Six years ago, a charming little restaurant popped up on a corner in Buckhead. The bright red awning over the patio was quite an attention-getter in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Peachtree Rd. Bistro Niko has been on my list of places in Atlanta I had to try ever since I first drove by that corner of Peachtree and Tower Place. My first trip was actually almost a year ago and the food was definitely worth the wait. But I was so excited to finally be at Bistro Niko that I completely forgot to take pictures. Luckily, when I finally went back for another crack at their menu last week, I was fully prepared to snap enough pictures to share my experience.
French 75 + 1
First things first, the cocktails. I’ve blogged a couple of times about how much I love a good French 75 (including my own version of the cocktail). Bistro Niko has a great spin on this little libation by replacing the gin with vodka (which I’m not usually up for) and a sweet hibiscus bloom that just makes the cocktail pretty and fanciful. Bistro Niko has a very wide range of other wines and brews that suits just about anyone’s tastes and cravings. So when you do visit, make sure you don’t skip cocktail hour.
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The Classics
Bistro Niko focuses on the tried and true classics of French cuisine. Croque Madame, Croque Monsieur, and Coq au Vin can all be found on their menu. For me, it doesn’t get much more French than a classic Coq au Vin. This dish is so good I’m already craving it again (if I can find an excuse to get back their soon I may just make it for myself). Every part of this dish was my favorite part; the juicy chicken, the perfect potatoes, the mushrooms (oh! the mushrooms). Next time, I’ve got my eye on the Cassoulet or one of their tartes. Oh la la, c’est bon!
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French Decadence
Who doesn’t love a good French pastry? That’s why me and my cohorts ordered two desserts! People can’t be expected to choose between a pastry drizzled in warm chocolate sauce (the profiteroles) and an apple tart. Both pastries were delicious and perfect. We almost made it a trifecta of sweetness by ordering the Tarte au Citron but our consciousness won out over our gluttony but it’s also on my list for next time. And to add to the overall frenchiness, the dessert menu has a complete selection dessert wines to keep the good times flowing. C’est magnifique!
