A bistró menu is your passport to a culinary adventure, typically featuring a range of dishes from appetizers to main courses. You’ll often find French and international flavors mingling together, creating a diverse and exciting dining experience.
Let’s explore the typical sections and offerings you might find on a bistró menu, from tempting hors d’oeuvres and a fresh raw bar to vibrant salads, daily specials, hearty entrees, and delectable sides.
Hors d’oeuvres
Hors d’oeuvres are small, single-bite dishes served as appetizers. They’re supposed to get your appetite going before your main course arrives.
A typical bistró menu will include a selection of hors d’oeuvres, such as pâté, escargots, or a cheese plate. Expect to pay between $11 and $24 for this course.
Raw Bar
A raw bar features seafood served raw, usually on ice. You’ll often find oysters, clams, and other shellfish.
A typical bistró raw bar menu might include:
- Oysters
- Tuna tartare
- Shrimp cocktail
These items are served chilled with cocktail sauce, mignonette, or other complementary sauces.
Raw bar prices vary widely, from around $9 to upwards of $135, depending on the item and the quantity.
Salades
The salades on a bistró menu tend to be diverse, incorporating a variety of ingredients and dressings. You might find greens, seasonal vegetables, cheeses, and various proteins.
Classic options often include a Salade Niçoise, a Caesar salad (sometimes with chicken), or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Expect to pay around $17 to $19 for a salad.
Plats du Jour and Entrées
Many bistros offer plats du jour, daily-changing plates or specials, which give the chef a chance to highlight what’s fresh and in season. These plates can range in price from around $36 to $58.
Entrées are the main courses, and they’re usually more substantial than the appetizers. You might see steak frites or poulet roti on the menu. Entrées prices can range from about $24 to $62.
Plats d’Accompagnement
Plats d’accompagnement are side dishes designed to enhance your entree. Choose from:
- French Fries
- Roasted Vegetables
- Mashed Potatoes
Sides are priced from $9 to $12.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the tasting menu at Ekaa?
Ekaa’s tasting menu price can vary depending on the season and the specific dishes offered. I’d recommend checking their website or contacting the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date pricing information. Tasting menus often offer a multi-course experience, so the cost reflects the quality and variety of the dishes.
What does an à la carte menu offer?
An à la carte menu allows you to select individual dishes separately, rather than a fixed meal. You can choose exactly what you want, whether it’s an appetizer, main course, or dessert, and you’re only charged for the items you order. It’s great for those who want more flexibility in their dining experience.
What is a prix fixe menu?
A prix fixe menu, also known as a fixed-price menu, offers a complete meal for a set price. Typically, it includes a choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert. It’s a good option if you want a pre-determined selection of dishes at a known cost.
What type of food is served in a bistro?
Bistros typically serve simple, hearty, and traditional French cuisine. You can expect dishes like steak frites, coq au vin, French onion soup, and various salads. Bistros aim for a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, serving classic dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Final Thoughts
A bistró menu offers a wide variety of choices, from appetizers to entrées. Whether you select something from the raw bar, a simple salad, or one of the day’s specials, the clear categories and pricing make it easy to decide what you want to order.