Dine like European royalty at Le Bistro

If any European royals lived in North County San Diego, I imagine they would dine, at one time or another, at Le Bistro in Fallbrook’s Jackson Square. The fare is steeped in European tradition because that is where Robert Penkava, proprietor, was schooled in the culinary arts.

Continental influence is evident in the cuisine as well as the décor – fine art, soothing salmon-hued walls and the gentle hum of unobtrusive classical music. Once Le Bistro’s French doors are closed behind you, the European experience begins.

In the shadow of a 350-year-old replica of Rembrandt’s ‘De Nachtwacht’ (The Night Watch) nobly crowning the dining salon, guests peruse the menu. Le Bistro’s fare is heavy with tradition, and the menu affords a tantalizing glimpse of Europe’s finest dishes. Some are rather elaborate, and some are more simplified, but all the entrées are irresistible.

Le Bistro’s ‘Port Wine Beef Tips’ are bathed in port wine sauce, which lends a sweetness to the savory. The sauce is swimming with a perfect blend of garlic, onions, and mushrooms. This entrée is served with delicate slices of bell peppers and zucchini along with mashed potatoes and some deliriously delightful carrots. The carrots are sautéed in caramelized sugar and clarified butter, then sprinkled with thyme.

The ‘Beef Wellington’ is a dish worthy of royalty. A six-ounce filet mignon is layered with white button mushroom and pork pté, then baked in delicate puff pastry and served with an enchanting port wine sauce. The succulent, yielding texture of filet mignon provides an anchor for this dish.

Robert’s ‘Beef Stroganoff,’ a recipe discovered during his time in Europe, has long been a favorite with diners. What is so provocative about this dish? In addition to the traditional mushroom gravy, this recipe calls for tomato sauce and sour cream. Recently, a Dutch couple ordered the stroganoff and was very impressed. Thousands of miles from Holland and this one succulent dish brought them closer to their European home.

Beverly Tucker of Fallbrook also found the stroganoff quite delicious. She has been dining at Le Bistro since Robert first opened the café’s French doors, almost 30 years ago. “His food is consistently great – we love it.”

A perfect finale to any Le Bistro meal is ‘Robert’s Ice Cream.’ Hand-mixed vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate shavings, finely chopped roasted walnuts and just enough brandy to infuse a delicate sweetness, this dessert sensation is topped with drizzles of chocolate sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.

At Le Bistro the cuisine is served with a spirit suggestive of eclectic European cafés. Immerse yourself in this compelling culinary soirée, and when your dining experience is complete, you will be relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to walk through the French doors to face the world.

Le Bistro is located at 119 North Main (Jackson Square), Fallbrook. Please call (760) 723-3559 for further information, or to make a reservation.