BIENVENUE: EXCEPTIONAL FRENCH CUISINE IN WARM, COZY AMBIANCE Lynn Azzolina,The Courier, September 25 Posted:09/25/08
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RED BANK – When translated, Bienvenue means “welcome,” and that is exactly the feeling that we received when we dined there. The intimate French bistro emulates an eatery that you may see somewhere in France where they serve classic French fare. The cuisine will please even the most discriminating palate, as they feature something for every individual flavor. The fact that the owner is the executive chef is even more reason that you will be completely satisfied with your selections.
Owners Frederic Vidal and his wife Audree hail from France, bringing with them a professional culinary background. After graduating from a prestigious culinary school in southwest France, Frederic went to Paris furthering his culinary experience during four years on the French Rivera.
Audree attended Lar La Rochelle School, receiving five diplomas in hotel management, including cooking and management. They work as a team creating all of their own recipes. Frederic says, “I like to eat and that is why I prepare my creations the way that I would enjoy them myself.” He will also accept clients requests as long as he has the ingredients. Besides being a creative culinary chef, Frederic also has a degree as a wine connoisseur.
The cozy dining room has a country charm all its own with tables adequately spaced. You will notice the decorative walls highlighted with large prints as well as original vintage framed posters from France.
I have dined here on several occasions so I have sampled many of their signature dishes such as Duck Confit, Organic Filet Mignon, and fresh seafood classics. Although the portions are not oversized you will savor every mouthful as Frederic takes pride in everything that he sends out of the kitchen. We were very impressed with all of his creative presentations of exceptionally good wholesome food.
I wouldn’t even think of dining here unless I ordered the Foie Gras, a French delicacy (purchased from New York and Canada cured with cognac) which I absolutely love, and here Frederic excels in its preparation. The foie gras literally melted in our mouths enhanced with oignon chutney, and garnished with brioche toast, a palate pleaser! Another one of my favorites is Escargot Traditionnals, (nine pieces, out of the shell) another French delicacy which is also a classic at Bienvenue, made to satisfy. The escargot is enhanced with black truffle salt, onion chutney and toasted country bread. A special treat! Bon Appetit!
Another must-try is Polenta with garlic and fresh herbs, a really impressive creation made to perfection.
A traditional French entrée is Duck, a leg confit with pommes salardaises, a dish of distinction. The meat was fresh tasting, succulent and filled with an abundance of flavor! Among the other gourmet choices are: Organic Beef Filet Mignon; Monkfish Seared Medallion; Bouillabaisse marsellaise and Shrimp with fresh thyme risotto. So, don’t leave Red Bank or their new location in Toms River without enjoying the flavor of France at Bienvenue, a gourmet treat!
ADDRESS: 7 East Front Street, Red Bank TEL. 732-936-0640 FAX 732-396-0641 OPEN: Tues – Sun. (closed Mondays) lunch & dinner PRICES: Dinner entrees range from $25 for Duck or Tilapia to $34 for Rack of Lamb or Beef Filet Mignon Prix Fix Lunch & Dinner TO GO TASTING MENU BYOB
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