Andre’s Bistro and Bar Catering
Housemade Baguette – Imported Butter (not pictured)
Mixed Greens – Walnut Dressing
Coq au Vin – Chicken braised in Red Wine, Pearl Onions, Mushrooms, Bacon, Chicken Jus
Pommes Puree – Butter, Cream
Crispy Pork Belly – Roasted Red Apples, Onions, Calvados Sauce
Potato Gnocchi – Butternut Squash, Spinach, Herb Butter
Chocolate Birthday Cake – Chocolate Buttercream, Dark Chocolate Ganache
Trying to not only give industry money to worthy businesses but also to diversify co-worker’s palates with #supportlocal it was thrilling when one of the staff requested Coq au Vin for her birthday on Tuesday, and although she did not recall where the dish had been tasted previously the team at Andre’s Bistro and Bar were happy to make wishes come true.
Currently closed on weekday afternoons for renovation, the announcement of what’s to come not yet made but apparently exciting, it was after speaking with General Manager Joe Marsco and providing a budget that a menu was left in the hands of Chefs Chris Bulen and Kevin Lopez, the latter making delivery right on time complete with an abundance of plates, utensils and napkins.
Not a place to cut corners in terms of Ingredients or presentation whether on-site or catering, insulated chafing dishes holding temperatures for nearly three hours until Chef Lopez returned to pack leftovers and collect serviceware, it was starting with housemade Baguettes and good Butter that some filled their plate with Salad, the fresh mix at first confusing some who assuming a bottle of Dressing was Gravy but widely praised later when topped in bitter-sweet Vinaigrette.
Focused next on Sides, most of the staff unfamiliar with French Cuisine but happy to learn by way of silky Mashed Potatoes, it was surprising that many also gravitated to tender Potato Dumplings set against Butternut Squash and Sauteed Spinach, the herbaceous sauce far better than when last experienced at the Restaurant and an absolutely wonderful choice for those averse to Meat.
Onward to Entrees, the Chicken quite literally slipping off bones amidst Onions, Mushrooms and Bacon in Chicken Jus, those seeking something even heartier took immense pleasure in crispy Pork that some staff called Chicharrónes, though regardless of language the thick nuggets of Pork Belly were stunning atop Onions and Apples cooked down with Calvados.
Specially requesting a Birthday Cake to finish, Pastry Chef Tammy Alana’s work always sure to impress, it was no different this time than so many meals at Andre’s or Alize that everything looked and tasted amazing as moist Chocolate Sponge stood springy between layers of Milk Chocolate Buttercream and thick Cocoa Ganache.
N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone suffice it to say that Andre’s Bistro & Bar once again exceeded expectations while also making someone’s birthday a little more special, the delivery and pick-up both smooth while the Food continues to set the standard Off Strip.
RECOMMENDED: Housemade Baguette, Coq au Vin, Crispy Pork Belly, Chocolate Cake.
AVOID: N/A.
TIP: As stated above, the Restaurant is temporarily closed at lunch with big plans in the works, but daytime catering is most certainly available.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.andresbistroandbar.com

