I tottered into Bar du Marche at the end of a long shopping trip...at 3:00pm on a Saturday, having missed lunch, tired, very hungry... I loved it. To what restaurant can one go where even when they screw up your order, you're still willing to sing their praises? I'm sure the coconut chicken would have been lovely, but the chicken in peppercorn sauce that they brought me was a carefully prepared perfect portion, and full of subtle flavour. The other courses I had were a squash-based cream vegetable soup that was peppery and fresh, with just a faint touch of squashy sweetness, and the dessert, a marzipan and pear tart, had crisp pastry and a great balance of acid and sweet., While I ate, I sat under the impassive gaze of Patrick, the owner (?) and host -- who has the air of a Chinese temple's stylized stone lion, keeping a stern eye on intruders. By the time my meal was over, though, the stone had melted. Apparently I met his approval. I'm sure you will as well. I loved this restaurant; I'm taking six friends back there with me, tonight.
