Le Bistro Brunch

Le Bistro is like a mosaic — a colorful work of flavorful art. The menu selections, varied and delightful, form an image of an intimate European-style café whose owner, Robert Penkava, fashions them by careful attention to each essential element. It is no surprise when diners discover that Chef Robert once lived in Heidelberg, Germany, where he honed his innate culinary inclination by observation and practice.

Having lived in Europe at one time myself, close to the captivating cafés of Brugge, Belgium, the charm of Le Bistro is a tonic for the yearning I feel at times for this savory and significant arm of European culture. Now, in addition to lunch and dinner, I am able to sample more of Chef Robert’s remarkable French/Continental dishes on Sundays during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

If diners find it difficult to choose from the gallery of menu delights, return to the bistro like Jack Higgins of Temecula, who commented, “Last Sunday I had scrambled eggs and they were the finest eggs I’ve ever eaten.”

The reasonably priced brunch menu is extensive, which made it difficult to choose, but on this particular Sunday I chose the Lobster Newburg Omelet. Overtones of a subtle wine flavor enhanced this dish, which was made with Robert’s fluffy eggs. A delightful blend of lobster and shrimp in cream sauce was folded inside an omelet drizzled with just the right amount of Hollandaise sauce, and then topped with melted Mozzarella cheese. Sides of fresh fruit as well as red potatoes sautéed with onions and peppers complemented the omelet. It is not only a dish to savor, but it will be sure to lull you into a contented state.

The Apple Walnut Crêpes sautéed in butter, sugar, honey, triple sec and apple pie spice, then topped with whipped cream, is a tempting menu item. Chef Robert’s Bread Pudding is moist and marvelous and his Bread Pudding French Toast, which can be enjoyed with the traditional maple syrup or a marvelous twist of whiskey sauce, is an enhanced version of the traditional dish. Champagne may be enjoyed for a trifling and adds a spark to any menu selection.

The snug sunroom and cozy dining room are both accented with antiques and paintings. Crowning the restaurant is a 350-year-old replica of Rembrandt van Rijn’s “Nightwatch.” While Chef Robert was shopping for antiques eighteen years ago, he discovered this painting rolled in one of his sideboards. An art appraiser’s verdict was that the canvas was probably painted by a protégé of the Dutch master, who lived from 1606 to 1669. The painting, which is wall-sized but still smaller than the original, shows some wear but is enchanting nevertheless.

Le Bistro’s Brunch not only satisfies but enlightens. It is a window to a world where the cuisine is reminiscent of the heart of Europe and the ambiance a mélange of unnamed European bistros.

Experience Chef Robert’s French/Continental-inspired cuisine at Le Bistro, located at 119 North Main Avenue in Fallbrook’s Jackson Square. Reservations may be obtained by calling (760) 723-3559.