St. Petersburg’s Left Bank Bistro, inspired by 1920s Paris, is on course for smooth sailing. The sumptuous bouillabaisse worthy of Marseille — which CL Restaurant Critic Jon Palmer Claridge thoroughly enjoyed during his recent visit — proves as much. However, this stylish bistro housed in a renovated ’20s bungalow still needs to find its sea legs (and French origins). Check out our review here, and then flip through James Ostrand’s shots of what Claridge experienced.
French onion stout soup is pleasant with a nice cap of melted Gruyére and a toasted baguette crouton. Credit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandRestaurateur Susanne Byram’s distinctive renovation of a ’20s bungalow shows a keen eye for style. Credit:James OstrandNormally in a Parisian bistro, you’ll find a tranche of rustic pâté de campagne, but here, chicken liver pâté is a jar of creamy goodness. Credit:James OstrandThe liver is milk-soaked overnight before blended with Marsala, herbs, butter and crème fraîche for a lush delight. Credit:James OstrandThe dish is beautifully presented with toast triangles set on edge to resemble a cubist mountain range next to a beet red mound of onion marmalade. Credit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandThe bistro features an evocative display of period black-and-white photos. Credit:James OstrandLarge and handsome chandeliers hover over the dining room from the long beam of the tall, peaked ceiling. Credit:James OstrandGrilled beef tenderloin is au poivre-crusted and served on top of a smooth potato purée with hints of garlic. Credit:James OstrandThere’s also a striking side porch with stools, umbrellas and lantern sconces. Credit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandThe Left Bank calls St. Petersburg’s Historic Uptown neighborhood home. Credit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandCredit:James OstrandCredit:James Ostrand
