Mohammed Mouktafi, owner and chef of Le Bistro, has overseen the silent evolution of Le Bistro on South Ashland from its former days as Rossi's and as Mason's. While the location's latest restaurant manifestation is not open for lunch, business diners can appreciate its restoration as a fine dining option for dinner meetings, and Le Bistro does offer some possibilities for private lunch meetings as well.
The menu is varied, though not beyond reach for a restaurant whose primary focus is classic French fare. As an aside, Mohammed mentioned that he may introduce some Moroccan dishes early next year. On our first visit, my guest had a country pate ($7.50) with a nice serving of mixed greens, dressed simply with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. My guest ate every bite, extolling the talents of the chef. His entrÈe was sole meuniere ($22); this was a sauteed filet of sole with lemon butter sauce and a parsnip and potato mousseline. He found the filet was just right and sautÈed to perfection.
That evening, I had the endive and blue cheese salad ($8.50), which was substantial and delicious. There are three other salad offerings, including a crabmeat and fruit salad with arugula and a raspberry vinaigrette ($8.50). I chose the filet mignon a la Bordelaise ($25), substituting Lyonnaise potatoes with amazing pommes frites. The filet was prepared medium rare, as requested, and the Bordelaise sauce was expected and as desired. From the first visit, we sensed that Mouktafi knows his way around the kitchen, not to mention the pleasant demeanor he exhibits in the dining room.
During my second visit, I shared Coquilles St. Jacques ($8.50) which, like the pate, was another standout appetizer. My guest had an entrÈe special of filet of sole stuffed with crabmeat ($26), which was served with broccoli rabe. Again, it was very well received and I enjoyed my bite of it, too. My entrÈe was rack of lamb ($26), consisting of four single chops with a port wine and mint sauce and roasted garlic potatoes. I ordered the rack medium-rare, and it was prepared exactly as requested. Lamb this wonderful is a hallmark of a truly fine restaurant.
Although the restaurant is closed for lunch, Mouktafi is amenable to opening his private dining room for a scheduled business luncheon, currently without a room charge. The private room, to the left of the bar, seats 20, and the entire restaurant can seat 35, not including the restaurant's additional, albeit somewhat isolated, side room.
Obviously, my guests and I found this jewel in Chevy Chase to offer an opportunity for small- to medium-sized business dinner meetings, along with the possibility for luncheon meetings.
Le Bistro
438 S. Ashland Ave.
(859) 335-1563
5:30 - 11 p.m. Mon. - Sat., Closed Sun