Northwest cuisine with European flair

Photo by John Larson

KARINA MANLEY IS ONE OF THE FRIENDLY SERVERS AT HG BISTRO.

“We are the best kept secret in Puyallup,” said Jean Whitefield, general manager of HG Bistro.

The motto is Northwest cuisine with European flair – expect nothing ordinary. And the bistro, owned by Tim Hall, really delivers.

“We seek to provide an intimate, romantic atmosphere, and we are focused on exceptional yet personal customer service,” Whitefield said.

The friendly, approachable staff makes it a goal to get to know each customer’s individual preferences. Whitefield, however, is an expert at drawing people into an alternate world of taste – getting people to leave their “usual” and try a taste of something new and different.

“We spent six months building our wine cellar,” Whitefield said. “Almost all of our wines are local. We like buying from the small wineries, because the little guy has heart. Small wineries produce such small quantities they cannot afford to make mistakes.” High-end wines of every variety are on the list. And Whitefield does his homework – offerings change as regional wine publications spotlight superior products with high ratings.

The gourmet food offerings are unique and varied. “We do everything from the traditional to Cajun to unique combination dishes you will not find anywhere else. Try something you have never tried before – the Creole salmon and prawns, for instance,” Whitefield urged.

This excellent dish features Creole encrusted salmon and tiger prawns over linguini tossed with sautéed roasted red peppers, red onions, capers and dill in a Creole cream sauce. The ahi wasabi is another popular favorite – sliced rare ahi layered over mixed greens and romaine lettuce with tomatoes, roasted red peppers, red onions, pepperoncinis, toasted almonds and pecorino cheese, in a light wasabi vinaigrette. These creations and many more are the brainchild of longtime master chef Andy Kenser. The menu offers vegetarian friendly fare, as well.

The happy hour menu features a long list of appetizers at an excellent value. The spinach, artichoke and jalapeno dip, served with tomato port jam and puglease bread, is a popular favorite, as is the Creole calamari. There is a special offering of house martinis, as well as domestic and imported beers – in addition to the extensive wine offering.

The desserts, lovingly created by Nicole de la Paz, are supreme. There are weekly specials, such as poached pear Marnier; a poached pear over a delicate puff pastry, with rich vanilla ice cream, drizzled with a Grand Marnier liqueur sauce. A special favorite is the bistro s’more, which features chocolate truffles, marshmallows, and a puff pastry, flamed with 151-proof rum on a cedar plank.

“Where can you go in downtown Puyallup for a romantic dinner after 8 p.m.? Your choices are limited,” Whitefield said. “We want people to know we are here, and that we are an excellent option for an intimate romantic dinner, as well as a place to bring the whole family for a comfortable and affordable dining experience.”

Friday and Saturday nights feature live music in the lounge from 8-11 p.m., primarily blues and jazz, but also a showcase for a variety of music performed by Northwest artists. Ladies night is the last Wednesday of the month, and features rotating specials, including wine tasting, a gourmet menu item offered at a special price and martini sampling – to name a few. Get on the e-mail list, and receive notifications of upcoming special events, including wine dinners, as well as monthly dining discounts.

Brunch is available at the bistro on Saturdays and Sundays. Options include a traditional and hearty biscuits and gravy, as well as the unique gourmet offerings of the crimini mushroom scramble, and the Gorgonzola bacon omelet. You can also get pancakes, French toast, waffles and eggs Benedict.

HG Bistro is available to host special occasion gatherings, and also offers a full catering service. The bistro’s hours are lunch, served Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to last seating at 9:30 p.m.; and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Happy hour is Tuesday through Saturday, 2-6:30 p.m. The bistro is located at 1618 E. Main Ave., a few blocks east of the State Route 512 interchange. For more information, or to make reservations, call (253) 845-5747. Visit the website at http://www.hgbistro.com.

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