Bastille: French in Ballard

Date night! We started off at the King Tut exhibit and what better place to eat dinner then a French Restaurant!   'Cause what else goes better with ancient Egyptian Relics stolen by old Englishmen than French food?

We  had made reservations for the dining room, but quickly changed our seating arrangements and headed for the "Back Bar".  It is an immense chocolate room with a very large chandelier buy the bar, covered in art deco details with two large paintings symbolizing the French Revolution.  My french ancestors would be proud!

Wow!! We went for the "Green Hour" and it did not disappoint. We tried the Nouvelle Orleans (French) and the Swiss's Kübler. Out of the two, we both agreed the Nouvelle had the stronger flavour, and perhaps more of a kick, but the Kübler was definitely very tasty in a more refined way.

They have a lovely happy hour from 4:30-6pm that we took advantage of. We ordered the Dinah cheese plate that came with bread, candied hazelnuts, and gingered pears. This we were less then impressed with.

We also ordered the PETITE MOULES FRITES (Mussels steamed in tomato, saffron & Pernod bouillon, with fines herbs. Served with pommes frites) and Beef Cheeks Gougèrges (Braised beef cheek stuffed cheese puffs & pickled shallot)... yum!! The beef cheeks were by far our favorite.




We finished up the Green Hour and moved on to a Sauzerac and an Improved Whiskey Cocktail, which is greatly improved with the addition of absinthe.

For the main course we split a Socca Galette: Chickpea pancake, marinated white anchovies, frisée, picholine olive & radish salad. The chickpea pancake was delicious, but the vegetables were doused in a little to much vinegar, it definitely threw the equilibrium off a bit, but it was good overall.

Next we tried the LAMB SAUSAGES: Heirloom zucchini, butter lettuce, artichoke mustard, french beans. There is not enough in the word Yum to describe. They were very flavorful, and it was sad to finish the last bite.

By this time we were well sated and decided to forgo dessert and walk around Ballard.

Check out more about Bastille on their website!