LOCATIONIn one of Brisbane’s oldest streets, St. Paul’s Terrace, Fortitude Valley.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAIt’s rare (but incredibly satisfying) to find a new culinary treasure which caters to foodie whims from dawn to dusk. Luckily new French-style bistro, Les Amis, showcases all-day dining with an elegant, lavish, “spoil-yourself” touch. Award-winning chef Ian Woodcock certainly makes his mark in the kitchen creating superb French/European gourmet bistro dishes, from early breakfast to later evening fare. For breakfast there’s a thoughtful selection of traditional morning basics from light fresh fruit and muesli with organic natural yogurt, to the heartier French toast served with crispy bacon and heavenly maple syrup. Caffeine addicts will appreciate the way the smooth Campos’s coffee perfectly harmonises with a tempting assortment of freshly-baked savoury and sweet pastries, terrines and rillettes.
Twilight offerings will have you practising your French pronunciation: “Boudin noir” (a warm spring green asparagus salad with a poached egg and delicate maltaise sauce). The exceptional selection of Charcuterie (like confit rolled chicken thigh with artichoke, prosciutto and truffle mash, and foie gras and duck liver parfait with sauternes jelly and toasted brioche), present a brilliant way to embark on your French flavour voyage. Main choices not to be missed include a herb crusted lamb rump with ratatouille, confit garlic and salsa verde, savoury braised oxtail gnocchi and tender veal blackstrap sprinkled with pomegranates with tomato, basil and bocconcini. With its bold royal colours and elegant masonry this cute cafe/bistro offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for all occasions.
Katharine Chapman