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mcsue
15 Aug 07, 06:01 PM
Bistro de Paris

Located in Epcot’s World Showcase, just above the popular Chefs de France is Bistro de Paris.
This elegant restaurant has a much quieter, more intimate dining room than the bustling, casual Chefs de France, with a more upscale menu and impeccable service.

I’ve wanted to eat here for absolutely ages but there has never been anything on the menu for vegetarians, so we’ve had to give it a miss.
Good reports have been trickling my way of late though, so now we decided we just had to give it a go.
Paul was a little apprehensive as there are still no vegetarian items on the menu (he works in France a lot and is always getting sidelined when it comes to veggie food) but the restaurants at WDW are making much more of an effort to cater for vegetarians these days, so I was quite confident that they would come up with something suitable.

We checked in around 7.30pm and waited just a short while before being escorted up to the restaurant.
We were seated a table by the window which looked out over the lake – just perfect for when it came to fireworks time!

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_068.jpg

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Our server was Ludovic from Paris. And apart from being extremely handsome, he was polite, attentive, charming and very knowledgeable.
We could see he had an obvious love of food and wine himself as we talked about his culinary travels.

We ordered some Perrier water and after chatting for a while about the menu, took up Ludovic’s suggestion of a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine du Vieux Lazaret 2004. It was excellent and went particularly well with my lamb dish.

We were soon brought some warm, freshly baked bread - a small baguette and a buckwheat roll - along with a complimentary amuse bouche, which was a little cup of the most deliciously delicate butternut squash soup.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_035.jpg

We shared a cheese plate to start with and I must say it was the best one we’ve ever had in any WDW restaurant.
I can’t remember them all, but those I can are Comte, St Nectaire, Fourme D’Ambert, Brie and a Chevre.
Oh phew, I only seem to have forgotten one of them. That’s one too many though - I think I may need to start taking a little notebook with me in future.
Every single piece of cheese was at the point of perfect ripeness and they all tasted so fresh and distinctive.
We’ll definitely get this again!


http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_038.jpg

Whilst chatting over the menu, Paul asked what the veggie options were and Ludovic went off to consult with the Chef.
I could tell that they don’t get asked about vegetarian food that often and I was relieved when he returned and said that the Chef was happy to create a vegetarian dish for Paul.

Regretfully I didn’t get to taste any of it for myself, but with Paul’s help I’ll try to describe it.
There was some tender vegetable marrow, stuffed with red pepper and tomato compote (hidden by the sweet potato crisp) some braised fennel and a crisp parcel of spaghetti squash flavoured with tomato and herbs, atop silky smooth fava bean and potato quenelles.
Paul was extremely happy with this creation and he loved every tasty morsel.
The flavours were all quite delicate and I know that there doesn’t look as if there was much on the plate, but he said it was plenty and he was more than satisfied by all of the individual taste sensations.
He said it was his most favourite WDW meal this time.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_045.jpg

I had Lamb Cutlets (cooked medium rare) which were served with the same vegetable marrow with tomato/red pepper compote that Paul had, though mine was topped with roasted garlic (the strong flavour of this would have dominated Paul’s delicate veggie dish, so I understand why it wasn’t included on his)
Ludovic carved the cutlets from the rack of lamb tableside, which was a nice little theatrical touch.
A richly flavoured, rustic flageolet bean casserole was a delicious accompaniment to the lamb, which by the way has to be the sweetest and most tender lamb I’ve ever tasted in my life!

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_050.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_051.jpg

mcsue
15 Aug 07, 06:01 PM
As you can see, we had a spectacular view of Illuminations Reflections of Earth while we finished our wine and waited for dessert – which also turned out to be rather spectacular!


http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_054.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_061.jpg

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We couldn’t make a choice between the many mouth-watering desserts on offer so we decided to share the dessert sampler.
My, what an absolutely a tempting array of treats were set before us – and they all tasted just as good as they looked!
As you know, I’m not a massive dessert fan but I was extremely impressed with these little beauties.

Here’s what we had - Warm Chocolate Soufflé, Crème Brule, Caramelised Rice Pudding, Strawberry and Basil Granita, Pineapple Sorbet and Strawberry Millefeuille.

Sorry I can’t recall what the one in the middle was, I think maybe layers of apple and vanilla custard, topped with meringue - I don’t remember eating it - I think Paul must have snaffled that one for himself!


http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_059.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_060.jpg


We shared a pot of good, strong coffee as we watched the throngs of people below leaving Epcot after the fireworks, and then chatted some more with the lovely Ludovic, before we descended the staircase to enjoy the atmosphere of an almost empty World Showcase and a romantic saunter over to the Boardwalk.

A very good evening indeed!

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_067.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/July%202007%20-%20Saratoga%20Springs/Food%20July%202007/Disney_Jul07_EP_073.jpg

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SusieK
15 Aug 07, 06:21 PM
It all sounds and loooks very tasty and what a great view Su.

Leanne1977
15 Aug 07, 06:26 PM
All i can say Sue is....WOW!!!! :spin:

That restaurant, food and view look absolutely amazing. I am not surprised you rated it highly.
The food looks like a work of art and the view of illuminations is stunning.
I would love to try that restaurant but with 2 little ones i may have to wait until they are grown as i think it is more of a grown up romantic restaurant.

Fab review. :thumbs-up

Cinders Mum
15 Aug 07, 06:54 PM
great review, and what a hot hot hottie Ludovic is

mcpaul
15 Aug 07, 07:10 PM
great review, and what a hot hot hottie Ludovic is
No, no, no Val - you are confused - Ludovic is the one on the right!!!

Leanne1977
15 Aug 07, 07:11 PM
No, no, no Val - you are confused - Ludovic is the one on the right!!!

:pgig: :D :pgig:

slicer
15 Aug 07, 07:20 PM
The food looks fantastic. Can I ask what the cost was, with wine seperate, please.

gala
15 Aug 07, 07:22 PM
What great pics once again. The meal looks absolutely delicious. Can I ask Sue and Paul - Where on earth is the wine? :confused: :d: You dont do reviews without wine!:omg:
Val, control yourself dear!

Margaret

mcsue
15 Aug 07, 07:39 PM
I'll be back with the costs slicer - but it wasn't too expensive at all.
The wine had a high mark up, but the 20% DDE discount helped out there ;)

Calm down Val (and Paul) - he's only a waiter lol.
I confess I did have one of those 'if I was 20 years younger' moments myself tho :blush:

Leanne I thought my boy was grown up enough at 51, but.....

Mags the wine is there - are you sure you are not too busy focusing on the lovely Ldovic too? ;) understandable I know.....

Cinders Mum
15 Aug 07, 07:39 PM
No, no, no Val - you are confused - Ludovic is the one on the right!!!


:pgig: :pgig: :pgig: I hoped you wouldn't get offended Paul .... ;)

Maz
15 Aug 07, 07:53 PM
No, no, no Val - you are confused - Ludovic is the one on the right!!!


:pgig: :pgig: :pgig:

It looks a wonderful meal and experience. Is it your number one now?

mcpaul
15 Aug 07, 07:55 PM
:pgig: :pgig: :pgig:

It looks a wonderful meal and experience. Is it your number one now?
#1 on-site, for sure! Really good meal and evening!

Disneycat
15 Aug 07, 08:37 PM
Another great review from you - I always look forward to your trips :)

Clare
15 Aug 07, 08:42 PM
Sue, it looks fab :) All I need now is a good looking man to wine and dine me there :pgig:

Bob_and_Dawn
16 Aug 07, 07:46 AM
Sounds fantastic Su

Bob

Sue
16 Aug 07, 09:28 AM
Mmm with the 12 month exchange thing, methinks young Ludovic will be gone by next visit - sob!!

Fantastic looking food and report Sue - thanks

Minniespal
16 Aug 07, 09:43 AM
Brillant as always Su, lovely photos.

Treacle44
16 Aug 07, 10:45 PM
Great review Sue as usual and wow to that dessrt sampler. Yum! :)

mcsue
17 Aug 07, 09:20 AM
Mmm with the 12 month exchange thing, methinks young Ludovic will be gone by next visit - sob!!



You are quite right Sue He'll only be there until December. Wonder if I can swing another visit before then...... ;)

Chelle27
17 Aug 07, 09:26 AM
Superb review Sue, I can almost taste it!

mcsue
17 Aug 07, 09:44 AM
The food looks fantastic. Can I ask what the cost was, with wine seperate, please.


Sorry for the delay slicer. I have the prices now.

Perrier $5.95
Cheese plate $11.00
Veggie entree $15.00
Lamb entree $ 33.00
Dessert sampler $14.00
Coffee $5.00

Wine $89.00

Minus our 20% DDE discount the total was $147

truesdpr
17 Aug 07, 09:51 AM
Oh I can feel an ADR call coming on this afternoon! Looks fabulous Su and like the sound of the Chateauneuf too. Good portion sizes too by the looks of things -much more European! Good time for a booking to catch the fireworks - Olivia loves walking round the park almost empty after a meal - hope I can get a booking.

Can I just ask what time your ADR was booked for?

Pam.
:wavey:

Maz
17 Aug 07, 09:53 AM
The prices don't seem any worse than other signature restaurants. May give it a try. :)

mcsue
17 Aug 07, 10:18 AM
It was certainly on a par with the other sig restaurants Maz . Somehow I always used to think it would be higher.

Pam our adr was for 7.40pm. You have to wait till 30 days out before booking so you will have no probs getting a table.
I think your little gourmandess would approve :smile:

truesdpr
17 Aug 07, 03:26 PM
Thanks for the info on booking Su - will put that in my diary to call 30 days out. I think she'll enjoy it too she was eyeing the photo of your lamb dish when I was reading the report earlier and I think the cheese plate and dessert sampler may get a good gong over too!

Pam.
:wavey:

LizzyBear
25 Aug 07, 02:00 PM
And yet another meal to add to the list for next time *lol*

JudyC
26 Aug 07, 09:57 AM
Very tasty........and the food looks lovely as well ;)

Strommie
26 Aug 07, 08:13 PM
great review and lovely photos :smile:

BenH
1 Sep 07, 08:29 PM
Fabulous pics!! (including the waiter) looked like a lovely meal and even better server i mean service. Thanks for the great report.

mcsue
7 Sep 07, 10:34 AM
Are you tempted Ben? :d:

TokiDoki
7 Sep 07, 02:39 PM
Food looks devine, but I would of had to ask for a sampler plate of your waiter, delicious.

ely3857
9 Sep 07, 12:52 PM
Sounds like the chef came through for Paul

:grin:

Jodie

dcmax
9 Oct 07, 07:51 AM
Excellent review Sue from one of our favourite restaurants.. People shy away from them for some reason but I urge you to try the sweetbreads as a starter
next time if its on
___________________________
Trip reports and Trip Videos and Restaurant Reviews WDW DL DLP (http://danandjackievideo.blogspot.com/)

disney owl
30 Jan 08, 10:21 PM
Great report of what looks & sounds like a wonderful meal

Princess Ploppy
6 Jun 08, 10:45 AM
Wow that looks and sounds amazing - am even more excited about hopefully trying this restaurant next month - just waiting for the 30 day mark to make my ADR!!

Shame that sexy waiter will be gone by then - although he would have only made my hubby feel uncomfortable due to his inferiority!!

Chappy
20 Jul 08, 02:26 AM
Wow that looks and sounds amazing - am even more excited about hopefully trying this restaurant next month - just waiting for the 30 day mark to make my ADR!!

Shame that sexy waiter will be gone by then - although he would have only made my hubby feel uncomfortable due to his inferiority!!

He waited on us last week at Chefs De France. He's actually much better looking in person.:d:

mcsue
30 Jul 08, 07:06 PM
He waited on us last week at Chefs De France. He's actually much better looking in person.:d:


Oohlala! Lovely Ludovic's back for another term then :heart: That's good news!

truesdpr
30 Jul 08, 07:24 PM
Just re-reading this Su as we didn't do it at Easter - tried Teppan Edo instead but I think I'll give them a call for October when the time comes.

Pam.
:wavey:

mcsue
30 Jul 08, 07:38 PM
Hi Pam :wavey:

We never made it to our adr in May :cry: We were enjoying the warm evenings too much and weren't in the mood for food.
Could kick myself now of course - I'd love to go again.

I noticed they are advertising it much more actively than ever before and they were booked solid most nights.
I was quite shocked to see that, it's always seemed a bit exclusive being tucked away behind Chefs.
Better than having a half empty restaurant though I guess.