September 2024.

Last year two of us had a quick lunch in the small outside patio of this restaurant which was fair to good. This time six of us sat inside for dinner, surprised at the extent of the indoor space. It went way back to the window that appeared to open on a park.

Our server was a server type you see from time to time: an older male showboat who carried on a loud practised patter while he was looking after us. Not especially offensive but clearly in control of the situation. The menus are extensive with eight “snacks” including hot and cold oysters, croquettes, and chicken liver mousse; “small plates” with three salads, some seafood and soup and finally “large plates” including chicken, three seafood dishes, pork jowls, veal chop, and lamb chops.

Among these the cold oysters were nicely shucked and accompanied with mignonette, the tomato “heirloom” tasty and fresh dressed with a balanced vinaigrette, the Korean glazed pork jowl (mine) a surprise in that it broke down with a knife and fork to a stringy looking consistency but was pleasingly soft and tart with its potato salad, bacon and pickles. I thought the best in our group was the lamb, perfectly cooked rack chops with accompanying savoury vegetables.

We brought our own wine (a Croze Hermitage from Chapotier which cost about $60 at the liquor store) and were surprised but not outraged by a $30 corkage.

Overall this place was cheerfully noisy and bustling and the food at a bistro level quite varied and tasty. A pleasant simple dinner experience.

Food on average 8.8, service (well, depends on your mood), ambience 8.7, value 8.0, peace and quiet 7.2 but it was a bright cheery noise without the usual blasting pounding music.