03 January 2011

Bistro Papillon: French, CBD Sydney (1 Oct 2010)

98 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.bistropapillon.com.au


A slice of France in Sydney

There seems to be a good range of French restaurants now in Sydney and Bistro Papillon would have to be one of the favourites I've come across so far where it's hard to pick a meal from the menu because they all sound so good and authentic. Quench your thirst with a French Kroenbourg beer ($8) or quaffable and reasonably priced French 2009 Gros Manseng Sauvignon Blanc ($8) and 2005 Chateau Riotor Rose ($7). Substantial sized Grilled Goats Cheese Toast with a Walnut and Pear Salad ($14) is easy to share as an entree or the smooth Homemade Chicken Liver Pate, Cornichons, Red Capsicum Relish and Baguette ($15) although I find it unusual to see a side salad of tomato, lettuce, egg and the capsicum relish. A hearty yet high priced Roasted Confit of Duck Leg with a White Bean Cassoulet ($35) has nice flavours and there's no shortage of prawns in the Fresh Egg Linguine, Green Prawns, Tomatoes, Baby Spinach, Garlic, Chilli and Olive Oil ($29). The dish envy of the night went to the Braised Rabbit Papadelle [Pappardelle] with Mushroom, Pancetta, Herbs and Preserved Lemon ($30) with lovely citrus notes to help cut through the dish. I'm always tempted to try the Coq au Vin ($33) from the menu which comes in a hearty red wine sauce which I order with some decently cooked fries as my included side.

For dessert the Mousse au Chocolat ($12) is served with Grand Marnier Créme Anglaise which you self-pour on top and is one of the better ones I've had around town. I can't resist ordering the Classic Crème Brûlée ($11) and thankfully it comes with a perfectly crunchy caramelised topping although was a lot more custardy than I've had before and I usually prefer it with more vanilla bean. The French service was friendly and welcoming and managed the restaurant as efficiently as possible although they probably could have done with an extra hand to help attend to customers needs. There's attention to detail with nice thick paper towels in the toilet and French posters scattered amongst the walls and even a humorous beret on the coffee machine. The decor was cosy and atmospheric and I'd happily return to try other dishes from the menu when I get the chance.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Authentic French dishes, Centrally located in the city, Friendly and passionate service, Nice decor, Good selection of affordable wines
CONS: French cooking means a lot of butter, Service can be a little slow when busy
MUST TRY: Braised Rabbit Papadelle, Crème Brûlée

Salad de Chevre Chaud: Grilled Goats Cheese Toast with a Walnut and Pear Salad ($14)

Pate de Foie de Volaille: Homemade Chicken Liver Pate, Cornichons, Red Capsicum Relish and Baguette ($15)

Cassoulet de Canard Confit: Roasted Confit of Duck Leg with a White Bean Cassoulet ($35)

Pates Fraiches aux Gambas: Fresh Egg Linguine, Green Prawns, Tomatoes, Baby Spinach, Garlic, Chilli and Olive Oil ($29)

Papadelle au Lapin Façon Chasseur: Braised Rabbit Papadelle with Mushroom, Pancetta, Herbs and Preserved Lemon ($30)
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Coq au Vin: A French Classic, Corn Fed Chicken Casserole cooked in Red wine with Bacon, Mushroom, Onion and Thyme ($33) with side of fries

Classic Crème Brûlée ($11)

Mousse au Chocolat served with Grand Marnier Créme Anglaise ($12)

Kroenbourg beer ($8)

2009 Gros Manseng Sauvignon Blanc, Alain Brumont, France ($8)

2005 Chateau Riotor Rose, Cote de Provence, France ($7)

Bill $214 for 4 people

Posters from France

8 comments:

YaYa said...

Oh my, it ALL looks so good but especially the duck and the pate! Happy New Year, looking forward to posts from the fastest blogger in Sydney!

catty said...

That leg of duck up top looks amazing! Sydney has opened so many new places since I left, can't wait to come back and EAT!

joey@forkingaroundsydney said...

Nice find! Love French food and haven't had any for ages.

susan said...

Looks wonderful. I love the ambience of eating at french bistros.

Simon Leong said...

hi yaya, i'm looking forward to lots of super quick posts this year too hehe

hi catty, there'll be so much choice when you get back. it seems to change so quickly these days.

hi joey, i love it too although sometimes i feel guilty of all the butter in it :-)

hi susan, this place had a nice feel to it :-)

French course said...

Bistro Papillon must be a wonderful place to eat authentic French food. The crème brûlée looks delicious. Great ambience :)

Cathy

Simon Leong said...

hi cathy, one of my favourite French restaurants in Sydney at the moment :-)

Simon Leong said...

hi Mademoiselle Slimalicious, i'm always looking for a good place for cassoulet. perhaps i need to revisit Sel & Poivre.

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