Bardot Brasserie

My wife and I have an odd connection with Chef Michael Mina. Not personally, but it seems that every time we’ve celebrated a milestone or travel to a new city we end up at one of his restaurants. I can admit, I don’t know much about him as a person however I do know the man can cook. And what ever he’s cooking, I’m eating.

Scene: Aria Casino parking garage February 13th, 2016. *Camera Pans right* Beautiful brunette elegantly steps out of a…..Toyota Yaris??!?!!? All right, I admit, its time from a vehicle upgrade. I guess when you flat out refuse to valet because you don’t feel your vehicle is worth the value of the tip its time you get a new whip.

Back to the blog post. Valentine’s dinner. Valen-Dines as we like to call it. Can I trademark that? I feel like I may not be the first but if I am entitled to royalties each ear with the use then consider this the first notice of ownership. What was I talking about again? Ahhh, yes the dinner, Michael Mina, my car, my wife, the restaurant? Bardot Brasserie.

The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. Black on white with hard wood and lots of glass. I’ve never been to France but if I had, I would imagine this restaurant would fit on any street in Paris. Needles to say, we were dressed up.

We both ordered drinks after fumbling over (what I think) the hardest question: What kind of water would you like? It’s usually followed by a nonsensical list of waters that you have to be a sommelier or super bouji to request anything but the tap. Per usual, I did my research ahead of time, I already knew what I wanted. The question remaining was; what did my wife want? Hint* She’s a sucker for Lobster.

To start, we ordered the Macaroni a Mimolette Gratinee. It’s not a starter; it’s a side (shouldn’t be). You’ll see what all the hype is about in the pictures to follow. Neatly lined up macaroni noodles in a brick like formation. These are then filled with formage and a béchamel and baked until the top has caramelized to crispy perfection. My wife ordered from the seafood cart and, as noted, she got the lobster. Lobster speaks for itself so I wont go into much detail however I will mention how it was laid in a thinned out tartar with diced cornichons and thinly sliced cabbage. A very nice touch considering we completely ignored the other two options for paired condiments.

Then came the entrees. I ordered the Lamb Rack Frites, which is served in a roasted eggplant purée, basil pistou, basque piperade, and chickpea frites. Beautiful plate and presentation. The Lamb (obviously) served on the rib, cooked to a perfect medium rare-rare. Just the way I like it. The basil pistou was flavorful but not over powering. The chickpea frites were awe-some. Crispy, crunchy but soft in the middle. I felt a little awkward eating my meal with my hands but when you have meat served on a bone cooked like that, you can’t leave any it behind. My wife ordered the Loup De Mer Au Fenouil. In English this translates to roasted Mediterranean sea bass, caramelized lemon, fennel, fingerling potatoes. Equally as awesome. The fish melted in your mouth. Super buttery and lemony. The potatoes were equally as buttery and seasoned to the T. I know what you’re thinking, a French restaurant and you literally ordered no French food. Technically yes, technically no. Either way, as I’ve mentioned numerous times before, “I’m Not a Foodie.” Much like the kids in the old 90’s Apple Jacks commercials “We eat what we like.” And we liked it all.

Before you go off on me, I will mention we ended the meal with macarons. French meal saved. Top that beeeatcchhhh.