Pied-à-Terre on Cambie is a small classic French 30 seat neighbourhood bistro. In true bistro style the place has a menu, but really doesn’t need a menu because all the good stuff, all the fresh stuff, is written on the chalk board by the kitchen.
The staff are professional, nice, yet a bit edgy. Maybe I’m just getting a bit old?
We were there for lunch and the other dinners were older, perhaps some business types out for a business lunch and maybe some neighbourhood retirees out for a leisurely group lunch. Not the grey haired type of retirees, more like the well off mid 50’s type that made a few bucks and are now enjoying life. There seams to be a lot of those in Vancouver. I’m on the freedom 95 plan myself so just feeling a bit bitter right now. Let’s get to the food.
Appetizers:
Salad frieze with bacon and poached egg; completely respectable. Is it me or are a lot of restaurants doing salads like this lately, creamy egg, smoky bacon, crisp frieze? On second thought, never mind, I can see why!
Scallops with pea shoots; nothing to write about but completely respectably yummy.
For the main I had the Beef bourguignon, classic French bistro; it tasted great, but threw me off a bit on the presentation. I was expecting something akin to a goulash or beef stew but this version is more short ribs and thick sauce. The Bourguignon paired great with a nice uncomplicated house red selection.
Special thumbs up for the frites and the extra truffle oil.
Pied a Terre is a nice cosy neighbourhood place, I wouldn’t hesitate going back in a heartbeat.
