The Croziers first opened the restaurant in 1985, with Jean-Paul as the chef and Yvonne, who delighted guests, in the dining room. When the Croziers retired three years ago, Bleen bought the business and has continued on in the same great style and tradition as the Croziers. Bleen retained the menu, with its offering of French classics such as the half smoked trout and Frog's Legs Provencale, and added a few new dishes representative of classic bistro fare. Joseph Dalu, formerly of the Old Chatham Sheepherder's Inn, is in the kitchen of the Bistro, cooking and presenting food with passion and flair. Bleen and his wife Susan work in the front of the house, delighting customers just as in the past.
Service is discrete and professional.
Plates are removed, water glasses refilled and crisp, warm rolls are replaced one right after the other. Bleen introduces the evening's blackboard specials with mouth-watering descriptions of each item, making ordering far from facile . All entrees are served with a fresh mesclun mix salad tossed with a delicate mustard vinaigrette that refreshed our palates in preparation for the main course. These were supreme and not one piece of evidence remained on the plate when they were gone. Le Petit Bistro's wine list is impressive and made up of superb offerings in both full and demi bottles and by the glass.