French bistro & wine bar Lutèce in Bardon has a new name and new owners who hope to continue the same high standards as its former owner, renowned Brisbane Chef Romain Bapst. La Belle Vie Bistro & Bar started trading on 18 Aug 2020, offering traditional French fare with some modern twists.
“We love the old name ‘Lutèce’ too, which was a part of Romain’s legacy, but we are hoping that we can continue giving our customers the same quality experience at La Belle Vie,” the new owners told Lutèce regulars. “We look forward to having you here soon.”
La Belle Vie translates to “The Beautiful Life,” which is what the new owners, Simon Lambert and Behrooz Farahnakian, and the head chef, Samuel Perrin, want diners to experience when they visit the restaurant. Their menu is a smorgasbord of delicious classics, elevated to match the growing batch of drinks list.
With his background in the European hospitality scene and his Michelin 4-star credentials, Mr Lamber has come up with a small set of organic wines from Australia and France. Choices of craft beers from Queensland, Tasmania, Italy and Belgium are also available, along with traditional cocktails and spirits.
The restaurant retains Lutèce signature’s dish, the sand crab lasagna, as a tribute to Chef Romain. But diners will also love main dishes (Plat Principaux) like Agneau (slow-cooked lamb shank, red wine jus, smoking thyme, roast Mediterranean vegetable) and Margaret De Canard (Honey and spice duck breast, fondant potato, confit cabbage).
Most choices have gluten-free options and the restaurant has a kids’ menu as well.
A lot of Lutèce’s structural elements in the dining room were kept intact when La Belle Vie took over, so it doesn’t feel disorienting for the regulars. Newcomers, however, will relish in the chic vibe of the formal dining room with its crisp white table linens and glass walls, which highlights the lush beauty of the greenery outside.
Chef Romain may have retired but he’s likely pleased to see that he left his bistro and bar among competent restorers.
For table bookings, phone (07) 3161 1858, or email hello@labellevie.com.au, or do it online via Bookit.
