There is a new restaurant to check out in Abbotsford, so new that your GPS might not recognize where you are going, or even believe that there is a elevated, casual restaurant in the area.
Located at the base of a new high rise, the building almost looks out of place. The only one of its kind sticking out amongst the otherwise single story homesteads and flat landscape. There is plenty of parking within its adjacent lot, and you need to make your way through the building’s lobby to reach your dining destination.
Given that this is the first of its kind in the area, it does book up fast, so reservations are recommended. I learned this the hard way, but the staff were courteous and able to seat us at the bar while we waited for a two top to clear.
The menu is a delicious read, it is hard to narrow things down when everything listed seems so artisanal and approachable. And when our server stated he liked everything on the menu, even the vegan options, and he is a self-proclaimed “meat eater”. We would try a little bit from each category to get a good shake of the place. And truth be told, we kept declaring how delicious everything was after each initial bite. So, I will list what we had below, but it is a safe bet that everything else on the menu is just as good.
But first a couple of drinks, considering all the impressive looking glasses that were being churned out from the bar.
The Under the table Caesar is made with one of my favourite flavoured vodkas from Roots & Wing Distillery. Dill pickle vodka, lime, house Caesar sauce and rimmer, with Clamato. It was a classic Caesar, ideal if you are trying to stave off hunger waiting for a table, and then a little while longer as the food has yet to come.
My guest got the Margarita with 1800 Blanco tequila, lime, simple syrup, kosher salt rim. This was another classic that landed with its familiar flavours.
To start, we went with the tacos and empanadas from off of the appetizer listing. The Duck and chorizo taco was done in a modern approach. Served crispy on the outside and melty with cheese on the inside. You could taste the quality fresh ingredients made here. It was not heavy or greasy despite the fattier proteins used. But did eat heavier without the balance the side sauces provided. They allowed you to customize your bites with either a rich, yet liquified beef consommé or a refreshing with the mildly chunky yuzu citrus salsa.
The Empanadas (filled Spanish pastry) were prepared with certified angus beef and mozzarella. It arrives at your table piping hot from the oven. This too came with a generous assortment of dips to keep your mouth interested from the first bite to last. I preferred the Calabrian chili aioli for its creamy cheese-like sauce that paralleled the filling. The Pesto aioli was a nice contrast, adding a zesty herbaceous-ness to the pocket pastry.
We were eyeing the Artichoke and cheese dip, but decided to get the Stuffed pasta shells instead. Our server described it as essentially one stuffed into the other, and I thought this would be a great way to try both and review 2 birds with 1 stone.
The Artichoke and cheese dip is a blend of roasted red peppers, spinach, and mozzarella; packed tight into the Stuffed pasta shell submerged in San marzano tomato sauce and basil. There is so much excess filling and sauce that it is nice to have the side of garlic toast to use as a base to scoop it all up with. Truthfully this is the way I like to eat, and the type of food I typically gravitate towards, so no complaints from me. It was actually better the next day, warmed up so the cheese was extra stringy, and all the sauce really marinates into the soften pasta shells.
Table Bistro also does pizza, and having seen all the other tables get served theirs, we decided to order one as well. The Calabrian hot honey one caught our attention as the most interesting sounding option. It is equal parts spicy and sweet with San marzano tomato, mozzarella, calabrese salami, and Calabrian chili honey. The jam was a nice highlight and the excessive amounts of cheese a gift. There was so much flavour in each inch of this pizza that it was nice to have the crust offer a break, and we were left actually wanting to eat the crust. Although it too was given a glaze.
The dish that really spoke to the skill of the kitchen and its ability to diversify their menu is the Pan roasted chicken with potato duchess, seasonal vegetables, and pan sauce. The presentation was elegant and elevated, unlike our other dishes which were more like offerings you would get from a cafe. Everything on the plate was brought together light and well balanced. It tasted as expected but more delicious than you’d imagine. This was beautifully done, and perfectly epitomes Abbotsford’s motto of home grown and farm fresh.
I wished we had the stomach for dessert because everything truly exceeded our expectations, and I have no doubt dessert would have had the same effect too. This is a gem, soon to be hot spot. I am happy to be one of the firsts to report it to you here!
The Table Bistro
2180 Gladwin Rd #101, Abbotsford, BC V2S 4P8
(866) 710-9813
thetablebistro.com
