Devon Restaurant Review: Bistrot Pierre, Torquay

I went to the new-ish Bistrot Pierre in Torquay last week.  The place was heaving on a Tuesday night and a reservation was needed.  The views from all tables of the fairy lights and sea were impressive as the windows are large.  Upstairs was buzzy, busy and had a good atmosphere.  

The food is French and delicious.  For starters, my husband and I decided to have a sharing platter (the assiette).  There was ample food on the assiette, although we did have to ask for some extra bread – very nice slices of baguette with a French butter called Lescure.  The mini chorizos cooked in honey had been recommended to me – they were good – but watch out, they do stop you talking for a few minutes!  The hummus, olives, sun dried tomatoes and brie were all good.  The tapenade tasted a little different to usual – I am not sure If they had added pesto or mayonnaise, but it seemed different to what I anticipated.

My husband had a rib eye steak with mushrooms, salad and fries which he enjoyed.  I had the Lamb Cassoulet which was served with wonderful Dauphinoise Potatoes, red cabbage, carrots and broccoli.  The cassoulet and the potatoes were outstanding.  The potatoes were served in a mini skillet with a small oven glove: a ‘handle glove’ The lamb was very tender and tasty.

I chose the Café Gourmand for dessert as I wanted to see how this restaurant performed for their sweet offerings.  I tried the following four (the restaurant chooses for you) and overall my fave was the Lemon Tart: Lemon Tart, Chocolate Fondant, Raspberry sorbet with crumbs, Tarte Tatin.  The apple tart was my least favourite, but that was just me being fussy.

 Downstairs, the ceiling is higher and there were fewer people and it had a calmer, quieter atmosphere.

The only problems were that I was a little chilly, we were sat by a closed window  – my husband was fine.  Plus it was noisy upstairs – some people might prefer the downstairs tables.  The wine list was OK but a bit unexciting.

There were also plenty of outdoor seats – I can imagine that brunch, or a morning coffee on the outdoor terrace in the sun would be amazing.  There is outdoor seating on the ground floor and first floor (balcony) level.    The location choices for this small chain of restaurants is interesting.  I think this Torquay branch is going to be deservedly popular.  High quality dishes, great service, buzzy atmosphere, sea views and very close to the Princess Theatre will all help make this place thrive.

Perfect Summer Loaf: Fougasse Made with a Bread Maker

...and I was pretty happy with the results. Delicious served alongside a Tapas-y lunch of olives, ripe summer tomatoes, Serrano ham and some rocket and salty cheese.  This is a traditional 'focaccia' type loaf originally from Provence in the South of France.  I like it's salty soft texture that is rich with olive oil.

I used dried 'Herbes de Provence' from a cloth bag.  They included some delicious sprinkles of fennel and lavender.

Ingredients

475g strong white flour
1.5 teasp salt
3 tbsp fresh chopped herbs / 1.5 teasp dried mixed herbs
1.25 teasp fast-action yeast
4 tablespoons olive oil
250 ml water

Place in breadmaker.  Set to basic dough (This takes 2 hours in a Panasonic).
Form into two flat shapes and slit with knife.
Leave to rise for 30 mins.
Bake at 220 degrees Celsius or 8-10 mins.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on sea salt.