Earlier this week we had the chance to pop into a special cocktail reception at Bistro Pastis to celebrate an industry milestone: its 15th Anniversary. This west side fine dining fixture is a popular haunt for those on the quest for quality cuisine, be it brunch, lunch or dinner. Owned and operated by Frenchman John Blakeley (who was knighted by the government of France and is now a Chevalier), Bistro Pastis truly helped put W. 4th on the map as a destination for dining years ago.
It’s long been a cozy destination for us when craving the city’s best steak frites, mussels with shallots and white wine, coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, and many other delectable comfort foods with an upscale-twist. So helping celebrate a milestone anniversary was an obvious must. We arrived to an already packed space with people spilling out onto the street, and were greeted with a glass of (what else?) champagne, before heading in to mingle with invited media and VIP guests.
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Cocktails and canapes floated around (we loved the whipped goat cheese mousse and smoked salmon cream cheese popsicles) and we had plenty of time to chat with industry friends prior to being beckoned to take our seats for the special anniversary dinner featuring dishes prepared by one of Bistro Pastis’ five previous chefs (and one course designed by John Blakeley himself).
It was a fantastic collaborative culinary celebration to say the least, with dishes created courtesy of Dino Renaerts, Heather Rumsby, Brad Miller, Tobias Grignon, and current Chef Spencer Watts – all wowing our taste buds.
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We sampled everything from seared scallops to pan roasted Haida Gwaii halibut, to butter poached suckling pig and more… all exquisitely paired with a selection of fine wines.
To thank patrons for their continued support over the years, Bistro Pastis will be offering 25% off all food and wine from now until June 8th – a small token of thanks from John Blakeley for patronage.
Photos by Dianne Chow.
Have you had a chance to check out Bistro Pastis? If so, let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.