Le Central or Bistrot Vendome for best basic French food in Denver?
 

We had about decided on Bistro Vendome for our one night out in Denver in early September. Now I'm reading reviews about how delicious the food is at the long established Le Central. Vendome has the patio ambiance, but it seems Le Central has a patio, too. Which one would you choose if food is the priority, cost not a huge factor, and atmosphere second to food? Le Central or Bistrot Vendome? Thanks so much.

No! NO! Don't open that can of worms again! haha Kidding.

Having only been to Le Central, and sat inside, I can describe it as 'homey', like being in a French home. Do you like that kind of atmosphere? I don't know where their patio is, but the restaurant is on a fairly busy street, so I doubt if it's in front.

So how was the faire?

I don't recall a "patio", and where it is would not really be real conducive to one, IMO, as mentioned above.
We have loved Centrale for many years--one time ate them completely out of their mussel supply. I think the homey description is good--bistro--menu on a chalk board.
I would guess Vendome is more upscale what with the chef they have. As I said, our kids love Vendome--we haven't been as yet. But they also always loved Le Centrale when we went. The food is good, and very very reasonable.

http://www.lecentral.com/?page_id=937
Here's a picture of what they call their "patio". It's a covered space that looks more like a rustic porch.

So I wouldn't let the patio affect your decision. The food and prices, however, are hard to beat! Here's two fixe prix menus from August:

$29.95 per person

Choice of:

Sandwich d Aubergine
Cumin flavored spicy cream and goat cheese layered with 2 breaded eggplants steaks, sauteed in olive oil, on marinara sauce

Gazpacho
Cold Colorado vegetable soup

~~~~~~~

Choice of:

Jarret d Agneau
Lamb shank simmered with onions, garlic herbs and tomatoes

Bourride
Deeply flavored fish stew sister to the Bouillabaisse, Monkfish medallions poached with vegetable, the broth is enrich with aioli to a creamy texture and served with the fish and garlic crouton

~~~~~~~

Chocolat et Orange Chiffon
Chocolate genoise flavored with Grand Marnier, and filled with light honey mousse. Finished with orange glace, served with crème anglaise

Regular Menu Available



$29.95 per person

Choice of:

Caviar d Aubergine
Chilled eggplant meat, onions, garlic, olive oil and tomatoesserved with country bread toast

Vichyssoise
Chilled chicken stock, leeks and potatoes soup

~~~~~~~

Choice of:

Canard aux Frambroises
Half a roast duckling with a raspberry sweet and sour

Saumon en Papillote
Salmon filet, lemon confit, olive oil and herbed cream cheese wrapped and baked in parchment paper

~~~~~~~

Rhubarb Fool
Layers of cardamom spice cake, Chantilly, and fresh rhubarb compote

Regular Menu Available



Whoa-- I'd better get there again, soon!

You're going to need to flip a coin to decide, MAP. Either choice will be wonderful.

I thought we beat up this question earlier. BV is in a historical district. LC is on a side street well outside of the downtown area. From where you are staying LCD would be closer and easier to get to but you would have to drive. And there is nothing else in the area. Also it would be easier to stay under you hundred limit.

MAP still has questions, and is entitled to ask them, whether you think you've beat it up or not.

The patio at LC is at the back of the restaurant so 'away' from the front which is on Lincoln and busy. My co-workers and I have had lunch on the patio several times and find it quite pleasant though certainly a different atmosphere from the patio at BV.

MAP - will you be able to have lunch while in Denver? If so, I'd suggest lunch at Le Centrale and dinner at Bistro Vendome and then you can compare the food yourself.