Some would say that it’s unfair to review a restaurant in its first week of operation, much less its first day of operation – much, much less as its very first table served. So, for the sake of fairness, let’s call this more an “observation” rather than a “review”.
Bistrot Bistro is located across the street from Gastropod and Fuel on West 4th, an area that is quickly becoming the place to go to sample some of Vancouver’s rising culinary stars. Husband and wife owners Laurent and Valerie are clearly enthusiastic about their food and their new digs, and this enthusiasm is reflected in everything from the restaurant’s bold, bright décor to the menu’s rustic French offerings.
We started by sharing the salmon rillettes. The salmon was chopped, seasoned with herbs, and slow-cooked in duck fat before being cooled and served with white wine croustini. I made the mistake of taking a break to snap pics of the neighboring tables. By the time I had set my camera aside, Fondy had already polished off the dish. For her premiere assiette, Fondy had the cognac chicken liver terrine. The accompanying baby gherkins offered a slightly sour counter to the smooth, sweet and seductively rich creation. I went with the house pissaladiere, their version of the French-style pizza topped with smoked duck, caramelized onions, and black olive paste, a superb composition of textures and flavors: sweet, smoky, salty, soft and pleasantly crispy. Co-owner Valerie stopped by on occasion to chat about the neighborhood, enlighten us on her decision to go with rows of flickering wall-mounted candles over artwork, and explain the menu. She informed us that the entrees listed came “sans” veggies, but that we could order our accompaniments from the list of sides. Following her recommendation, we went with the braised brussel sprouts lardons which she assured us could convert even the most die-hard of anti-sproutists. Although Fondy had already met the meal’s starch quota by ordering the mashed potatoes, I couldn’t resist the sardalaise potatoes in duck fat.
For my deuxieme assiette, I had the ling cod vegetable papillote, the fish and strips of veggies oven-baked in parchment paper. It was moist, tender, and subtle in flavor. Perhaps a little too subtle in comparison to Fondy’s deuxieme assiette, the pork loin sage apple brie. Served, still simmering, in a cast-iron skillet, the rustic heartiness of this dish made me forget all about my cod. Thankfully, Fondy was there to remind me. I’m not a big fan of mashed potatoes but Fondy is, and she loved Bistrot Bistro‘s version. For my part, I was more than happy with the sardalaise potatoes. Thinly sliced and fried in duck fat, they were a little taste of coronary-inducing heaven. The brussel sprouts were also very good – diced bacon is the secret ingredient here – but I found them a tad heavy on the vinegar for my taste.
For dessert, Fondy had the apple tart. While she liked the apple portion, she found the crust too thick. I ordered the chocolate mousse which, to our surprise, came to our table in an enormous bowl that could have served twenty (or five of me)! I helped myself to a couple of servings before the bowl was whisked away. I imagine that, in the future, they’d do well to do the serving themselves. The mousse was very light and airy and, try as I might, the best description I could get of the chocolate used was: milk chocolate. I found it too sweet (which is something you rarely hear me say) and couldn’t help but think it would have benefited from going with a good quality dark chocolate.
If I were to draw a comparison, I’d say this place is more La Regalade than Bistro Pastis, offering a lively and relaxed atmosphere, friendly but accomplished service, and unabashedly uncomplicated but very satisfying French fare. The desserts need a little work, but I have no doubt they‘ll work it out in the weeks to come. Until then, I look forward to tracking their progress.
Let’s field some questions –
Anonymous #1 writes: “Joe, we all know Vala wasn’t featured in every single episode, but she was featured a LOT more than any other character. Plus, just about every episode had character development moments for Vala that we didn’t see for any other characters.”
Farscapefan was kind enough to respond: “Season 10 is the FIRST and unfortunately THE LAST full season for Vala’s character and it was very logical to develop her the most.”
NowIWillDestroy Abydos writes: “1) In your opinion, How does Unending compare to the other Potential SG-1 series finales, “Revelations,” “Full Circle,” “Lost City,” and “Moebius?” […] 2) What was the most Expensive Single episode of SG-1 & SGA (I expect an answer from each series)? And what was the most expensive episode of SG-1 & SGA (again an answer from each series), visual effects-wise?”
Answer: 1) Like the many other almost-series finales that came before it, Unending is a wonderfully bitter-sweet episode that will no doubt make it on to many a fan’s top ten list. 2) The most expensive SGA episode is the season three finale: First Strike. The most expensive SG-1 episode was the season nine finale: Camelot. In both cases, most of the costs went to visual effects.
NowIWillDestroyAbydos also writes: “Joe, your the man, your listed as one of my Heroes on the MySpace page.”
Answer: I more comfortable with the role of villain but, okay, hero would be cool too. Do I get a cape?
UberAmandaFan writes: “Do you have anymore names of episodes to leak to the fans?”
Answer: Sure. Tabula Rasa.
GrapesofWraith writes: “Where can I get one of those sarcastic 8 balls?”
Answer: Mine was gifted to me from an ancient monk after making the journey to his mountaintop temple and completing the Eight Tasks of the Future Path. Alternately, you can check your local novelty shop.
Anonymous #2 writes: “If the first movie will be succesful at August, is there any chance that you make a third movie around October-November in 2007?”
Answer: October-November is definitely too soon as the first movie probably won’t be released until late 2007.
SGEureka writes: “Those pace cards look too funny. I love them. Are you the only show on the lot that has them in such silly designs, and if yes, for how long now? Also, who decided how they should look?”
Answer: I don’t know about any other productions on the lot but, in our case, we just forward our pic of choice to Lawren and simply let him work his magic.
Anonymous #3 writes: “You’ve mentioned that the cast and prodcution team are doing read through’s of the script, and that this is something you’ve not done previously. I was wondering who’s idea was it to do that, and what is the idea behind doing it?”
Answer: It’s something the cast requested that we were more than happy to arrange. It ensures everyone reads the script so that if there are any notes, they can be addressed early (before we start shooting) rather than on set.
Paula writes: “Do you guys ever get to play parts during the read-throughs? Or is that just the far-off dream of a writer?”
Answer: Actually, it’s the reality of most producers. For instance, today we had the read-through for Lifeline and, since Joe wasn’t able to attend, Martin Gero read the part of John Sheppard. Sad to say but he had such chemistry with David Hewlett that we decided to re-cast him in the role.
Paula also writes: “Who would you deliberately take to a health department violation restaurant so you could get the chance to grab their part?”
Answer: You mean besides the Wraith Queen? Hard to say.
Redtwin writes: “Check out “curse of the Chalion” by Lois McMaster Bujold”
Answer: A couple of her books are on my to-read list. Not familiar with this one but will pick it up and get around to it, eventually.
Kelly J. Compeau writes: “Some of those folks have sauntered over to my blog, since they know you drop by to read and post from time to time, and I’ve been getting some of your…I guess “hate mail” would be the correct term.”
Answer: Oooh. Send the really juicy ones my way. And sorry about that.
Pilgrim writes: “I’m a big Michael Marshall Smith fan and am hopelessly in love with his novel One of Us make sure you put that on your reading list too.”
Answer: I fully intend to.
Pilgrim also writes: “Do you go into writing the season with a clear idea of where you want to be come the season finale? Or is it a more organic process allowing the stories to develop and seeing where they take you?”
Answer: Definitely the latter although, usually, by the time we hit episode 15, we pretty much know where we’re headed. And, of course, the show’s ratings will impact the type of story we’ll tell.
I was watching “Duet” last night. If you remember, whose idea was it to have Sheppard leaning on that fake torso while watching Ronan spar with the Marines? That makes me laugh every time.
Answer: Actually, it’s the reality of most producers. For instance, today we had the read-through for Lifeline and, since Joe wasn’t able to attend, Martin Gero read the part of John Sheppard. Sad to say but he had such chemistry with David Hewlett that we decided to re-cast him in the role.
Have you guys forgotten about Danger Beckett already? Maybe we should be questioning your casting decisions. 😉
In response to Pilgrim’s question:“Do you go into writing the season with a clear idea of where you want to be come the season finale? Or is it a more organic process allowing the stories to develop and seeing where they take you?”
You answered:Definitely the latter although, usually, by the time we hit episode 15, we pretty much know where we’re headed.
Was this the case for S1 also? More specifically, when did you decide that Atlantis would reestablish connection with Earth at the end of S1?
Thanks for indulging our curiousity!
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions, it is much appreciated.
Could you tell us when you actually film during the year, when you take the mid season break and what you do during the break. I know that some of the production people were working before the March start and I’m interested in hearing more on the preparation and post work you do.
On the food side of things do you have a favourite type of fish? Mine is barramundi.
Since there are so many Weir comments that haven’t been answered, I’m going to be as polite as possible and ask you three things:
1) You’ve said Torri will be appearing in the first half of the season, but the second half hasn’t been looked at properly yet. Is there a plan to have her in the second half of season four?
2) Is the plan to get rid of the character completely?
3) Is there a hope of her returning as a regular in season five.
I’m sure you won’t answer my questions, but I’ll thank you in anticipation anyway…
when did you decide that Atlantis would reestablish connection with Earth at the end of S1?
Ugh! This was the worst thing ever. They should have stayed cut off. It would have increased the tension and desperation of the show instead of it being oh no, what will we do, I know… let’s get Earth to help us.
Blah!
hi, joe,
can you answer these questions?
will sam be in:
1 – the first 14 eps?
2 – the middle eps?
3 – the last 14 eps?
4 – mixed around?
also, i’ve heard that amanda has been given the go-ahead to keep her hair extensions: can you tell me how it’ll look? (up in a bun, braided, pony tail, ?)
i’m excited about watching a new show (for me) where my fave character just suddenly is a part of the group. though, i have to admit that i think it would be fun to see sam interact with House… :p
sally 🙂
Majorsal, do you want to rub it in a little bit more for those of us who are losing Torri? You may have a new favourite show, but for many of us, our favourite show has been screwed with, and we won’t be watching any more.
The fact that they’re screwing us over to make people like you watch when you’ve shown no inclination to watch the series before really, really pisses me off.
It might be irrational to say it, but to me and many others the loss of Torri will always be tainted by the inclusion of Amanda. I’ve been a Sam fan for years, but I find now that I can’t stand the character.
I’m intrigued by your comment that ratings affect what you write – of course that makes sense, but could you give an example? Hypothetical is fine – I’m just interested in your thought process. Thanks!
Joe,
Martin Gero has openly stated that his favorite character to write for is McKay. Who is your favorite charcter to pen, and why?
Do you guys feel bad about holding up production on Sanctuary with forcing AT to be on Atlantis? It’s pretty obvious she wants to move on, but is being held to her option. I get that it’s “just buisness”, but after giving you ten years don’t you feel a little bad to be holding her (and another show’s entire production) back still?
I more comfortable with the role of villain but, okay, hero would be cool too. Do I get a cape?
Somewhere, Edna Mode is crying.
nathaniel wrote:
Have you guys forgotten about Danger Beckett already? Maybe we should be questioning your casting decisions. 😉
There needs to be an episode where Danger Beckett goes on a rampage to avenge his brothers death imo.
Any hopes of seeing Major Paul Davis again? (Atlantis or films) He was such a likable character.
For a food question, what is your favorite wirting brain food? I have eaten everything from jelly beans to brownies to give my brain a boost when wirting.
Thanks much,
Royal
In a former life, I occasionally had to ‘screen’ fan-mail for the talent on a fairly popular syndicated TV show. (Tell Jason he can thank me later, he had some of the best mail ever.)
Of all the irrational, improbable, and sometimes downright scary stuff I read, I am sorry to admit that the comments I’ve read here in this blog put them to shame. It almost makes me ashamed to admit that I’m a part of this so-called ‘fandom’.
However, you’ve handled this fiasco with grace and humor, and I’ve got to give you kudos for that. Hopefully the vitriol will die down soon.
I also want to let you know that I’m looking forward the developemnts in the back end of S3, and in S4. I’m sorry to see some of my favorite characters go, but new blood and fresh storylines are usually a change for the better. And whoever said a job in television was stable?
Keep up the good work, and ask the Super Sarcastic 8 Ball if the Furlings will ever make an appearance in Atlants!
to Anonymous:
i’m not trying to rub it in -please believe me- but i’d like to be allowed to be happy and excited about something too.
please believe me when i say i know what you’re feeling – i’m still going through it even to this last sg1 episode. but shouldn’t i be able to show my enthusiasm? if sam was joining House, i’d be over to their forum and showing my excitement.
please try to separate my love for amanda/sam from your loss. i’m not responsible anymore than amanda’s responsible for torri being recurring. please understand that.
sally 🙂
There’s an actor by the name of Alan Dale. He’s from my part of the world, used to be a big star on the series Neighbours and is now on Ugly Betty.
Well, his latest interview is basically a tirade about how much he hates those responsible for neighbours and how they treated the cast so badly.
Any concerns that the Atlantis actors may be saying the same thing in a year or two?
UberAmandaFan writes: “Do you have anymore names of episodes to leak to the fans?”
Answer: Sure. Tabula Rasa.
Hey Joe. I wikipedia-ed that bad boy, because it sounded familiar. They say it means “clean slate.”
Not that I expect you to answer this, but on the off chance that you’re really sleepy, does this have to do with a single episode, or with the main Atlantis story arc as a whole?
Hi Joe:
UberAmandaFan writes: “Do you have anymore names of episodes to leak to the fans?”
Answer: Sure. Tabula Rasa.
Are you serious or is “Blank Slate” a bit of a joke?
Based on the name, I would guess it would be about one of the team losing their memory.
Have a great day.
Patricia
I can’t understand why some so called fans of SGA are being so venemous towards those who are happy about the cast changes. Just today, I read something on a GW thread that was really insulting to Jewel Staite, and some of the things I’ve read about Amanda Tapping are vile.
I didn’t want any SG1 cast coming over to Atlantis permanently, but I’ve accepted the changes, and am actually looking forward to the fresh feel of the show after seeing First Strike.
I have sympathy for those who have lost or are losing their favourite characters, but why take it out on new actors coming in, or on their fans who are pleased at the inclusion of actors they admire?
It really saddens me to see such poor behaviour. Some people keep saying they won’t watch season 4 and that they’re leaving the fandom, when in reality all they do is try to ruin the excitement and enjoyment fans who still love the show are having. I think that’s pretty selfish, personally.
My question, which I know you probably won’t answer, and I understand why, but I just wanted to try anyway:
Can you tell us who will be the leader of the Atlantis Expedition in Season 4, and will Atlantis be militarised?
I’m going to say something, and I don’t want you to take it as a personal attack, okay?
Alright. Here goes. It’s been said on many threads on Gateworld by many people, many times, that nobody except Carl Binder seems to know how to write for Teyla and Elizabeth. It seems to a lot of us that most of the writers don’t understand women. Funny how Carl’s the one who gets it, given the fact he seems to be a fair bit older than most of the others.
Teyla’s been essentially wallpaper, and Elizabeth has been a shadow of what she should have been. Elizabeth especially seems to confuddle some of the writers… perhaps a woman in power is a foreign concept to them.
Is this part of the issue with the character? If so, then surely it’s a problem on the part of the writers, who should be brought up to scratch instead of an actress being left without a job through no fault of her own.
Torri’s an exceptional performer. She could turn the biggest piece of crap into a masterpiece, and she has on many occasions. So has Joe, so has David.
Torri has incredible chemistry with all the cast, especially Joe and the Davids. Go and look closely at a couple of scenes. Go on, do it. I really wonder if people have been looking closely enough, or if it’s just a case of “Meh. She’s too hard to write for. Let’s do something that doesn’t hurt our brains so much!”
Many of us have been discussing episodes on livejournal lately, looking for some sign of a problem with Elizabeth/Torri. We’re seeing none.
At the risk of understating the issue, we don’t get it! We’ve analysed scene after scene, story after story, trying to find a problem and we’re not seeing one.
Enlighten us, because the anger and outrage isn’t going to go away.. if anything it’s going to get worse.
This actress has a lot of support, believe me. People will still be campaigning five years from now, if the show runs that long. And you’ve dug a hole for yourself by saying that nobody really dies in scifi…
The highest profile fans are boycotting the show.. these are people who have a lot of friends in fandom who feel the same way. The vast majority of them are Shep/Weir shippers. I don’t think you realise just how many of us there are. Go and have a look on the fanfiction archives. Go and have a look on the live journal community. Go and have a look at the shipper thread on GW.
The logic of getting rid of her when so many of her fans are ready to jump ship just.. beggars belief. You are voluntarily losing tens of thousands of fans at the very least. Are ratings that insignificant to you?
I’m sure you won’t unscreen this, because it calls something about the writers to question. But I’ll know you’ve seen it.
I doubt it will make any difference to your views on the situation, because logic and statistics seem to elude you.. but seriously Joe. If you loved the show, you’d be wanting to do things that would boost the ratings, not drive people away.
Anonymous said…
Majorsal, do you want to rub it in a little bit more for those of us who are losing Torri? You may have a new favourite show, but for many of us, our favourite show has been screwed with, and we won’t be watching any more.
If read this a lot and think it’s a pathetic answer. If sga is your favorite show then the loss of a charachter isn’t something that should make you not watch the show anymore!
Sg1 and sga are both my favorite shows, I’m happy to see sam in atlantis but I’m also sad for the loss of torri.
And how many times does Joe have to tell you that the Amanda being is season 4 was not the reason for Torri to be a recuring charachter!
sorry had to say that!
I would like to know if we would be going to see french people on Atlantis in season 4 ? I am not thinking about a real character, but maybe just a flag on the shoulder of a scientist or a soldier.
Would that be possible ? Or are the americans still too pissed-off against France, Jacques Chirac and Dominique de Villepin ?
Secondly, I recently discuss with a physician who watch Stargate Atlantis. He told me that some of the events in First Strike were impossible. Do you have any scientific consultants on the show ?
Some people who watch First Strike also thought that the Appolo fired drones, because they heard drone’s noise.
Are we going to see improvements in 304’s weapons in season 4 ? I am not thinking about drones, but about, for example, heavy ship-to-ship missiles in great number…
Wow, those food pics are really making me realise I need to expand my horizons a bit. Going down the pub for just fish and chips isn’t having the same appeal any more!
Anyway Joe, just wanted to say, us Shep fans are really looking forward to ‘Travelers’ and were wondering, can we expect a bit more of Sheppard ‘pushed to his limits’, as it were, in s4? It seems as if he’s never been whumped quite as much as O’Neill and Mitchell have!
Thanks!
Elinor
I’m going to Vancouver for a couple days (should be there by tonight, actually). Any suggestions of good restaurants where we could get out for less than $30 (preferably less than $20) per person? Something not Asian (due to my soy allergy, I’ve pretty much written off Asian food).
All your talk of Chocoatl (and now chocolate mousse!)makes me want some!
It also reminds me of Chocolatl, which brings me to a question – Have you read Phillip Pullman’s Dark Materials trilogy?
Have a nice weekend!
Will there ever be an epiosde discussing why Atlantis Gates don’t spin? I could see a scene with McKay and Sheppard off world…
Sheppard: I thought you said you could manually dial Atlantis!
Mckay: Yes, but unlike Milky Way gates, these don’t spin!
Sheppard: Why not? Spinning is way cooler than not spinning.
McKay (gives look to Sheppard): I need to rewrite the DHD programming, bypassing the correletive updates and…
Sheppard: Hey, just because it says “Doctor” on your uniform, it doesn’t
Mckay (interrupting): As a matter of fact, it DOES say Doctor on my uniform!
Sheppard looks away and Mckay goes back to work
I think it would make an interesting episode, what do you think? 🙂
Is it possible that you ever go and post on gateworld forums under another user name (not asking for the name, just if you do)? If not, do you still “lurk” there?
Oh, and do Canadians recognize any type of daylight savings times?
Now I won’t be watching SGA anymore but that still doesn’t mean I can’t share this link with you.
This guys really loves SGA, so hilarious. Put him on the show. lol.
Also Teyla/Ronon will we see anything romantic between them in s4? Actually this might be the only reason I would tune in to see s4, because Teyla just comes alive when she interacts with Ronon. I actually started to like her character when he came to Atlantis. I know its so wrong but hey chemistry there is huge. She also interacts well with Mckay but you know, them becoming a couple will never happen.
Paula writes: “Do you guys ever get to play parts during the read-throughs? Or is that just the far-off dream of a writer?”
Answer: Actually, it’s the reality of most producers. For instance, today we had the read-through for Lifeline and, since Joe wasn’t able to attend, Martin Gero read the part of John Sheppard. Sad to say but he had such chemistry with David Hewlett that we decided to re-cast him in the role.
*giggles* After finally getting my shiny new S2 Boxset 😀 I finally watched Martin’s Road to a Dream so I bet he was ecstatic 😀 Talking of acting dreams, I don’t remember seeing you in any of the SG1 eps, will you be making appearence in front of the camera in SGA? And my last point (promise)the dark choccies have been delivered to the bridge studio, sorry, but I put Joe on the address instead of Joseph *ducks from hurling objects* Told you I always keep my word 😀 bring on evil Sheppard *g* heck i’d be just happy with severely whumped Sheppard, hehehe, Enjoy the chocs, and be nice and share them with the other kids.
Joe, who is the lead actor on SG-1 and who is the lead actor on SGA?
Ohhh one more question that seemed not to be asked..
Why did you fire up the time machine again and jump 1800 years in the past? If anything you should jump to the future. 😉
For the poster above, Michael Shanks is the lead on SG-1 and David Hewlett is lead on SG:A.
Hi Mr. Mallozzi!
Are you not tired that the “fans” ask always the same questions about Carter and Weir? You should know that there are gaters, who support you in your decisions and we want only enjoy the new tales.
I know you enjoy this game with fans, but can we have some information what will be the new race’s name? Will you introduce more minor races in this season?
Sometimes I feel that the whole SG universe became only about the “humans” or humanoid races / enemies after season 5. You said something that the earlier seasons of SG-1 were very different, because J. Glassner was there and other writers wrote the series. I know that you are very creative, but is it only a question of money to have more CGI or masked aliens in the SG universe or you wanted to avoid the scifi cliche that most actor had to wear make-ups? The fans liked the little race / allies references to the earlier episodes in 10×07 Counterstrike too. I hope you will mention them more in season 4, because this doesn’t cost money and every viewer can feel that there is life in the other side of the galaxy too.
I would like know what was the name of Tenat’s race which first appeared in Prometheus Unbound? Will we hear the real name of the Wraith characters at least once too?
“Farscapefan was kind enough to respond: “Season 10 is the FIRST and unfortunately THE LAST full season for Vala’s character and it was very logical to develop her the most.””
Surely, you didn’t know that Season 10 was going to be the last one when you guys wrote these episodes, so with all due respect, this doesn’t answer the original question.
Joe,
How did it cost the special effects production segment approximately to bring to life the ancient ship Orion. I’m sure that it should cost more than the Balrog scene in Lord of the Rings… since a source told me that all in all the latter was in and aroud 65000 dollars US.
From the food pictures I seen u post, i dont think you’ll live past season 7 of stargate atlantis….. maybe u should cut off the grease so we can still enjoy our favorite show for years
Is there a Canadian version of ‘The Office’? If there is I think Martin Gero would make a great David Brent. What do you think?
What kind of bad guys are we going to get in Season 4. I like baddies like Kolya and Baal – psychotic with a smile – any chance of more like this?? Go on – spoil me!
For the Anonymous: actually Ben Browder is the lead man on SG-1. Michael Shanks with his “and… as…” is the second lead.
Anonymous asked: “Joe, who is the lead actor on SG-1 and who is the lead actor on SGA?”
—
Joe Flanigan is the lead actor on SGA.
I have no idea about SG-1 because I only watch Atlantis.
Hiya JM…
I don’t know if you happen to know this yet. But for us Keller appreciators, what eps in the first half can we look forward to seeing her in?
By the way, wanted to say…I wasn’t sure about Ms. Staite’s inception, but she was bloody fabulous on screen and she played off the cast members that shared a scene with her very well, she was refreshing. Thanks for bringing her on board for our viewing pleasure. <---I sound like such a ham. :D
HI, My name is Elodie, I’m french and i work on this restaurant Bistrot Bistrot !! Woaw that’s an honor !! Laurent and Valerie are great people !!
Thanks and I hope to see you again on this restaurant !