By Jim David
My Take on ….. A Taste of Paris in Halifax.
In what I call the Queen Victoria Quarter of Halifax, you’ll find a little bit of Paris at Le Bistro By Liz on South Park Street. A quaint, cozy, full-of-life restaurant that features lots of Parisian Cafe favourites, cooked in an open-style kitchen.
I’ve dined here several times over the years always making sure I had a reservation. Because of its location, close to the Dal Arts Centre, it’s a popular choice for concertgoers before a show. Our date at Le Bistro was the same day Notre Dame in Paris reopened, after the tragic fire of 2019.
We arrived late in the afternoon after circling the area for ten minutes, we finally shelled out $20 for Indigo parking behind the Park Victoria building!
LeBistro by Liz on South Park – Photo by Jim David
Owner Liz Ingram-Chambers is on-site most days and evenings. As a business entrepreneur, her success is earned through hard work. The original Bistro opened in 1976. There were a number of owners over the years including Robert Risley. Liz worked here in the 1990s first as a server then manager.
After it was sold by Risley and Liz pursued other interests, the restaurant was operated by other owners. I recall “Trinity” back around 2006. In December 2011, it was repurchased by Liz, who returned to duty welcoming new and returning customers seven days a week. The name became Le Bistro by Liz.
LeBistro was decked for Christmas for our visit – Photo by Jim David
We settled into our seats and our genial waiter Colin arrived with menus and a cheery welcome. While perusing the menu and our choice of wines, we enjoyed a catch-up conversation with our longtime friends.
Le Bistro’s House Baguette – Photo by Jim David
Many restos have eliminated a serving of bread or rolls or have started charging for this nice pre-dinner touch. Liz’s baguette slices were warm and fresh but we could have used a bit more butter for five guests.
Appetizers: I noticed Escargot on the menu so I couldn’t resist. This French or Greek delicacy some call “snails” is not what is offered at Le Bistro. The menu offers two choices of escargot. The Traditional À la Bistro are stuffed mushroom caps, garlic butter and melted cheese. However, there are also Escargot A La Bistro (wild mushrooms with caramelized onion, roasted red pepper & goat cheese). This is a very unique dish and was totally unexpected. The flavour is earthy and the texture is much like escargot!
My fellow diners enjoyed two other appetizers.
Tomato Bisque Soup was the soup of the day – Photo by Jim David
Salad: Oranges et Amandes mandarin oranges, sultanas, almonds, and crisp greens with a citrus vinaigrette ($9.95) – Photo by Jim David
Le Bistro’s menu has a wide choice of small plates. I saw an amazing French onion soup and the Homard Vol-au-vent (fresh baked Vol-au-vent with Lobster in tarragon cream sauce) at a table close by.
Our Main Courses: Le Bistro offers a Nightly Special. Last Saturday it was Salmon which came with Tomato Soup. The salmon filet had a maple chili glaze with bacon-wrapped Tiger shrimp. My wife said it was one of the best salmon courses anywhere.
Salmon Special with Tomato or Split Pea Soup ($32.95) – Photo by Jim David
Our friends both enjoyed the classic French dish Boeuf Bourguignon. Tenderloin tips in a rich beef sauce of smoked bacon, Vidalia onion and mushroom. Served over a potato mash and vegetables of the day (beet carrots and brussels sprouts). Nicely presented, hot and very tasty. Julia Child would have approved.
The Classic French Dish Boeuf Bourguignon ($20.95) – Photo by Jim David
My decision for an Entrée was between Crêpe Fruits de Mer à la Florentine, the Coquilles St. Jacques or the Jarret D’Agneau (braised, bone-in lamb shank topped with mint demi. Served on mashed potato with légumes du jour). My choice, the braised lamb fell off the shank and there was lots of potato with the delicious demiglace.
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Jarret D’Agneau ($28.95) – Photo by Jim David
Weekend Brunches are featured from 11 am-3 pm for a reasonable $17-$20. I’ve been wanting to try Croque Monsieur. The Brunch also features crepes and omelettes. Entrees include a complimentary mimosa or bloody mary.
Le Bistro is a welcoming place for group events. I know of several visiting tour groups having their featured Halifax meal here. The demographic is “older and established Haligonian”. Due to the layout, you can actually have dinner conversation.
At Le Bistro, you feel transformed to another continent. We didn’t test Colin our waiter on his French nor did we offer to pay with Euros. Prices at Le Bistro by
The eatery is very reasonable compared to other comparable restaurants in the core of the city. Costs have increased since covid and menus around town reflect the times. You’ll find increases at Le Bistro are not as significant as in many other places.
Dessert Time: The featured dessert of the day was a Turtle Cheesecake. We shared a slice to finish off the evening. Other tempting desserts on the menu include a Lemon Parfait Pie, the Ginger Bread Tower and of course Crème Brulee.
Turtle Cheesecake ($10.50) Blame one of our table guests for doing a test on the cake before I got my picture – Photo by Jim David
My Take on Le Bistro….Obviously Liz Ingraham-Chambers has found her niche and secret to success. The consistency of a long-time chef in Brian Dugas and loyal staff plus fine food, a welcoming atmosphere and a good location at 1333 South Park Street.
There’s a Christmas break at Le Bistro by Liz from Dec 24-27, New Year’s Eve is sold out but there’s New Year’s Day Brunch and then back to regular hours seven days a week.
A Taste of Paris – Photo by Jim David
