While waiting for my dinner partner (who was lost!) to arrive, I had time to chat with the friendly Frenchmen who run Bon Appetit Cafe in Wilton and to peruse and discuss bathe blackboard menu items.

(I must admit – the cafe isn’t the easiest place to find. No neon sign. Probably a painted one, but I couldn’t tell at night.  This tiny restaurant’s in the Stop & Shop supermarket shopping IMG_8688complex in Wilton and at night the only clue it’s there is the light sneaking past the curtains from a room filled with customers dining.)

In addition to the blackboard, Bon Appetit has a printed menu sans seafood, as they only serve what’s fresh that day. I was about to order the cod, when Richard came by and used his finger to remove that offering from the board.

I decided on the halibut, scallop and mussels à la nage ($32) – with the seafood poached in a court bouillon and finished with a touch of creme . So French; so ethereal.

My dining partner — who once lived in Iowa and was able to purchase prime beef in the supermarket — skeptically ordered steak. Her filet mignon ($28.50) was cooked to perfection! Mouth-watering delicious.

Before our entrees we did select the Salad de Chevre ($9.50) from the printed menu. I’d go back just for that salad — arugula topped with julienned apples, roasted red peppers, caramelized walnuts, and goat-cheese wrapped (and grilled) prosciutto and drizzled with a fresh lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s a dish I want to replicate at home.

We had wanted to try their Tarte Tatin (upside-down apple tart), but signals got crossed and it was never put into the oven. Our time ran out as it was curtain time. We were off to see a friend in a fabulous production of “The Shadow Box” at the nearby Wilton Playhouse.

Oh, I wish I lived  closer to Bon Appetit Cafe, as I would become a regular to enjoy this expertly prepared comfort food . If you go, do make a reservation as the place is tiny – and if you want to bring your own wine, you can and pay a $12 corkage fee.

– bonnie

Bon Appetit Cafe
5 River Road
Wilton, CT 06897
(203) 563-9002

Bon Appetit Cafe on Urbanspoon