Just to tempt you … with three (could be four!) quick
and easy posts … before I get back to the serious stuff …
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| Bistrot Pierre is that flat building just above the green grass - desperately 'cold' looking photo - it was dry then ... but bucketed when we left |
Lunch by the sea on a gloomy Monday was a great chatty
event … the bistro is obviously going to be packed out – because of the setting
… we do love to be beside the sea …
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| Taken on my way down - high tide and heavy swell |
The weather the next day was very ‘full on’ … lots of rain, buffeting winds
… but I’m fairly sheltered in my flat – so got lazy and stayed put.
Let’s stick by the Eastbourne seaside – and tomorrow -
a sunny day it will be, I do believe –
I need to get along the seafront and see the façade of the hotel that burnt
down just before Christmas …I'd like to use conflagrated ... but that might be a word too far ...
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| July 2014 - the pier going up ... |
… reminding many of the Eastbourne Pier fire over five
years ago … which is still not restored … two major seafront fires, and the
economic situation is ‘a bit much’! But life goes on …
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| This is looking eastwards ... it'll be gorgeous and definitely won't want for customers |
Bistrot Pierre … is not how I remember bistros in the
early days of my gadding about life … when they were small restaurants, defined
by their French homely food …
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| I gather it tasted ok ... |
… I always remember French onion soup, boeuf
bourguignon and cassoulet … but here it’s quite a large restaurant … one of us
had the bourguignon – with a bit of a measly portion of mashed potato …
We enjoyed ourselves … but it brought back memories of
bistro days!
History comes next! The etymology of the word ‘bistro’ is unclear …
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| More what I remember ... small more intimate ... lots of candles to light the place |
... and is presumed to come
from a regional word: bistingo, bistraud,
bistouille, or bistrouille – as well as the two spellings mentioned: bistro or
bistrot. Who knows …
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| At the Bistro - by Jean Beraud (1849 - 1935) |
A popular folk etymology claims that it originated
among Russian troops occupying Paris following the Napoleonic Wars (early
1800s) – where it was allegedly shouted by Cossacks who wanted to be served ‘quickly’
– from a Russian word. {c/o Wiki (from быстро, "quickly")} … NB discredited by French
linguists …
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| The plaque - 30 March 1814 |
The first recorded use of the word appears in 1884 …
however there’s a plaque about the legend of the origin of the word “Bistro” at
6, Place du Tertre, Paris … and just so you know – Tertre means ‘mound’ …
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| My calamari ... sorry couldn't wait! |
I didn’t take photos of all the foods … we had
mushrooms on toast, chicken liver parfait and I had the calamari with garlic
aioli …
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| Thai Fishcake ... |
Then for mains we had Thai fishcake, boeuf bourguignon,
while I had the Moroccan chicken … and we shared some vino … actually of the
sparkling variety …
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| Moroccan Chicken |
I can’t say I’m raving about it – but can see its
situation will keep the hoards arriving … and for a pleasant meal – it was fine,
especially as it’s only down the road … so no travelling!
At last we have slightly longer days … and when the
sun shines it is glorious, as today and I hope tomorrow for the shot of the
burnt façade wreck … so sad – but no-one was hurt …
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Inspirational Stories
35 comments:
Those seaside photos made me shiver! I can feel the salt air whipping off the sea.
I do love your eclectic posts and always learn from them.
You are right. That serving of mash did look stingy, and am glad that the taste of the bourguignon was ok.
I do like the flavour of 'homely' food and wish that chefs didn't feel the apparently irrestible urge to muck around with them (because I don't think the mucking is an improvement very often).
Hari OM
Well, you didn't go hungry, and the company was good, so that's the key point! Yes, I always understood a bistro to differ from a restaurant in that it would often offer breakfast and lunches (when rest's generally were for evening food) and that the service was considered 'fast' by comparison to sitting for three hours (or more). As with much in the modern age, boundaries are crossed, hybrids develop... YAM xx
I certainly don't envisage Thai fishcake with a side order of French fries. In fact fish cake and Thai don't go together at all (having visited Thailand he says smugly). I think that this particular fusion cuisine got fused in the wrong furnace! In fact, Hilary Dahling, the food shown in your photographs has a decidedly unappealing look to it, and a tad stingy as you point out. Before we eschewed the consumption of beef a couple of years ago I used to make a Boeuf Bourguignon that was quite fabulous if I do say so myself and it was in big demand with people who came for dinner. I served it with either garlic mashed potatoes or egg noodles, and you could load your plate with as much as you wanted. And have seconds even. As for bistro, I am with you. It seems to have morphed into whatever someone deems it to be, but I think of it as a cozy little family restaurant in France, where the owners cooked the food, the cassoulet was great, the cheese superb and the wine flowed. Ah, to live those heady days again!
Okay you have me confused.
Is it your birthday?
Happy birthday!
Are those all the meals you went out to for your birthday?
Must be nice - the food looked great.
sandie
Hey - belated Many Happy Returns, Hilary!! The bistro does look a little too Anglais, but if you can have a little wine and no one has to drive...plus, it's hard to beat being by the sea, even in poor weather. Cheers!
Bistrot Pierre looks gorgeous, inside and especially outside in the sunshine. That would be my happy place.
Just letting you know that I dropped by
I remember agonising over whether to call my little restaurant in Eastbourne the Stage Door Bistro or Bistrot. Most of the menu was inspired by my years of living in France, moules 20 ways for example, but in the end, I opted for Bistro! I'm somewhat annoyed that the Buccaneer pub recently pinched my name and is now called The Stage Door. Right, I'm off for a walk in the sunshine.
@ Ian – surprisingly it’s been fairly warm … over 10 degrees C down here – this weekend we had our first frost! But certainly the salt air on my birthday was whipping across …
@ EC – thank you … my posts are eclectic that is for sure. The Bistrot perhaps have mitigating circumstances – but can’t say I was that impressed with some aspects of the ‘bistro’ …
Wait til you see my next lunch menu – probably part 3 … I’ll get lots of comments then. I love homely food – true to its taste … but we live in interesting ‘cheffy’ times … and I agree mucking food about for the sake of something different seems to be ‘the thing’ … ah well – we can chose our places to eat …
@ Yam – no I didn’t go hungry and had a light supper after a lot of tea. The company was very good – to be repeated as and when we can make plans.
This ‘Bistrot’ is part of a chain and took the opportunity to revamp the building on the western slopes of the Wish Tower – a historical place I need to write about. I have to say I remember going to a bistro in Johannesburg – very French – and having evening suppers there … certainly not fast!
@ David – one of our party enjoyed her fishcakes and had them the other day too at another restaurant – never having been to Thailand – I take your point.
I know – when I looked at my photos – they didn’t inspire me … but it’s the setting, setting, setting that will draw the crowds. I love Boeuf Bourguignon … and would love to try yours – preferably with garlic mash, and lots of seconds with beef sauce …
This Bistrot is certainly not of the bistro style – we commented on that … also on the menu choices – which were a mixed bag. I definitely concur with your memories of French bistros … and those days!
I’m going to add a note to mitigate some of the challenges you can see and which I’ve implied: they opened in a whirl … and are open for 14 hours a day … and can cater for over 150 – as I went with a local society for lunch in early December, soon after they opened. Their service has been castigated … it was improved, yet the standard of the plates served was sloppy, and they seem to be rushing. Also very sadly their manager suddenly died just after Christmas … so I feel for the staff and general situation: but hope it’ll improve and settle down. However the setting is where it’s at …
@ Sandie – my previous post was about my birthday – as mentioned in other comments … I had a lovely time here …
@ Mike – no worries – yes good description … it is very ‘anglais’; you’re right … if we can walk and can have some vino and be by the sea – even in winter weather … it’s worth putting up with the vagaries of the bistro or bistrot.
It was bucketing when we left – so we ordered a taxi to drive us all home … the taxi driver was bemused by us chatty ladies!
@ Hels – yes the photographer’s photos look good don’t they … it will be packed though … so I’ll be interested to see what it’s like in the summer …
@ Jo-Anne – good to see you …
@ Keith – I’m now glad I put up the etymology about the word ‘bistro’ and its variations – having read your comment. I love moules! I haven’t been in the Buccaneer (now newly named) recently … must rectify that – at least to look in; sorry about the name … The Stage Door is a good name … and I too must get out and about …
Thanks to you all … the sun calls … and I have to agree my photos of the day aren’t brilliant … ie not desperately scintillating looking food, and a stormy, fairly cold, January day … cheers Hilary
Shame it wasn't what you remembered. Although it looks like a great selection of food and certainly a great setting.
Something about windy weather always seems so romantic to me, as long as it's not TOO windy. Glad you stayed inside where it was safe. All those pics of food has made me quite hungry, and reminds me that I'm supposed to be preparing football playoff food.(lol) Hugs, RO
I love the sea in almost any weather. Stormy, cloudy, snowy, sunny... I prefer sunny, but seeing the water always makes me happy. Looks like a beautiful spot for lunch. Your food looks good and I am glad you enjoyed the meal.
I learned a lot about the word bistro. So many things I hadn't thought about before. :)
Have a wonderful day and good luck checking on the building that burned. So happy no one was hurt.
~Jess
Yes I know what you mean about bistros of old, the candles were always stuck in Chianti flasks (or Fiascos as they are called) with wax having dripped down them for a long while. Alas...
Nice to go out though, especially if you had bubbly with your lunch. Not being a big fan of mash, looks OK to me LOL. The calamari look good too.
Such an amazing setting and interesting information.
What fun that looks to be, Hilary. I don't eat out often--very expensive here--so I will enjoy it through you!
Looks like a good birthday beginning - part 1. Bistro meal always sounds quaint and cutesy. Glad yours was adequate. It's the camaraderie that counts. And fresh sea air.
I'd only heard the version of the Russians wanted fast food! Sounds like you had a good time. I would have stayed in as well with weather like that!
@ Alex – those were the years – thirty years ago! But I think things will improve and the setting is the thing …
@ RO – oh I know a good wind, as long as one is mostly out of it. It was definitely cool and we weren’t considering being outside – especially when the rain came down …
I imagine you’ll be cooking (have cooked!) up a great deal of yummy food for the footballers … bet it was fun …
@ Jess – I’m so glad I live by the seaside and can see it … and check out the light variations – but sunny and clear are preferable – though the scurrying clouds are fun to see. It’ll be a local favourite …
Glad the word ‘bistro’ and its variations resonated with you … luckily no-one in the hotel was injured when the fire started and continued …
@ Jo – yes, you would know exactly what I was talking about re bistros … the good o’l days. Yes it was great being out and relaxing with friends … sparkling wine is always much loved … I actually enjoy mash with stews where one can soak up the cooking liquor …
@ Mason – it’s a fabulous setting and glad you enjoyed the ‘history’ snippets …
@ Jacqui – I can believe it’s expensive where you are – we don’t go that often … but it was great to enjoy a meal with friends …
@ Joanne – yes … part 1 … it’s been a busy interesting week. Real bistro food is delicious … and as you say the camaraderie is what counts – let alone the fresh sea air …
@ Lisa – well good for you knowing about the Russians wanting fast food … I’d never come across that before. We had a superb time and way better indoors away from the storm …
Thanks so much for visiting … lovely that you’re here and commenting – cheers to you all … Hilary
Happy belated Hilary. Despite grey skies looks like it turned out a lovely day for you. Hugs :)
The seaside always feels like the perfect place to celebrate to me, no matter what the weather. It's always fun to read about what was on the menu. I've been noticing the longer days now, but it's bitterly cold here at the moment so all my noticing is through the windows.
Hi, I bet the seaside restaurants are amazing on a nice day. It could be a bit chilly in the winter.
It is great to be able to eat by the water.
@ Debby - thanks ... it was a fun time with friends ... the rest really passed us by!
@ Deborah - yes being by the sea always makes me happy ... and being able to walk down and see the swell. It sounds like Canada, particularly the east, has had a huge amount of snow ...
@ Truedessa - yes, it'll do really well ... and will be full most of the time ...
@ Liz - oh I love looking out of the water ... there you are right ...
Thanks for commenting - I'll be over to see you all in the next day or so ... cheers Hilary
It does look a bit lofty for a bistro... and that is a seriously measly portion of mashed potatoes.
I hope you were not as bitter as I would have been. (I'm sure you weren't - you don't seem to tend that way!)
:-D
There’s a lot to be said for a restaurant (or, indeed, bistro) where no-one has to drive!
I always wondered about the two different spellings of bistro/bistrot. Interesting to learn the history behind it all. Sounds like you had a lovely time, despite the weather. Food looks good!
Lovely. The sea and bistros always intrigue:) I'm glad you included the origin year of the word. I'm always having to check words when I write historical westerns.
Cheers.
@ Jz - yes it has aspirations ... and I know that portion of mash was distinctly measly - perhaps enough for the measly amount of 'gravy juice'. Exactly - we put the world to rights and of course the restaurant/bistro!! - while enjoying ourselves ...
@ Anabel - it was and is a huge advantage - being able to walk to and fro ...
@ Debbie - I'd never thought about it - but went off looking and found more than I bargained for ... but interesting info on the bistro/bistrot. January weather is never brilliant - but it's better this year than so many others have been ... and the food was 'ok'!
@ Sandra - thanks ... the sunny sea-side or rolling storms are wonderful to see. I do enjoy learning about origins or the etymology of words ... and for westerns I can imagine you'd need to do the same ...
Thanks for your visits ... we're still in the sunny mode (high pressure) - I'm glad to say! Cheers Hilary
Looking at these foodie shots are making me hungry. Though, you can keep the meat. Hehe.
Thanks Sandra - you'll enjoy my birthday lunch at the vineyard ... no meat or fish for me ... it was delicious ... cheers Hilary
A belated Happy Birthday to you, Hilary! I always love learning about the origin of words and it was fun to read about "bistro." I find language and how words evolved so interesting.
Off to read Part 2 now. :)
@ Julie - many thanks ... and yes I was pleased I'd looked for bistro v bistrot - as I too didn't know the origin of how the word had come about ... delighted to see you here - cheers Hilary
The mashed potatoes would be my favorite part. I hate when they skimp. I do like the look of the dishes and scenery though, and can see that you are right in that they won't be wanting for visitors. :)
@ Rosey - The mash wasn't up to much - but they had just lost their manager through sudden death - and so I'm sure things will improve and they'll have a roaring trade - once our weather improves! Cheers Hilary
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