We paid a long overdue visit to the upstairs Bistro de Paris in the France Pavilion at Epcot, a charming dining room where young Chef Francesco Santin is creating classical French cuisine, paired with a nice French wine list and exemplary service that makes for some of the best dining at Walt Disney World Resort (and way beyond). No surprise, Chef Santin honed his skills in Lyon, France, at l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, the world-famous restaurant of Chef Paul Bocuse (one of the owners of the Epcot restaurant).
The new kids’ menu is a not-so-challenging bonus for families who want to experience authentic cuisine, served in three courses. For starters, little ones can choose a cheese puff pastry (friand au fromage) or ham and Gruyère cake (cake au jomon). Entrées include roasted chicken breast with tomato pasta (supreme de poulet roti aux nouilles a la tomate), filet mignon with mashed potatoes (filet mignon et pommes puree, jus naturel) or pan-roasted snapper with green beans and tomatoes (filet de snapper sauté et haricots fins et tomates). The finale is ice cream or sorbet (glace ou sorbet), chocolate mousse (mousse au chocolat) or crepes with fresh fruit (crepe au fruits de saison).
The Bistro also now is part of the Disney Dining Plan, with two entitlements (open for dinner only).
And while we’re thrilled with the news, for us the biggest bonus is the new grown-up menu that Chef Santin has created. Delicate starters such as Serrano ham with celery root remoulade and artichoke hearts; marinated tuna with limes, herbs and Mediterranean salad; fresh goat cheese terrine with herbs, zucchini salad and tomato aspic (a personal favorite).
But we’re extolling the amazing lobster entrée, a riff on classic bouillabaisse that had us swooning, the tail and claws served with sautéed mushrooms, poached eggs and a creamy black truffle bouillon. Worth every. single. calorie.
There’s roasted duck breast with Asian spices; lamb tenderloin stuffed with savoy cabbage and paired with porcinis and a buttery potato fondante; seared scallops with radicchio risotto. Seriously great food. Dessert, hands down, the warm chocolate and almond cake, feuilletine, vanilla ice cream and praline sauce is worth sharing.
The three-course prix fixe menu is a bargain for $59 (but the lobster isn’t an option).
Have you tried the Bistro lately? Share your favorites tastes!
Comments
Ugh, MOUTH WATERING! I’ve always been in love with the Epcot Italy and Norway pavilions for their food selections, but after reading this article, I’ll have to scoot over to Paris soon! I’m especially enticed now that I know they have a palatable kids menu- I had the idea in my head that the kiddos probably wouldn’t like French food. 🙂
Is Bistro offering breakfast? Are the Mickey waffles and orange juice a dessert option? Just curious. Love new menus!
I note that the menu posted online lists the prix fixe menu at $49 w/o wine, and $85 with wine parings. We will be dining their next week and are looking forward to it.
When will there be more menu information available about the Carthay Circle Theatre restaurant and lounge at California Adventure? I can’t wait for that one!
I always wanted to eat here but my question is: does one need to dress up to attend here or is regular theme park attire okay?
Theme park attire is OK, but the evening we were there, most guests were in slacks … no sleeveless t-shirts for men!
Pam, I think you might be a little mistaken as I’m pretty sure they don’t serve breakfast at Bistro…
Not sure where that photo is from, we’ll remedy!
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