When you see the words “the blue bicycle” what comes to mind? A blue bicycle, right?
When I first heard of The Blue Bicycle, I had no idea what it was … except for maybe a bike shop.
The identity crisis was solved when the words “a bistro” were added.
BISTRO: a small or unpretentious restaurant
The Blue Bicycle Bistro is, in fact, unpretentious and fascinating.
I was fortunate enough to enjoy a delicious and delightful lunch at The Blue Bicycle, curiously hidden behind the North Georgia Premium Outlets shopping mall in Dawsonville.
No, it’s not a grill. It’s more like an eclectic, unique and marvelous gathering place to enjoy fantastic food, with friends or not.
This is the age of combining random words to create names for companies and products. So, why not The Blue Bicycle?
Please don’t be disappointed if you don’t see dozens of blue bicycles plastered all over the walls. And don’t expect to have your food served by someone on a bike.
The Blue Bicycle Bistro is more about substance than form.
Owners Kati and Guy Owen are passionate about the food, primarily. The atmosphere they’ve carefully created enhances the menu that Kati calls “French with a Southern accent.”
Guy has the impeccable credentials as a chef to run any restaurant anywhere. That’s his passion and how he wants to invest his life. He’s the captain of a fine ship.
Kati is his wife, partner and equal. She is passionate about making sure everyone enjoys their experience and their meals. She truly cares, personally and professionally.
Together, Kati and Guy select the meals, wines, meats, vegetables, spices and other ingredients, and their signature adult beverages.
Their culinary creations are served in a cozy atmosphere where there’s always something worth noticing.
It’s all about the food — with an ambiance that makes your dining experience at The Blue Bicycle pop.
You might hear a sultry song from Billie Holiday, followed by Vivaldi, Stevie Wonder or Frank Sinatra as you enjoy your meal.
Take your time deciding what to order. But, when you see what other diners are having, you’ll promise yourself, “That’s what I’m going to get next time!”
Share an appetizer. Perhaps a communal plate of Bleu Cheese Chips with scallions and bacon … fit for kings, queens and scoundrels alike.
The Bleu Cheese Chips are especially wonderful when you don’t have much to say. You can just munch and munch, as you nod and smile, and consider ordering a second helping.
One thing is for sure.
If you order the creamy and tasty New England clam chowder, there’s no way you’re going to share any. No matter who gets hurt.
Did you notice the interesting salt and pepper shakers from Dubai?
Patrons bring salt and pepper shakers from their travels all around the world. If you find Kati in a good mood (which is always) she might trade you a Bleu Cheese chip or two for a unique pair from a distant land.
That’s the good news.
Sorry, there is bad news too.
You’ll have to enjoy an adventure to find The Blue Bicycle.
The address is 30 Industrial Park Road. Not exactly the epitome of “location, location, location.”
Do you know where the Premium Outlet shops are on Route 400 in Dawsonville? Well, drive around to the road behind them all.
You’ll see Route 9 East, also known as Lumpkin Campground Road. Go north and you’ll see The Blue Bicycle Bistro on the same side of the street as the mall.
You’re not going to be knocked out by its curb appeal. Don’t worry. You aren’t going to eat in the parking lot. When you get close, you’ll love what you see.
If you go for lunch, I’d recommend the Croque Madame with Frites. Yes, that’s what I had. No, I had never heard of it before.
(Please note the salt and pepper shakers from Australia.)
This delectable masterpiece is served with grilled Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese on wheat bread (made in-house as if they were expecting movie stars to drop by) with sauce Mornay and a fried egg on top.
Every aspect of everything on the menu is artfully selected. Kati and Guy can tell you how each French fry is cut and prepared, for example.
The Mornay sauce? Trés bien, Bubba!
They have stories about every ingredient … all the way down to the Kosher salt.
If The Blue Bicycle Bistro ever considers changing its name, I’d suggest something like, “The Awesome Grill in Dawsonville!”
Even though you’ll never get any of these dishes at a grill:
-
Foie Gras ~ seared, crisp pork belly, black pepper biscuit, sorghum syrup
-
Coq au Vin Blanc ~ leg and thigh quarter braised in white wine and served with griddled spatzle. (Seriously. I did not make that up. Honest.)
-
Butternut Squash Risotto ~ Parmesan and pecans (with optional crisp pork belly)
-
Wild US Shrimp ~ heritage grits, onion, sweet pepper, fennel, tomato/butter sauce
You might think you’ve eaten everywhere and tried everything.
Wait until you spend an hour or two dining on a maestro’s meals prepared just for you at the Blue Bicycle Bistro.
The Blue Bicycle Bistro
