Bistro Bis - but First

When we asked our waiter the meaning of Bistro Bis (pitting him against the iPhone for speed and accuracy) he returned with the corporate answer that this was the chef/owner's second outing after the wildly successful Vidalia and Bis means an encore. It was a clever name. It is a well-known and regarded restaurant. I have a few little questions about things, but the location excelled for the reason it was chosen, allowing a long, leisurely, audible and intimate brunch for my family on my Dad's birthday. 


I was surprised to discover that Bistro Bis had sprung up right across the street from the Hall of the States building where I cut my teeth on national and workplace politics right after college. It's inside a Kimpton hotel, a fact my sister missed completely when she wondered why there was a fitness center adjacent to the restaurant's restrooms.

I ordered this: Tarte Flambé, Alsatian-style caramelized onion and bacon tart with fromage blanc and it was definitely not lacking in protein.

Then I ordered the Onion Soup Les Halles, described as rich beef broth with caramelized onions, sourdough croûtons and gruyère cheese and it was beautifully presented...

Jac had the steak and eggs with pommes frites...

My dad had crepes stuffed with chicken, onions and mushrooms (I think, it was a special.)

My sister had the French toast which I would have enjoyed. (French toast is a dodgy proposition for egg foes like me. It can be one of the least egg-laden things at breakfast or one of the most.)

And D had the Croque Monsieur, graciously accommodated from the listed Croque Madame.

The food was good and the restaurant beautifully appointed, but at least from this outing I wouldn't compare it to the meals I had at Vidalia at its prime. We had dessert as well, I may revisit that course in another post so stay tuned!