Bess Bistro: Austin

Bess Bistro is a quaint restaurant right next to our hotel on 6th Street.  You walk down a flight of stairs into a cozy brick columned room with a beautiful wood bar.  A crystal chandelier lights our wooden corner booth.  Tonight, we are celebrating a VIP's birthday.  Although service gets off to a slow start, a gastronomic adventure begins with a nice bottle of Ercavio Tempranillo, Spain '07 and an appetizer of Crispy Artichokes.  This blog has a case of the Tempranillo's, so enjoy my photos accompanied by the menu's descriptions.
  

CRISPY ARTICHOKES: semolina crusted artichoke hearts and fried lemon wheels tossed in Parmesan, served with a roasted garlic aioli .

STEAK FRITES: grilled 6 ounce prime flat-iron steak topped with a mushroom and bleu cheese demi-glace, served with pommes frites;

CENTER CUT RIBEYE: grilled 8 oz. ribeye filet served with truffled cauliflower gratinée and crispy fried Brussels sprouts

MAC-N-CHEESE AU GRATIN

SEASONAL CHEESE PLATE: daily selection of local and world cheeses served with almond stuffed prosciutto wrapped dates and fresh honey comb

Overall, the winner of the night was the Mac-N-Cheese.  All of us agreed that Bess Bistro was just OK.  It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great.  The wine list is very nice.  The atmosphere is superb.  It is quite pricey, but it did make for a nice evening with friends from what I remembered.  :)
  
Bess Bistro

500 West 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 477-2377
www.bessbistro.com