In August we got a bit of a shock when we heard that Matbaren Bistro by Renaa announced that they are closing in December. This is a restaurant that we have frequented since the very opening in 2009! We have been there on dinners, special occasions, events, company outings etc. Hence writing this almost feels like writing a eulogy (minneord på norsk).
We booked a table on a Friday night, and I was surprised that we got a table at short notice, maybe there are some that think that Matbaren is closed already. It was nice to get into the warm restaurant and pick up the pleasant scents from the kitchen. The place is cozy and classy with the Antony Gormley statue in the middle of the restaurant and the neon sign casting a red hue in the room. The menu is still pretty much the same and I guess there is no need to do major changes as they are closing down in 2 months. It is still a French bistro menu with starters and mains – and there were lots that were temping.
We started with some wine, and they have a great wine list – luckily sommelier Thomas Myklebust is there to guide people! Our first serving was Escargots à la Bourguignonne (snails in other words) and squid in 'Nduja. The snails were served in butter with lots of parsley and garlic and this was just heavenly with the toasted sourdough bread from Sirkus Renaa . The squid was also great and as it was mixed with 'Nduja (a spicy Italian salami), there was a bit of a kick to it. We moved on to steak tartare that has a generous dollop of truffle mayo on top and came served with crunchy shoestring potatoes.
When we got the mains, our waitress had messed up a bit as we got quenelles (a sort of fish ball) instead of the cassoulet that I had ordered. But in the meantime, we had a chance to enjoy the delicious turbot in vin Jaune sauce that was exquisite. After 15 minutes we also got the cassoulet but by this time we were getting full! The cassoulet came with sausage, lamb, duck and beans of course – and with aromatic herbs. This is also a lovely rustic dish that is perfect on a cold, wet autumn evening in Stavanger!
We walked out completely satisfied and slightly tipsy. I guess I can blame this for not noticing that we had been charged for the quenelles (at 390 kr) and not the cassoulet (280 kr)! Thanks for another great evening of good food and good wine. We are sad to see that Bistro Matbaren by Renaa is closing but the memories will remain!
Pros:
- Lovely French bistro - in Stavanger
- great wine list – and knowledge
Cons: - they are closing soon
- Serving a wrong main, and not correct bill
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