On Thursday evening, a friend and I had dinner at Mistral French Bistro located on the corner of Trafalgar and West Broadway. If you are seeking a continental European dining experience, Mistral is worth checking out.
Owned by a married couple Jean-Yves and Minna Benoit– both of whom are chefs – the owners’ culinary journey is an interesting one and can be read on the Mistral website. The Madame greeted us upon arrival with a lovely smile and kindly offered to take our coats. Apart from very friendly staff, the restaurant itself has a cozy and intimate atmosphere with nice decor and mood lighting – suitable for date night or to just to savor some French cuisine.
Moderately priced and authentically Français, there choices range from seafood like Bourride Marseillais–clams, scallops, prawns and fresh daily fish in creamy saffron aïoli sauce–to steak frites and free range chicken with wild mushrooms. Their French onion soup was topped with lighter-than-air cream, and the warm goat cheese on crouton, which includes mesclun, pears and prosciutto, makes a light and healthy appetizer.
Overall, my experience at Mistral was more than satisfactory – with superior food choices at fair prices. The service was efficient and well paced. The staff were competent, well-mannered and engaging.
Daily lunch specials are also offered; I recommend stopping by on a crisp autumn afternoon to enjoy a glass of wine with Clams à la Provençale in butter sauce with shallots—and for those who wish, a chance to practise your French!
À la prochaine!
Mistral French Bistro, 2585 West Broadway, 604-733-0046, Mistralbistro.ca
Last modified: October 7, 2011
As an ex-Montrealer living in Kits…sounds perfect.
Sounds awesome!
I have walked by Mistral many times before and have always wondered about it – I just may need to try it now!!!
My husband and I love Mistral. Minna is always so warm and welcoming, and the food is very good value and quality for the price. The food really has that something special.