Le Bistrot by Patisserie Maxime

I remember a couple of joyful visits to Le Bistrot by Patisserie Maxime when they popped up at the French Institute on Randolph Crescent during the Festival a couple of years back.

The Institute has recently moved to the old Lothian Chambers on George IV Bridge and Le Bistrot has become a permanent feature of the new location. On an unseasonably warm midweek evening, I popped in for a gander.

On the left hand side as you enter the building, the bistro is a simple and informal set-up serving all day from a range of different menus including a well-priced set lunch list.

There’s a full a la carte in the evening with a familiar selection of French classics. I decided to start with the scallops served with leeks then followed with coq au vin.

The scallops promptly arrived. Four beasties with coral on made for a hearty portion. I’m a big fan of leeks so enjoyed the profuse bed on which the well-cooked scallops were set. It was an enjoyable opener.

The main course was quite an elegant rendition of a rustic classic. The chicken was deeply flavourful and the accompanying carrot, potato and parsnip were robed in a richly satisfying sauce. It was another lovely dish.

I rounded things out with very good espresso. I noticed a good selection of cakes being sampled at other tables.

Overall, I really enjoyed my stop at Le Bistrot. Patisserie Maxime does excellent work from their west end shop so it’s good to see their operation expanding. This is a handily located and high quality new place offering well-crafted dishes in charming surroundings. It has been busy each time I’ve passed and looks well-set to flourish.

I ate: scallops with leeks, coq au vin

I drank: white wine, red wine, water

I wore: red wine shirt

Total bill: £39.40