Bistro Valentine
No one does Valentine’s Day like Bistro V.
By Jan Walsh
This Valentine’s Day is on Saturday. Expecting our favorite restaurants to sell out early, we made reservations on Resy for Bistro V more than a month in advance.
For nights such as this, some restaurants offer specials. Others offer regular menu. And many restaurants do prix fixe menus. Tonight, Bistro V boasts 17 entrée options including new and regular menu options plus three specials not on tonight’s Valentine’s menu!
The Occasion
If you know, you know… Every Valentine’s Day is special at Bistro V. This tried and true, over-the-top offerings strategy draws patrons back again, and again. With so many menu options, you never wonder if they have something you will want. Narrowing it down is the only problem.
Tonight, as we enter with a 5:00 reservation, almost all tables on the patio and restaurant are filled. They opened early once regular hours sold out. Yet our corner window table is waiting with fresh roses. We settle in and order a bottle of 1818 Champagne. To us, an effervescent, Valentine toast with flavors of white fruit and almond. Lovely!
The Place
The V stands for Vestavia. And Bistro V is located at 521 Montgomery Highway in the heart of Vestavia. The restaurant boasts an open kitchen and chef’s counter, a dining room, and a large bar with bar and table seating.
The People
Executive Chef Jeremy Downey and Pastry Chef, Emily Tuttle Shell are co-owners of the restaurant. And some of the staff have been with the restaurant for many years. They know the regulars as well as we know them. Chef Jeremy is a native of Bayou La Batre, so Bistro V is famous for its seafood. And Emily’s divine, seasonal desserts have a following of their own. Don’t miss the strawberry shortcake, peach pound cake when in season.
The Food
The top of the menu includes starters and salads. Kev opts for Fried Oysters and Shrimp but does shrimp only. I order the Seafood Bisque. The succulent shrimp are lightly crusted. They arrive with a tasty house remoulade, which adds a touch of creamy heat to the golden crustaceans. My bisque is as amazing as ever. It is typically on the dinner menu but not on lunch menu. We come for lunch more than dinner, so it is always a treat to have the world’s best bisque! Rich and velvety with intense seafood depth and a hint of heat, this piping hot bowl is a savory sensation.
We skip the salad course and move onto the entrees. Fish dur Jour is typically just too good to refuse. Tonight, it is red snapper. Also tempting is the Jambalaya Risotto, Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp, and Paella with clams, fish, shrimp, and sausage. Yet tonight I am in the mood for a steak, the Hand Cut Filet. But Kev also has his eye on it… until he hears the specials that include a New York Strip. And just like that, Valentine’s Day becomes steak night. Shh! Bistro V’s steaks are their best kept secret. Kev’s strip is 
enormous, not sure the weight, but it is the largest we have ever seen. His steak arrives cooked to order atop creamy mashed potatoes alongside broccolini. Bold and robust, the beef is crowned with a classic French bordelaise sauce, which adds umami and slight acidity. Bring your appetite! My filet is also oversized. It arrives sizzling topped with compound butter. First cut proves it is cooked medium rare as requested and first bite melts in the mouth. It is served with a scrumptious three cheese scalloped potatoes and roasted Brussels. Highly recommended!
There is no room for dessert, so we share. Affogato with Macaroons. Oh, my! Who makes macaroons for Valentine’s Day? But they were on menu last time we were here for Valentine’s Day, so I was hopeful. A Valentine wish come true that is doubled down when Kev gives me his… True Love!
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