I'd never eaten in a French restaurant, a fact Tom found nearly unbelievable. He decided to fix this oversight immediately. Enter Bistrot du Coin in DC's infuriating Dupont Circle. (Hey, don't gripe at me, have you ever tried to drive through Dupont Circle? Well then... ahem.) But that's for an entirely different review, now intit?

Bistrot du Coin is a very busy place. I don't mean just customer-wise either. There are French posters and whatnot all over the place along with various lights and things to draw your attention. Busy busy busy... and I love that about it. They have a zinc bar, which means a very extensive wine list ranging in price from about $24 all the way up to around $500 per bottle. They also have a large range of mixed drinks if you are so inclined.

The place is sort of divided in half, with the back being a smoking section. HUZZAH! This is where the bar is so like, double score. heh. The paper-topped trestle tables are a bit closer together than I normally care for, but this is a kinda small place and they have to make the best of the space as popular as they are. Owner Michel Verdon is present more often than not and makes a point of getting to know his customers by name. Smart man, that.

Tom has taken me here a few times this past week or two so I think I have a handle on the whole spectrum here now. Service can range from superb to pretty much indifferent depending on who's working and how crowded they are. The first time it wasn't all that busy being an off time and we were catered to like royalty (well, they all knew Tom and Michel was there that night). This last time Michel was not there and the service was bad to the point of being really annoying. Those are the two extremes, and the usual brand is somewhere in the middle of those two visits. In other words, ya takes yer chances...

We had to order the Escargots a la Bourguignonne during one visit (another thing I've never been brave enough to try).. as Tom says, they are drenched in butter, garlic and more garlic. I liked the buttery garlic stuff, but I have to admit that I'm just not an escargot kinda gal. He loves them, I spit mine into napkin. heh.

Another visit had us starting off with the wonderful Bouchee a la reine which is a puff pastry, sweetbread, mushrooms, and chicken in the most delightful cream sauce ever. This was absolutely enough for two people and honestly, I was pretty full after just that.

Then came my casserole de lapin... Tender stewed rabbit with carrots, onions, mushrooms and spaetzle (a touch of Alsace), all in a sinful cream-based sauce which was also very good. Shame I was already quite full, eh? The sauces were also very similar to each other and I'd had my fill of richness. Ah well... do order this yourself though if you have gone with a less saucy starter.

Another day I tried their Poulet roti au four which is a half oven-roasted chicken and comes with French fries. I substituted Pomme Puree for my fries though. Tom had had this one on a prior visit and I was coveting it so had to get it myself this time. It was very, very good. The skin was crisp yet not burnt and just really yummy. The Pomme Puree is real mashed potatoes. Very creamy yet with a few wonderful lumps left in. Just how I like 'em. I believe this dish was around $14 but don't hold me to that...

Tom also ordered the Tournedos au Trois Poivres (About $19), a sauteed pave and peppers with sauce and French Fries. He was in heaven. That steak was unbelievably thick and cooked just perfect. You may want to read his review for other dishes he's tried here at: http://www.epinions.com/content_73830469252

All in all, I have to go with about 4 stars for this one. It's a fun, upbeat kinda place with good food. Just be aware that some days you may have to wait for refills and your check. The staff is always friendly though, even when they're slow. Go ahead. It's pretty reasonably priced for what you get, and that alone is hard to find in DC.

Dupont Circle
1738 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC
202-234-6969

http://www.bistrotducoin.com/


Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Best Suited For: Friends