THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Bess Bistro Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Bess Bistro Restaurant Review:

Years after actress and former part-time Austin resident Sandra Bullock opened this bistro, Bess still holds its movie star appeal to the city’s dining crowd. A historic stone building houses the popular, stylish spot. The menu features comforting American dishes and Creole specialties sharing space with more contemporary French bistro fare. Start with zesty shrimp Bess, which reminds us of New Orleans barbecued shrimp, or the semolina-crusted artichoke hearts with fried lemon wheels tossed in Parmesan. Mains are mostly nicely done classics with a slight twist, like herb-crusted lamb chops with mint chimichurri or hanger steak with crispy oysters and black garlic rémoulade. Rich crawfish mac ‘n’ cheese is a side dish staple. Save room for dessert, specifically the chocolate pistachio marjolaine --- an almond meringue cake with chocolate pistachio mousse and banana ice cream. We also like the well-crafted wine list featuring many food-friendly selections.