where jess ate

As usual, Mike and I had trouble deciding on where to have dinner on a Friday evening. Based on a recommendation from Mike’s co-worker, we decided to give Le Select Bistro a call to see if they had space for us later that night. Luckily, they were able to take us in at 9. The restaurant is located on a quiet strip on Wellington Street, just west of Spadina, near C Lounge. With a French bistro-feel, the décor reminded me of Pastis, a French bistro in New York.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted in a warm manner by the host who brought us to our seats, where a server promptly offered us drinks. I didn’t feel like having a drink this evening, but Mike ordered a beer, the Chambly Noire – 6.2%, 341ml ($5.75). I had a sip of it and was surprised that I actually enjoyed it since I normally don’t like dark beer.

We started with the Assiette de charcuterie – assorted cured meats: saucisson, pate, duck rillette, ham, and Bayonne prosciutto ($15.95). What I enjoyed most about this starter was the great variety of items it came with. We ate the cured meats with the complimentary bread, which was a great accompaniment for the dish. The one item I didn’t particularly enjoy was the ham, as it was pretty ordinary. My favourite item on the dish was the pate. It was so tasty, I wanted more! Mike enjoyed the duck rillette, which was just okay for me.

For my main, I ordered the Steak tartare de bison – grassfed and raised outdoors in Ontario ($23.95). At first, I wasn’t quite sure if this was an entrée or an appetizer, so I confirmed with the server who informed me it was an entrée. The tartare was topped with pistachios and was darker in colour than what I’m used to, likely due to it being bison. Although I enjoyed it, it wasn’t the best tartare I’ve had. I think the best steak tartare dish I’ve had was at Scaramouche. The dish also came with a generous plate of fresh frites, which I thought tasted fantastic. Unfortunately, the charcuterie plate filled me up and I wasn’t able to finish my dish.

Mike ordered the Confit de canard – duck leg confit with crispy skin, served with green beans and potatoes au gratin (one leg: $19.95/two legs: $26.95). He ordered 2 legs, although one would’ve been enough. We didn’t expect the charcuterie plate to be quite as filling. The duck legs were soft, tender and the meat easily came off the bone. I found it a little saltier than I’d like, but otherwise tasted pretty good. We also really enjoyed the potatoes au gratin which was served with the dish.

This time we were much too full for dessert, although we did take a peek at the dessert menu. I saw someone being served the mousse au chocolat, which looked really good! Next time, I might want to try the menu prix fixe for $35. It comes with the following:
• Soup du jour or salade maison
• Steak frites (5oz tender bavette cut)/duck confit/asparagus ($19.95 for duck/asparagus); $26.95 for steak frites
• Mousse au chocolat/crème brulee

Overall, I really enjoyed my experience here. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting and the service was great throughout the entire meal. The food was enjoyable and the prices weren’t too expensive. A great little spot for French food. Seems like they’re also a really popular brunch spot… another restaurant to add to my never-ending list of places to go for brunch. I tell ya, there just aren’t enough Sundays!

At a glance:

A very warm and inviting atmosphere

Reasonably priced and delicious food

Ratings (out of 5):

Food: 4 stars

Service: 4 stars

Atmosphere: 4.5 stars

Note: I subsequently went to Le Sélect Bistro for brunch. Read my review here