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| - I really enjoy European food so when I read about Cassis Bistro in a recent FFWD review, I was very eager to try it out. My last experiences with French food have been disappointing. Most of the French food in Calgary is usually very salty, fatty and served with a lot of heavy sauces.
The FFWD review suggested making reservations... I did reserve a table for 2 for Friday night but we were late so we ended up waiting for a few minutes. While we waited, the owner (Gilles) graciously gave us a complimentary beverage of choice (I enjoyed a Rose Brut and my boyfriend had a small pint of Kronenbourg Blanc 1664, a white, lemony-tasting beer perfect for summer sipping)
Cassis' menu is well-thought (not too many items) and combines simple, regional ingredients to produce simple, clean tastes on your palate. I like that their ingredients are available to purchase at Casel Marche (the adjoining market). To start, we tried the prosciutto stuffed calamari and the Alberta beef tartare. The calamari and bacon flavor of the prosciutto were a perfect pairing with the butter leaf lettuce salad and its light vinagrette. My boyfriend loved the beef tartare served with toasted pieces of thinly cut baguette: It had the right amount of acidity/ caper/ salty balance. Probably the best tartare we've had in the city!
Our mains were also a great success: Manitoba pickerel with potatoes and green beans and chicken basquaise. Both proteins were cooked perfectly. Again, there was an emphasis on clean, fresh tasting notes and plating. The decor of Cassis compliments its dishes well; simple grey walls with framed photos of French landmarks and floating maple shelves adorned with French books/ decor and fresh flower vases. There is also a touch of humor with the projector silently playing French black and white films with subtitles on the back wall.
Service-wise, Cassis reminds me of Una's style of "team" serving (btw, Una recently won best service in the city). Our waiter was attentive and pleasantly friendly. He made an excellent wine recommendation from the Bourgogne/ Burgungy region of France for our meal.
Cassis is a great bistro for a first date, an intimate meal or a small group gathering. It definitely adds a fresh take on French food in the city. I look forward to trying brunch, lunch and another dinner (or more!) at Cassis.
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