Dining
Chefs David Chapman and Elvis Drennan have a strong and rustic culinary signature.
They are long-time proponents of the philosophy that simplicity and purity are the hallmarks of good cooking. The eponymous David’s Bistro with its tiny bar, vibrant red walls and black-checked tablecloths is a venerated downtown culinary destination.
David, his wife Cindy Kinsella, and David’s daughter Natalie are your hosts and are on hand to dispense knowledgeable, amiable and skilled service.
David’s protégé, Chef Elvis Drennan, a remarkable talent in his own right, continues to present the quintessence of tradition-infused country French-inspired dishes. Impeccably cooked fish and seafood is also their métier. Drennan who helms the kitchen has been working alongside David for over fifteen years.
There is a blackboard prix fixe menu that changes daily, priced at 2 courses for $26.00 or 3 courses for $30.00. The restaurant has built a reputation for David’s idiosyncratic multi-course “Trust Me” dinners – a precursor to chef tasting menus.
Seasonally-inspired bistro fare includes a delicious terrine of venison and rabbit, with fig compote; a brandade of cod fishcakes with lemon aioli; a fragrant Provençal-inspired stew with tender seafood, served with a garlicky rouille on a crouton; and the pièce de résistance, a cassoulet of bacon, lamb and duck, with white beans adding a delicious amplifying effect on the stew’s earthy flavours and heavenly aroma. Pork, rabbit and squab pie with a savoury crust is a knock-out.
At lunch, cornmeal-crusted Lake Erie yellow perch with lemon, capers and tomato melt in your mouth, as well as Lake Erie whitefish cake with tarragon remoulade and micro greens. David’s other signature dishes have included choucroute garni (an Alsacian-inspired mélange of sauerkraut, sausages and charcuterie) and a superb confit of duck with a delectably robust gorgonzola tart. The menus change often. A classic crème, brûlée, chocolate soufflé cake with hazelnut bourbon caramel sauce, and pumpkin chevre tart with ginger snap crust are house-made by Pastry Chef Shannon McDougall.
There is an extensive and ever-changing consignment wine selection and accessibly priced wine list, many available by the glass, as well, chalkboard features that include some interesting VQA’s.
David’s Bistro
432 Richmond Street, London
519-667-0535
Hours of operation
Lunch: Wednesday to Friday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Dinner: daily from 5 pm to 10 pm
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