Bistro 1245

Friday, 10 February 2012 14:51

Let us guess: You and your sweetheart want to dine somewhere classy, charming and romantic, but not overly pricy. We have just the place—Bistro 1245.

Connected to Leonardo’s Pizza on University Avenue, Bistro 1245 serves high-quality food with a side of rustic, garlic-infused ambience and excellent service at a modest price. With its pleasantly intimate setting, Bistro 1245 is a hidden gem.

By Aliza Bresnick

Say Cheese!
If “sharing is caring,” there’s no better way to show you care than to share an absolutely delicious appetizer—or, better yet, two.We dove into the Three Cheese Board ($6 and for an extra $3 you can add fruit, which we did). Cheeses include a delectably creamy garlic and herb boursin, a Spanish manchego and a cheddar aged with porter. This served as a great conversation-starter. As we paired the cheeses with the different fruits and bread, we loved discussing our combinations.Then, there was Bistro’s exotic take on classic bruschetta ($5). Goat cheese, chickpeas, tomato, basil and cilantro topped a seasoned crostini. One bite and we were hooked.

You Had Me at “Merlot”
It’s easy to toast to your love on Valentine’s Day with a divine bottle of wine at Bistro 1245 (especially considering that all of the bottles are less than $20). You can continue to say “cheers” every day, because Monday through Saturday from 4pm to 8pm, you can partake in a wonderful wine tasting of three half-glasses ($7). This tasting typically features one white wine and two red wines.The Heart of it All

When it’s time for your main course, try one of Bistro’s signature items like the Butternut Squash Bisque. With a dash of cumin on top of the creamy bisque, the flavors are rich and enticing ($3.50 for a cup and $5 for a bowl).Or, bite into one of Bistro’s sophisticated sandwiches, which, like its appetizers, are great for sharing. We sampled the meatloaf sandwich, accompanied by Bistro’s renowned watermelon salad ($7.50). The bold, rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf were excellently complemented by the fresh tartness of the watermelon. We also learned an interesting fact about the meatloaf—the recipe was handed down from the grandmother of one of Bistro’s former head chefs.

If a sandwich isn’t for you, order one of Bistro’s entrées, such as the Maple Roasted Chicken ($11). Coated with a brandy maple cream sauce, it was delightfully sweet and satisfying.

Sweets for Your Sweetheart
End your special night with something sweet. Try the crème brulee ($5). Its lusciously creamy vanilla flavor combined with the crunchy caramelized sugar will transport you to a heavenly place. Or perhaps indulge in the tangy flavors of the raspberry velvet tart ($5). Whatever you choose, dessert at Bistro 1245 will be the perfect goodnight kiss.

FAST FACTS
Hours: Mon-Thurs and Sun 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Address: 1245 West University Avenue
Phone: 352-376-0000
Website: leonardosgainesville.com
Price: $$-$$$ (out of $$$$)
Signature Dishes: Butternut Squash Bisque, Seared Salmon Sandwich, Meatloaf
Dress Code: Business casual to date night.
Delivery: No
Take-out: Yes
Takes Reservations: Yes, recommended but not required.
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking: On the side and back of the building.

• Add New
• Search

Comments (0)

Write comment

Your Contact Details:

Name:

Email: do not notifynotify

Website:

Comment:

Title:

Message:

Security

Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

Powered by !JoomlaComment 4.0 beta1

!joomlacomment 4.0 Copyright (C) 2009 Compojoom.com . All rights reserved."