Arcade Water
I love casual French cuisine that you would find in a bistro, and recently I've been only going to bistros when it comes to French food. I thought I had visited quite a few bistros in Kyoto, but I had never heard of this restaurant until I started using Tabelog. I wanted to go there right away! Finally, after about a month, I had the opportunity to go. I made a reservation for a Sunday night, even though in my mind a bistro is supposed to be a casual and easy-going place where you can just walk in, but this time I was with my family so I played it safe. The restaurant was located in a quiet residential area near the Housewife's Street. I was worried it might be crowded, but to my surprise, we were the only group there the whole time. The chef, who was the only staff, handled everything perfectly for us, but I wondered what would happen if other customers showed up. The interior of the restaurant was long and narrow, with pig figurines that caught my eye, and we chose our dishes by looking at the blackboard inside. There were so many enticing options! I can't remember exactly, but we started with a salad of goat cheese, coppa ham, and pate campagne. The goat cheese had a unique taste and was delicious! The homemade coppa ham was also very tasty. The pate campagne was sliced to perfection. Everything was great, and I was looking forward to the main dishes... First, my favorite couscous arrived. It was served in a cocotte, with a soup full of ethnic spices, vegetables, merguez sausage, and a large leg of guinea fowl! It was impressive!! I thoroughly enjoyed the couscous. Next was cassoulet, which arrived in a hot dish! The beans were large and delicious, I wonder what kind of beans they were? They looked like large white kidney beans. Lastly, the steak. I didn't specify how I wanted it cooked, but it came out perfectly rare, with tender and flavorful meat. The side of a mountain of French fries was a bistro classic. I was so engrossed in the meal that I forgot to take any photos! I was already full, but I couldn't resist trying the desserts! I had a peach dessert and creme brulee. Finally, I had the chance to take a photo, and both desserts were delicious. The peach dessert, with fresh peaches and a raspberry sorbet, was particularly good. It had an adult taste to it. Everything was ideal and with a unique twist, and I was completely satisfied with the bistro's dishes. I feel like I could come back here without a reservation (although that does worry me a bit) and I would love to visit again on a whim!
