Over the years, I’ve covered talented chef Eric Sierra at Le Bistro des Amis in Westport (now Blue Lemon) and Il Palio in Shelton (now helmed by Margherita Aloi). Naturally, I was excited when I learned that Sierra would be opening a new French bistro in Westport in the space formerly occupied by River House. So when the press invites went out and I wasn’t included, I’ll admit I was a bit perturbed. But later, I took the opportunity to dine at Rive Bistro with my visiting mother and a family friend who lives in town.
On display outside the bistro were three classic Citroën vehicles, including this utility vehicle,
this flagship design, whose aerodynamic lines have always looked futuristic to me,
and a Deux Chevaux,
which my parents always considered a death trap. I remembered observing, in 1965, a beat-up-looking one returning to Bordeaux from the Arcachon beaches with several young ladies standing up through its canvas sunroof, so I felt the top of this one until my fingers touched canvas.
The entrance is on the right side of the building,
where there is a nice covered patio space that I had enjoyed when it was River House.
Just inside was the nice bar area.
To the left were the bathrooms, the men’s room outfitted with a pair of cute French posters.
From the popular front dining space,
one can see swans and ducks paddling around the docks,
but we preferred this quieter space for easier conversation.
We were brought a regular menu
and a prix-fixe menu.
We ordered a nice bottle of Chardonnay.
We were brought bread
with butter
and other accompaniments.
The service was quite attentive,
with napkins being refolded whenever one got up from the table.
For her first course, my mother ordered the soup du jour, a lobster bisque,
our friend a shrimp salad with avocado, fresh herbs and a citrus vinaigrette,
and I the foie gras terrine with brioche toast and fig marmalade which, astonishingly, I failed to photograph. Mea culpa.
For her main course, my mother ordered the trout amandine with sautéed potatoes and haricots verts,
our friend the grilled salmon with yellow pepper dill sauce, sautéed kale and mashed potato,
and I the cavatelli pasta with seared scallops, lobster and julienne vegetables in a light sweet vermouth lobster sauce with basil oil drizzle.
And finally, it was time for some coffee.
For dessert, my mother and our friend (boringly) ordered ice cream
while I ordered the tarte Tatin.
With the check came this historic Westport postcard with an arrow indicating where Rive Bistro would show be located.
Rive Bistro, 299 Riverside Avenue, Westport, 203-557-8049, www.rivebistro.com