THE BISTRO, PENARTH
Some restaurants entice with their ‘brand-new’ buzz, others thrive due to their prime location. A few will draw ‘those in the know’ with the calibre of the chef. The Bistro Penarth can claim all three, since opening recently.
Easily walkable from Penarth railway station, this charming French bistro with a warm Welsh welcome is a prime destination this autumn. The number one draw is Chef Padrig Jones, a Cardiff restaurantlegend, formerly Chef-Patron at Le Gallois, Pontcanna, for more than a decade. He brings his own favoured picks of ‘greatest hits’ to the mouthwatering menu at The Bistro Penarth. Paired with the warm Parisian decor and enchanting atmosphere, this is the perfect place for a fun, relaxed night out.
A memorable evening began with a delicious pre-starter; the crisp spiced Penclawdd cockles were a moreish, tasty treat. The Roquefort souffle entrée that followed was simply sublime; as light as a feather, and perfectly balanced with a seasonal plum chutney and a refreshing rocket salad. My partner’s saffron risotto was a hearty, comforting dish, that was laced with the piquant tang of parmesan. As a main, with game season upon us, I plumped for the Bistro’s special; roast partridge and wild mushrooms on a bed of parsley root mash, with Swiss chard. Having cleared the plate, it was hailed a hit as, indeed, was my partner’s blanquette of veal in a tarragon and truffle sauce. A few months in, it’s already staked its claim as a favourite with customers.
But the best was yet to come and represented a full circle for Chef Padrig Jones. His eyes danced whilst describing his glee at discovering his ‘desert island dessert’ as a teenage trainee-chef. His own personal take on a nougat glace was paradise on a plate. An elegant praline ice cream treat with a meringue, hazelnut and caramel centre; offset with a drizzle of raspberry sauce, it was worth the return train ticket from Cardiff to Penarth alone.
Whatever you do this autumn, don’t be the last diner in Glamorgan to visit this venue for yourselves. Make a date, get away from it all to a place where Paris meets Penarth.
The Bistro,
4 Washington Buildings
Stanwell Road
Penarth CF64 2AD
Tel: 029 2070 9600