The surprise in an 'Ambigu' Dinner

[Leigh Cort]

“Ambigu”18th Century Dining Experience Wows Writers


St. Augustine, Florida (February 1, 2010) Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard possesses a deep passion for pleasing guests in his St. Augustine restaurant, Bistro de Leon. Hosting 16 travel and food journalists January 28 was another opportunity to lavish his culinary talents on discerning industry professionals who were searching for something unique to be included in their travel stories. The Ambigu*, a traditional form of a French 18th century dinner that is a lengthy pleasurable degustation, was his choice when planning the media event. A structured meal tasting, it still possesses the spontaneity of numerous dishes arriving at the table for all to share.

All dishes served to the writers are on the Bistro’s menu seasonally. But Chef Poinard presented the 16-dish menu only at the end of The Ambigu. It allowed the writers to experience a surprise each time one of the creations arrived at the table. Garnering a standing ovation when he appeared in the dining room, it was a huge success and a truly astonishing dinner.

The Ambigu

Mini onion soup
Saucisson brioche - Beaujolais sauce
Green Salad, garlic vinaigrette and bacon
Flamed Tart

Poultry Gigolette stuffed with tarragon
Salmon en Croute
Aumoniere de fruits de mer

Gratin Dauphinois
Pommes Duchesse
Artichoke heart with mushrooms & cream
Leeks Fricassee

Canele Bordelaise
Panaccotta
Macaroons
Verrine
Mini Madeleine

*Ambigu is a French term that was adopted to mean 'a mixture of things' relating to a type of meal that was less formal than dinner but planned with a set table and varied types of dishes. As a member of the exclusive Les Toques Blanches Lyonnaises, Poinard is one of the honored chefs invited into the rare fraternity of only 100 members. The Bistro de Leon closely resembles the style and spirit of restaurants he owned in his native town of Lyon, France where he was awarded by Michelin and other prestigious culinary guides.


“Bistro DeLeon was one of the highlights of our trip. A wonderful classic French restaurant with a local St. Augustine feel. There was one surprise after another making its way out of the kitchen. A true culinary experience” CANDY NORTON, Editor Lifestyle Magazines www.lifestylemagazinegroup.com

“In one word, phenomenal! A "don't miss" dining experience in St. Augustine” GAYLE McCARTHY – ‘The South Magazine’

“It was more than an extraordinary meal it was an extraordinary experience -- one question though -- does the king know all of us peasants were dining at his table?” PATRICIA MACK, cookbook author

Bistro de Leon
12 Cathedral Place
St. Augustine, Florida
904-810-2100
www.bistrodeleon.com
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