Bistro Flor

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Bistro Flor has a groove to it which is very typical of North Carlton. Within this verandah-bound corner building is a small restaurant with an appealing mix of casual and formal. There are terrazzo floors, painted brick walls, banquettes along one side and bare dark timber tables. The large windows are framed by heavy curtains, and the overall effect is welcoming and warm.

The menu follows much the same theme, blending easy-going with sophistication. You could share a bowl of marinated olives and then have a bowl of pasta –the pasta might be linguine with a vibrant mix of tomato puree, prawns, chilli and garlic. There are a few things to be shared (olives, pate, terrine), and then the menu launches into entrees, pasta dishes, main courses, and so on. Owner-chef Matthew Palmer says he aims for a core bistro menu that is enlivened with daily specials. We’d recommend the seasonally inspired dishes. Our favourite was a salad of artichokes, asparagus and snow peas, served on a base of almond-garlic mayonnaise. The southern French-style seafood stew is hard to beat as a main course – richly flavoured and satisfying. The wine list offers a reasonable choice of Australian and French choices, with some terrific wines by the glass. As an added bonus, the weekends also sport a delightful brunch menu that follows through into lunch.

Rita Erlich