If you blinked, you missed Oliva Genthe’s — who also owns Fount Board and Table in Uptown — newest contribution to the street: Little Blue Bistro. This European-inspired wine bar and bistro brings a new, cozy charm to the street.
It’s easy to miss Little Blue Bistro. The unassuming home screams cozy with its steel blue exterior and white-fenced farmer's porch. The only signage at the 80-year-old refurbished home is a hand-sized gold plaque near the door illuminated by the warm glow of golden sconces. We peered into the glass-paneled door on a Saturday evening to reassure ourselves we were at the right spot.
Little Blue Bistro sweeps diners away with its romantic aura right from the first step inside.
The home’s 980-square-foot interior has been reborn as a chic nook. Dusty blue walls, walnut wood paneling, dark mahogany trim and cushy bench seating backdrop crisp white linen tables. Each table is warmed with a candle and a single vibrant red rose. Dimmed bubble pendants, wall scones and accent lighting adds to the intimate ambience.
At 9 p.m. on a Saturday night, a couple celebrated a birthday on a two-top; two women shared a bottle of wine in the corner and a couple engulfed in conversation perched at the bar. The remaining 33 seats were empty on this cold, dark winter night.
There’s no host stand, but a smiling server promptly greeted us and ushered us to our choice of seating. The smooth and soulful sounds of indie group daste. and Pale Jay helped us get settled in.
Little Blue Bistro’s menu was a pleasant mystery, as the website offered little clues for scouting beforehand.
Genthe stays true to a bistro’s essence. There’s a small but mighty food menu, cocktails and sustainable and natural wine offerings by the glass and bottle.
In addition to a thoughtful wine list, there are classic cocktails. We tried The Home Bru'd and a Little Blue.
Desiree Gutierrez
For shareables, there are olives ($9), Foxley River oysters harvested from Prince Edward Island ($4 each), radish and caesar salads ($16 each) and a $14 cheese plate with buttery and salty Thomasville Tomme cheese, grapes, honey and Italian crackers. Feeling fancy, we chose the $18 escargot and $15 stracciatella.
The wild burgundy snails come served in a six-hole plate topped with herb butter and shreds of cheese. It’s served alongside toasted slices of Oak Cliff Bread’s crusty baguette. The French delicacy is a must-order.
For mains, there is a $22 sharable pot roast made with wagyu bone-in roast, pepperoncini and mashed potatoes. The second option is Cacio Pepe ($15). The Italian pasta dish was a touch salty, but nothing a sip of the citrusy Little Blue cocktail couldn’t cut through.
Our server told us that Little Blue Bistro values revitalization. In addition to reimagining the building, Little Blue Bistro also uses everyday items as decor. Sweaters, letterman jackets and flannels adorn the wall adjacent to the bar. Behind the bar is an eye-catching framed pair of patchwork Levi’s by Dallas sculptor Travis LaMothe.
The house, built in 1945, has a spacious backyard that is being primed for al fresco dining. As we bit into creamy bites of cannoli ($7), we couldn’t help but daydream of spring afternoons under the blue sky with bites of olive oil-drenched gooey cheese, fresh oysters and glasses of Italian Da Mar Prosecco ($14 a glass, $48 a bottle).
Little Blue Bistro, 320 W. Eighth St. Wednesday – Sunday, 5 p.m. – midnight.
