A Dining Experience You Won't Soon Forget!-Sixth Street Bistro
Written: Sep 28 '02 (Updated Sep 29 '02)
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Pros: Wonderful food, caring, fantastic service, romantic, great entertainment
Cons: None!
The Bottom Line: A simply amazing restaurant. Take wonderful cozy decor and feel, add mouth watering food, warm, caring, efficient service, add beautiful music and you have heaven (Sixth Street Bisto.
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| Suzer's Full Review: Sixth Street Bistro |
Sixth Street Bistro, was such a fantastic surprise to my companion and I. She had invited me to dinner, and we decided we wanted to go someplace new and different to us. Neither of us lives in the San Pedro area, so we were not aware of this phenomenal restaurant. I had recently received my new copy of the Entertainment Coupon Book for 2003 (I have a review on their website if you are interested), and selected six restaurants listed in the book that my friend might find of interest. This is the one she selected. Thank you Jennifer!
About Sixth Street Bistro:
Sixth Street Bistro is located in Old Town San Pedro. Parking is in an adjacent lot or street parking is available if you are lucky. The bistro (serving a wide Mediterranean menu) has been open for ten years, but recently taken over by the manager, Ben, and musician Ricardo (guitar and singer). Their motto is Where food and fun become one.
Decor and ambiance:
The restaurant seats 30 people inside. There is a European flair with dark wood and old brick. You can choose to sit in either a booth against the walls or tables in the middle. It is rather dark and definitely romantic. The patio can seat approximately 20 people, and there are heat lamps to keep you toasty if the evening is chilly. The patio is partially covered, partially exposed, and also has a wonderful ambiance. It was difficult to decide if we should sit inside or outside. We did decide to sit inside in a booth close to the entertainment. The booths they provide at Sixth Street Bistro are best for romantic atmosphere, if that is what you are seeking, as they are discreetly blocked off from other booths. I didn't find the restaurant to be noisy. There is the music of course in the background but it is not too loud.
Service:
I can't remember a time where I have experienced more caring service. From the moment you walk in you are warmly greeted, and treated like a member of the family. We were given a choice of seating available, brought water or sparkling water, our choice. Our glasses were never left unfilled, and when our basket of focaccia was getting low, they asked if we would like more, and brought us a huge basket of it. The servers at this restaurant have specific tables of course, but they don't hesitate to ensure other tables are happy and cared for.
They offer wine and beer only - no hard liquor, but the wines they offer are wonderful, fine wines.
Menu offerings:
Example of tapas ($5-$8):
Grilled Grape Leaves, Chicken Won Tons, Roman Style Olives, Pan Fried Mozzarella, Mediterranean mussels, Shrimp Creole, Zucchini Fritti, Deviled Crab, BBQ Pork, Goat Cheese Medallions
Example of Salad Offerings ($6-$13.95)
Organic Baby Greens, Bistro Caesar (you can add chicken, calamari or shrimp if you wish), Tandori Chicken Salad, Warm Goat Cheese Salad
Some pastas ($9.95-$15.95)
Chicken Tequila (one of their specialties), Penne Pesto, Wild Mushroom Linguini, Capellini a la Checca
Entrees ($15.95-$21.95)
Bistro Lamb Shank (another specialty), Filet Of Salmon, Ahi Tuna, Fire Roasted Pork Chop
They offer three types of pizza, and also seafood paella for one or two.
Our experience:
We arrived on Friday evening around 7:30 without reservations, and were extremely lucky. Ricardo the owner/guitarist/singer was already entertaining with solo romantic guitar, and added so much to the evening. He entertains Friday and Saturday evening 7:30PM-9:30PM.
We both ordered a glass of merlot. I had the house merlot and it was wonderful. Jennifer opted for another of their fine wines, and said it was delicious. A basket of very fresh focaccia was brought to the table as well as balsamic vinegar and oil for dipping. For appetizers, I selected the pan-fried mozzarella. It was dredged in focaccia crumbs, pan-fried of course, cut in little triangles, and served over pesto sauce. It was delicious. My companion decided on the Mediterranean mussels, and received a huge plate of the mussels, and seemed to really enjoy them. Our dishes seemed to disappear at just the right time. They were not whisked away while we were still eating, yet they didn't sit there for more than a couple of minutes after we were finished.
For entrees we both selected one of the special entrees. It was a combination of Top Sirloin and Filet Mignon with a tantalizing yet subtle gravy, delicious garlic mashed potatoes that looked like clouds on the plate, and vegetables that were wonderful in addition. The meat just absolutely melted in our mouths.
For dessert, we decided to split a chocolate ravioli stuffed with espresso, and served over vanilla sauce. It was good, but we didn't feel it was quite as good as the meal. Additionally it was rather small for two people to share, but would be fine for one.
For the kids:
Though I would definitely suggest this restaurant for a romantic dinner, it would be great for anyone. I asked them if they had anything for children, and they said the kids can order whichever pasta or pizza they would like, and I have no doubt that children would be welcome there, as well as everyone else.
Chefs:
The chef de cuisine at Sixth Street Bistro is Ricardo Leon, and the award winning pastry chef is Laura Solano.
Final thoughts:
I still have a smile on my face after last night. What a wonderful experience. I even took Ricardo home with me. Well, I purchased his CD, and played it on the drive home. He has a beautiful voice and is a true professional. This restaurant offers it all, a cozy, romantic European decor, unobtrusive yet caring and professional servers (thank you Alma for all you did), delicious food you won't soon forget. The diners last night seemed to be mostly in the Baby Boomer age range, but I think this restaurant would please everyone, and I am giving it a rare 5 stars. Go! You'll love it. Let me know what you think afterwards. It is now one of my favorites, and I shall return as soon as possible. It would be really great for a special occasion with someone you love.
354 West Sixth Street
San Pedro, California 90731
Telephone: 310/521-8818
Fax: 310/521-8618
Lunch Express Monday-Friday (free delivery) 11:30-2:30
Dinner Tuesday-Sunday 5:30-8:30
Wine tasting with four sensational entrees coming soon!
Amex, Visa, Mastercard, Discovery, Entertainment Book
Thanks for reading!
Suzi
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations You simply can't go wrong! If you enjoy Ricardo's wonderful guitar playing and voice, purchase his CD.
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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Epinions.com ID:
Suzer
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 - Top 100 |
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Member: Suzi
Location: Southern Calif.
Reviews written: 588
Trusted by: 846 members
About Me:
Compromise-Art of slicing the cake so each person thinks they have the biggest piece.
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