Bistro 57

Popped in here for lunch recently, on the recommendation of a co-​worker who lives in the Healey Building. The space is very charming, but I didn’t dine in.
Instead, I ordered something to carry over to nearby Woodruff Park. For $ 10, I got a monstrously large sandwich, a bag of chips and a canned soda.
My sandwich was stuffed with a chicken curry salad that was rife with golden raisins and sliced almonds (I believe). It was wonderfully flavorful and was served on a French bread-​style loaf with lettuce and a ripe tomato.
If this place wasn’t so far from my office, I’d probably stop by more often. The other sandwiches looked great and my buddy mentioned they do a nice dinner as well. My only knock against Bistro 57 would be that with a varied menu and a borrowed décor from Fleur di Lis, I didn’t get a sense of personality. That could, however, come in time.
Sadly, I heard that one of the owners is ill and they’re already considering selling the restaurant. I’m hoping they’re able to hang on though cause I would like to return sometimes soon.

NOTE: This place is closed.
After seeing this wonderful space, formerly occupied by Fleur de Lis, sit empty and forlorn the past couple of years, I was thrilled to see this space come to life again with another restaurant. Well, even better than this, after checking the place out for dinner, it’s a good restaurant with great service and reasonable prices for excellent food.
Tonight I went with friend. I had tricolor tortellini antipasto — big plate of cold tortellini covered with antipasti including mozzarella balls, salami, red peppers, grilled bread and more. Not only did it earn an A, but it was only $ 10 and was enough that I boxed half of it up to eat later. (And it was great the next day!) My bowl of chowder was also terrific.
Right now there are only three people working at the restaurant so I supposed if it were busy the service might be slow, but it was fine tonight with just a few tables and the service we got was extremely good. Very attentive, friendly service.
The space is nice, as ever, and romantic. It’d be a nice place for a date. I also recommend it for dinner before a show (Rialto, Balzer Theater, Tabernacle shows) or during the downtown lunch hour, as an alternative to fast food or chain restaurants.

Bistro 57 opened this week in Le Fleur de Lis Café’s former space in the Healey Building. Owner David Moody retained most of Le Fleur’s decorative elements, including the tin ceilings, light fixtures, tables and ornate booths. I have to say, though, that I adore the new white bird-​shaped salt and pepper shakers.
After David explained the majority of the sandwiches on the menu to me, I chose the My Banh Mi – roast pork, pickled vegetables, cucumbers, pâté, fresh cilantro and basil on soft, flaky bread. While all the ingredients indeed were fresh, the hoisin sauce overwhelmed my palate, sending my mouth into an Asian trance. I will try something lighter, perhaps the Too-​Nah Melt, next time.
I was more excited and impressed by the sampling of sides that were generously provided on my large wooden plate: a classic macaroni salad containing Ranch dressing and buttermilk; a tortellini pesto salad with a hint of roasted red pepper; and a small cup of corn chowder, heavy on cubed potato and topped with what looked like French’s fried onions.
The owner said that wine and beer choices will be available soon, along with an expanded menu, among which the breakfast offerings sound delish. I particularly drooled over the breakfast platter, which will include a small saucer of yogurt/​granola, a skewer piercing the fruit of the day, a choice of toast or potatoes, and eggs.
With all the extras David let me try, I couldn’t finish my sandwich, which he neatly placed in a to-​go container. To round out my lunch break, I sat outside down the street, reading The Lovely Bones. I wondered when I would have time to eat my leftovers, since I’m about to go out of town.
Then the inevitable happened. A vagrant beseeched me for my leftovers, which I gave him, propelled by my TGIF good mood.
«Oh, that was nice of you,» commented another bum.
«I know,» I agreed, flipping to the next page.