Respites

Do you ever have days when you just need to get away — like right now? You know the moments when everything is moving way too fast and everyone needs attention that you just don’t have time to give. Well, it is during these times when a mini “breather” is just what you need to energize and help you to focus on the tasks at hand.

And if time just won’t allow you a day away, perhaps a quiet evening with just you and that special someone will give you what you need in order to hold you until your next big getaway. After all, the basic idea of a breather is to be able to take a mental escape just long enough to help you regain your composure.

I happened upon a place recently that is ideal for doing just that. Bistrot Lafayette, located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, reminds me of the tiny bistros that line the streets of Paris; very simple with just enough of the right touches to let you know you are visiting a special place.

My husband and I happened upon this cute little restaurant as we were searching for some place different to celebrate his birthday. As we passed in front of the restaurant we were greeted by a very gregarious waiter who invited us in promising to pay for our dinner if we were not pleased with our experience. We decided to take him up on his offer and I am pleased to say, we paid the bill.

The restaurant was bustling that evening, but not too noisy. The wait staff was very attentive beginning with something to cool us down from the very hot and humid evening. We began the meal with some of their homemade French bread, served with a wonderful dipping oil that was seasoned with black and white sesame seeds and a touch of cumin.

Since it was so hot outside, we did not order an appetizer but rather went right into our entrees. My husband ordered Filet mignon and spinach and substituted the French fries for mashed potatoes. His comments on the filet was that, “it was done to perfection”. He was satisfied though not overly-impressed with the spinach and thought the potatoes were quite good. The price for his meal was $32.00.

I ordered the grilled salmon filet with crabmeat, mushrooms and cream sauce and a side mesclun salad. The salmon was done extremely well; not over or undercooked; and it was the right temperature when it reached the table. The crabmeat, mushrooms and cream sauce added a nice touch to the delicate flavor of the salmon. As for the salad, I have not been impressed too much lately when I have had mesclun salad, but this one was especially good. The addition of a touch of dandelion greens gave it just the bite it needed to make it interesting and the finish of a lite balsamic dressing made it a salad to remember. My meal came in at $24.95.

We did not order desert, however, but because I had mentioned to the waiter that we were celebrating my husband”s birthday, we were surprised with a wonderful vanilla crème brulee to finish the meal; compliments of the house. I found the desert to be just okay.

The nice thing about our respite was although it was a Friday night and the place was crowded, not once were we rushed to make room for other diners. The staff was friendly and attentive and one of the owners, Isabella, took the time to visit our table to inquire about our experience.

When we left the restaurant, we strolled through Old Town to do a little window-shopping; the streets are lined with all kinds of wonderful little shoppes. And although, it was a very warm evening, the gentle breeze and of course the company made it an occasion to remember.

So the question is did we find what we needed in order to breathe? The answer is yes.

Bistrot Lafayette, 118 King Street Alexandria, VA 703-548-2525 — a definite “breather”, and the food isn’t bad either! Be sure to tell them Bonnie sent you.

On another note, we revisited the restaurant two weeks later and although the food was just as good, the service that evening left a lot to be desired. The owner apologized for the numerous mistakes that were made during service and did her best to smooth over what turned out to be not a great evening. Having owned a restaurant for a few years myself, I know these things can happen. So, my final word is, give them a try. My husband and I will definitely make it a point to return. Bon apetit!