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Bistro K

My Personal Experiences at This French Restaurant in South Pasadena, Los Angeles County

Today, July 13, 2006, Ivy and I went to this French restaurant in South Pasadena named "Bistro K".   On Los Angeles section of citysearch.com, the editorial rating of Bistro K is a "recommended", (see below for more information) however, our experience was on the contrary.

First, we were not hungry.  We wanted to order one starter and one main course from the menu and then share it.  However, the waiter at Bistro K warned us, "because we are such as small place, $24 is the minimum order per person".  This $24/person minimum was not posted on some of the "editorial" articles mentioned above.  We were a little bit surprised.  We then tried to add on starter dish to make up for the $24/person minimum amount.  Then the waiter insisted us to order two main courses at Bistro K because according to him, that would make up for $24/person.  However, after our calculations, two starters and one main course were well over $24/person, and in fact, the final bill was $64.  (Therefore, watch your wallet)

Second, it was early in the summer, and the temperature was high.  Ivy and I decided to sit outside because, according to Ivy, "inside was even hotter".  We were also disappointed by the flies flying around the tables.

Third, finally, when the starters came to the table, we discovered that for $9, the size of a quarter coin of some biscuits and Spanish pepper were brought on the table.  I did not know the whether it was the starter we ordered, but later we were confirmed.  One bite was sufficient to finish it.

Last, the main menu came in, with a big plate.  The big plate is a sharp contrast with the size of the actual food.  The actual food was small and little.  For $24, there were four slices of fish for the size of two fingers.  And besides, they were very greasy.  We were able to finish it quickly, however, our stomach felt like we hadn't eaten anything.  I finally commented, the portion of the food would be excellent for my 6 month baby.

After all, we were extremely disappointed at the portion of their food, as well as other matters.  Therefore, if you are hungry and would like to have a clean and healthy environment for eating, then Bistro K might not be good for you.

References:

Citysearch.com described  the Scene of Bistro K as:

Reservations are essential at Chef Laurent Quenioux's tiny bistro [Bistro K] housed in a converted South Pasadena bungalow. Yellow-daubed walls painted with olive branches, vases of fresh wildflowers, vintage Syracuse china and abstract paintings make the cozy space feel like a private home. Servers bustle among the half dozen tables, bringing exquisite fare to pre-theatergoers and local residents who've discovered this hidden gem.

They described the Food of Bistro K as

The complex French menu [of Bistro K] changes seasonally, and dabbles in Southeast Asian and Mexican cuisine. A sensuous autumn salad pairs sautéed fois gras with juicy sliced persimmon and crisp mushrooms. Tart, citrus-coriander-drenched greens accompanying Hawaiian blue shrimp salad come amusingly tied inside a radicchio leaf. A hearty enchilada packed with fat escargot is seasoned with ancho peppers and house salsa. Daube of goose is rich and tender, braised in red wine. Prices are shockingly low for such fine cooking.