OH LA LA . . .
BISTRO, THAT IS!

by Pattie Mills

Oh La La Bistro, located in West Vancouver is an easy drive over the Lion’s Gate Bridge (from downtown) and just a couple of minutes away on Marine Drive—a short drive worth taking to experience one of the finest Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch restaurants in the Greater Vancouver Area. Owner Nevine Azab, originally from Paris, opened her Bistro last October 2004. She has been serving French-style Breakfasts, Brunches and Lunches that will tickle your taste buds in the most delectable manner as all of the food at Oh La La Bistro is terrific!

When traveling in Europe, the best food was always in France. I ate their delicious fresh baguettes, cheeses, eggs, creams, butter, olive oil and wines. I ate it all, and yet, I didn’t gain any weight. The French weigh less, live longer and have lower death rates from coronary heart disease than North Americans do. The French have an obesity rate of just 10% (compared to 15% in Canada, and 30% in the United States) which has perplexed doctors and scientists for years. Years of research have found that the key is that the French eat less, eat better, take their time, and truly enjoy their food. Well, ‘eat better’ means better quality, as in the freshest and purest food (organic as much as possible). Taking your time and really enjoying your food is a concept—it’s about the right attitude. The French certainly have the attitude and value the enjoyment of their food and living life to the fullest. Put it all together and you have delicious, health-building food in a beautiful and relaxing setting—which is what the French Parisian Bistro, Oh La La is all about!

The soft, relaxing atmosphere with Parisian art and décor is accomplished with delicate eggshell yellow walls, lavendar accents, photos of French landmarks and people, fresh flowers and a lovely sitting area with two fabulous red overstuffed, armchairs—the perfect place to relax with a drink, read, people watch. There are several chairs and small tables out front—perfect for a nice day. The ambiance is auditory as well as visual with both English and French soft oldies (Nina Simone to Edith Piaf) and some modern soft/spiritual artists (Indiarie and Norah Jones).

Going to the slopes? Eat breakfast first, on the way, at Oh La La Bistro. The option of organic eggs makes me smile—a big smile. To dine at a restaurant that understands the importance of serving organic foods as much as possible, as owner Nevine Azab does, indicates the integrity and pride that she has for her establishment and for her customers. Organic vegetables, fruits, organic salads, and meats are an integral part of the fare here.

The menu features Bilou au Petite Dejeuner (Billy’s All Day Breakfast), including items like: The Express (a bowl of latte & baguette toast); Eggs Benedict; and B.C. Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon.

Tout Simplement (The Simple Things), includes yogurt topped with fruit or muesli, fruit salad, and many side order options.

Samy Aime (Sam’s Treat) is comprised of The Very French Toast or Waffles - each made with strawberry coulis, syrup and whipped cream as well as Authentic French Crepes, which can be filled with the same, with chocolate sauce and whipped cream, or savoury ingredients like Swiss cheese and Bechamel sauce or ham and cheese. I ate a fantastic buckwheat crepe with veggies, which is ‘to live for’. Wow! I understand that it has been so well-received, that it is going to become a regular menu item. Thanks Nev!

Nevine Vous Propose (Nev's Omelets) are my favorite omelets in the world! There are a variety of choices including with meat and/or with veggies and cheese. They are each served with an organic side

salad and homemade potatoes—

scrumptious! You can order a 3 egg whites omelet w/vegetables and a side, organic salad. Sausage, bacon and ham are accompaniments, if you so desire.

Repas en Passant (Lunch Break – available for Take Out too)

Each of the 7+ Sandwich varieties are served with potatoes or a side, organic green or Ceasar salad. You have a choice of bread or grilled panini, if you prefer. The daily soup is always delicious.

Alia et ses Salades en Ballade (Alia’s Traveling Salads—available for Take Out too) are another favorite of mine. I love salads! Nevine serves at least 4 refreshing and yummy salads, including: Salade Nicoise (hard boiled egg and tuna on a bed of lettuce), A Vancouver Salade (smoked salmon on a bed of lettuce), Salade Mixte (lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber), and A Lyon Salade (curly lettuce, bacon and a poached egg).

There is a Daily Special Board with several delicious selections.

How perfect to eat Breakfast here before going off to ski or snowboard at Grouse Mountain or Cypress. Great Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch everyday of the week. Eat with pleasure by taking your time and really savouring, the excellent, delicious and healthful cuisine at Oh La La. The presentation is lovely and the portions will leave you comfortably satisfied.

Oh La La Bistro is open from 8am until 3pm Saturdays and Sundays and is open from 7:30am to 3pm Monday through Friday. It is located at 1850 Marine Dr., in West Vancouver. Call (604) 913-0040 for more information. Please tell them that you read about them in The Connection Magazine. Thank you very much!