which was on a Thursday the Duck Parmentier and also accompanied it with a side of Paris mash. Very quickly after it had been ordered the meal came out. Plated up on a tile slate with a copper pot holding the duck parmentier and a small salad on the side. The mash was also presented in a stylish but homely manner in a miniature casserole dish.

The confit duck was rich and beautifully dense and had great flavour covered with a little layer of potato and a good layer of breadcrumbs. Excellent flavours and combined with the smooth rich and creamy Paris mash it was a great and homely dish with a little touch of flair.

I moved on to desert and this came out even quicker after ordering than the main course (although it did not require any cooking). I went with the raspberry macaroon. 2 giant macaroon discs filled a raspberry sorbet, a whit chocolate creme filling and fresh raspberries and surrounded by a pool of raspberry coulis. It was substantial, perfectly executed and one of my favourite deserts so far.

Overall very satisfying and homely french comfort food with touches of flair, class and technique throw in. The service was good and reasonably friendly and personable but the express style meal (40 minutes from start to finish) made it seem like they wanted to turn around your table - even though the restaurant was only 3/4 full. The price was decent value if a tad on the expensive side but there was undoubted quality in the dishes.