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Mistral Restaurant

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Cat333
Cat333
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
2
Photos
Editor Pick

Mistral Restaurant

  • July 10, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Cat333 from Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Mistral Restaurant

We had been walking around town, the market area, when we started thinking about grabbing a bite to eat. We really didn’t have anything specific in mind, so were open to ideas. It was starting to drizzle and we jumped under a small awning to talk about where we wanted to eat, and discovered we were in front of the Mistral Restaurant. They have the menu posted in front of the door, and while a bit out of our budget the wonderful aromas coming from inside tempted us to enter, a choice we never regretted.

As we entered we saw the area on the right of the room and the bar against the left wall. They were separated by a low wall topped by a planter full of lush plants. The girls were thrilled with the framed French advertising posters displayed on the walls. It was still rather early for lunch so there were a few tables available and we were able to be seated right away. Smoking is allowed in the bar area, but we sat in the main dining area.

Everything on the menu was tempting, and we could not resist checking out what the other patrons had ordered. That didn’t help us decide, for everything looked and smelled divine! We asked the waiter for assistance, and he made wonderful suggestions, asking each of us what type of food we might be most interested in. We placed our order and then almost broke into a brawl over the hot, fresh baked, bread/rolls that were placed upon our table. I just held mine and inhaled, before I spread the fresh creamy butter upon it. We each convinced ourselves that we had walked so much we deserved the calories in exchange for the savory flavors.

The meal arrived and was all that we had hoped it would be, and more – for they were large portions, beautiful presented. I had scallops and mushrooms au gratin – and savored every bite. My daughter had pasta with chicken and asparagus and still raves about it. During our whole meal the service was excellent and attentive without being overpowering. Since the room is so open I can see where it would get noisy when the room is full, but it is a rather small room, so this should not be a concern.

On our way out I noticed some instruments and a microphone in the corner between the bar and front door and asked about them. They have live entertainment often in the evenings.

The restaurant does not have an impressive exterior, or an ostentatious interior, but do not let that mislead you. This is one place that you will not regret having on your places to visit list. We had a wonderful, relaxing meal in a warm and comfortable place, one I certainly have on my list of places to return to.

From journal A whirlwind Labor Day weekend in Charleston

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