The Bistro’s New York style lobster with rose cream sauce linguine / Korea Times Photo by Han Sang-hee

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

When it comes to good food and elegant atmosphere, space and size don't matter. For those who want to experience both without splurging or going overboard, try ``The Bistro,'' which offers contemporary food and wine with a special touch.

Located just before the Hannam Bridge near UN Village, ``The Bistro'' is modest in size but rich in taste and character. As soon as visitors walk in, they can find five tables and an interior decorated in modern black and ivory. The place may seem a bit small, but it would perfectly fit a quiet, stylish meal or a party.

Having opened last month, ``The Bistro'' aims to bring wine a bit closer to customers, not in a rush, but slowly and naturally.

``If you bring wine, we can make food that matches that wine, even if it's not on the menu. What we are trying to do is merge wine and food. We want visitors to learn about them slowly, theoretically and physically,'' said the owner Jinny Kang, who also is a food critic and party coordinator.

In order to make people learn efficiently, Kang added that The Bistro is planning to hold food and wine lectures once or twice a month on Saturdays.

She and the tall male waiters are eager to explain any of their dishes to guests, and they frequently walk up to them for a short chat about wine and food.

We ordered the New York style lobster with rose cream sauce linguine (17,000 won) and the grilled beef sirloin steak with pan-fried vegetable and balsamic cream (35,000 won).

Unlike other fancy bistros where the plates are too big with a tiny helping of food, ``The Bistro'' offers a hearty amount of both pasta and steak.

The pasta was creamy and rich and the rose sauce was perfect for cream sauce and tomato sauce lovers.

``Some people like cream, and some people enjoy tomato, so we thought, `Why not mix them together?' It got its name for its rosy pink color,'' Kang explained.

With sliced vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms and a big chunk of lobster and several mussels, the dish was tasty and full of flavor. The lobster and mussels were fresh and chewy, while the sauce did not overpower the whole dish. Eating the pasta dish halfway through, it was delighting to find that there was enough sauce to keep the ingredients moist and creamy.

Next came the grilled beef sirloin steak. Sliced into small pieces, the steak was placed over a small drizzle of The Bistro's special cream and balsamic sauce.

``We create special sauces depending on the dish,'' Kang added, explaining the two sauces.

The small salad and pan-fried vegetables were just the right touch for the steak, which was delicate and juicy.

The small dish of pickles was a surprise, however, and a little too hot for our taste.

The Bistro changes its menu every week, alternating five to six choices. Visitors can also reserve the whole venue for parties and the restaurant offers three different courses for special occasions, including finger food, pasta and desserts and drinks.

``The Bistro'' is open from 5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The last order should be made no later than midnight. It is located on the first floor of the Richensia building across from Dankook University. Kang advises reserving seats as they may be holding lectures. Dishes range in cost from 14,000 won to 35,000 won. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and on holidays. For more information, visit www.thebistro.co.kr or call (02) 793-1110.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr