Grove Bistro

Shnarley's in Pacific Grove is gone, and rising from the ashes is the Grove Bistro on Lighthouse Avenue. Wikipedia currently describes a Bistro as "a type of small restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in an unpretentious setting," and further goes on to suggest the word comes from a Russian word meaning "quick." The original fast food establishment, perhaps?

In any event, Grove Bistro certainly is small, but very nicely appointed. There are around half a dozen small, high tables with very comfortable, elegant barstool style seats that are just perfect for a romantic encounter. A faux fireplace to provide respite from the all-too-common PG fog is a focal point in the bistro, surrounded by a few fauteuilles and some low tables, perfect for sitting back with a good book while sipping a glass of wine. The place really has the look and feel of a wine bar.

To that end, the wine list was still in its infancy when we stopped by for a light dinner, with only a couple of wineries represented and a limited selection within those. However, the bistro had just opened, and was not yet fully functional. In fact, the "large plate" menu was not yet being served, though it should be by now. The wines we were offered were of very nice quality, though the price tag by the glass was on the high side, with nothing below $11 on the evening in question.

The prices on the small plates were very reasonable, and the portions positively large by small plate standards. There is a nice selection of taste treats, including olives and eggplant. We opted for the cheese plate (half size - $9) which included gruyere, brie and sharp cheddar as well as some thickly sliced salami, walnuts, sliced apple and craisins (a tasty melding of cranberries and raisins). Although the selections were not particularly esoteric, they were of excellent quality and provided contrasting tastes and textures that complemented each other perfectly.

We also gave the hummus a try ($6), and were pleasantly surprised. At Grove Bistro they add a layer of basil infused olive oil from Seattle, which puts a nice edge on an old friend. The accompanying pita slices were warm and tender, and there were enough of them to get us through all the hummus.

Dessert was de rigeur that evening, and we had a surprisingly different chocolate hazelnut crunch cake. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we ordered a second glass of wine just to keep on sitting there and talking. The wait staff was extremely good, constantly attentive from afar, ready to respond to one's slightest need without being overbearing.

A trip to the bathroom involves traversing the kitchen in its entirety, and I am delighted to say it was spotless. The kitchen, that is. For that matter, the bathroom was immaculate as well.

The big plates should be being offered by this time. They only had a few listed on the menu - four or five at most. Frankly, I'd rather have a small selection of quality offerings than a huge list of things to choose from. I am hopeful that Grove Bistro will be able to maintain its quality and presence in a town that has had a recent upsurge in business failures.

Highly recommended!