Bijou
1036 B St
(between Foothill Blvd & Main St)
Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 888-1092
www.bijouexperience.com

Just like their creative fusion French dishes, Bijou stands on the leafy streets on B street. With its modern interior, a sense of sexiness arrives. High ceiling awaken the senses as upbeat music increase jolts the heart beat.

Our server Frankie was above par. Introducing dishes with enthusiasm, his knowledge of each dish helped make ordering a walk through the park. Being so attentive to details, I like the fact that he knelt down and made eye contact as he introduced the dishes. Engaging the customers, it is key. This itself affirms great training in hospitality.

Attempting to whet my appetite, the French onion ($6) is a great starter. From nutty notes from the burnt gruyere cheese, the light stock balances out the meal. Unlike French onion soups I have had in Paris, the stock is less full bodied. The main reason stems from the chicken/veal stock as oppose to a beef.
A sprinkle of salt would have rounded out the dish.

For those who enjoy light dishes, patrons will appreciate that most dishes are under seasoned with salt.

Stealing the show, the terrine foie gras ($15) reached the fifth sense –umami. Notes of wine glide through the palate enriched by rich liver. Spread the foie gras on toast along with the sweet lychee chutney, and you have arrived at delicious zone.

The salmon tarte ($8) continued our French fusion excursion. Oval mounds of chopped Atlantic farm salmon mixed with rich mayonnaise served on toast. With its heavy texture, the mayonnaise over powered the salmon but a squeeze of lemon lightened the dish. In this rendition, I would prefer a tarte with just salmon, red onions for crush, and chopped basil.

With six pieces fanned out on the plate, the seared duck breast ($17) is a sweet and savory dish worth ordering. Thinly sliced, the savory duck breast was cooked medium rare. The tender pieces paired well with the sweet syrupy champagne grape sauce.

Oven roasted sea bass danced around in its soft flaky meat ($22) bathing in a mushroom sauce.

Honorable sides include pommes frites (homemade string fires-$5) with crunch effects that pair well in a harisa mayo.

Ending the meal on a sweet note, the chocolate fondant takes me to sweet tooth heaven ($7).

The lively loud ambiance is a great place to revive the senses but not a great place to close a business deal.

The sexy décor and solid food presentation made this meal worthwhile.