Avenue Dinner Series at Bistro Piq Niq

Bistro Piq Niq hosted the ninth Avenue Dinner Series event on January 25, more than proving why the intimate French bistro was listed as one of Calgary’s best restaurants for 2011.

Chef Andrew Trinier prepared a five-course meal with wine pairings selected by Piq Niq owner Rob Young. To set an even more Parisian scene, Penny Sanborn serenaded guests with accordion music throughout the evening.

For the past two years, the restaurants featured in Avenue’s Best Restaurants story every March are invited to host a dinner in the dinner series. On February 28th, join us for the last event to come out of the 2011 Best Restaurants coverage and enjoy a multi-course chef prepared menu with wine pairings at the Chef's Table in the Kensington Riverside Inn.

The next series will be announced February 1st at the launch of the 9th Annual Best Restaurants issue.

For an idea of the delightful offerings at Bistro Piq Niq, take a look below.

According to Bistro Piq Niq owner Rob Young, the term bistro comes from the Russian word for “quick.” When invading Russians would come into French restaurants they'd yell “bistro, bistro” to have fast food. This truffled Alberta beef tartare served on a housemade potato chip was delivered as quick as can be.

The Driveview Farms lamb pâté with dried cranberries and pecans wrapped in boar bacon was paired with the Parducci Pinot Noir — the perfect combination of rustic and sophisticated.

With Beatniq Jazz and Social Club just down a short flight of stairs, Piq Niq patrons often get a little taste of music with their meal, but for the Avenue Dinner Series, accordion player Penny Sanborn played to the room. Piq Niq will also be adding dinner room vocal performances on some evenings, so when you make reservations, be sure to ask what is playing in the dining room as well as downstairs.